The reviews were written by Keith Mathison, director of curriculum development for Ligonier Ministries. Some readers may be surprised that I would recommend Ladd’s commentary since Ladd is an historic premillennialist. Revelation commentaries can be frustrating to many readers because they do not always answer the questions people have about the final book of the New Testament. It is included within the ESV Expository Commentary set, specifically in volume 12 which covers Hebrews – Revelation. It would be the same as if we were to interpret Jeremiah’s very specific prophecies about the coming destruction of Judah by Babylon in an idealist manner. Here about 30 popular Ligonier Blog, Ligonier Ministries, March, Reformed Theology sites such as ligonier.org (Reformed Theology from R.C. to the basic interpretive approach (futurist, preterist, historicist, idealist, eclectic) to its date of composition (which itself affects one’s interpretive approach). Revelation 5:8-10. Founded by theologian Dr. R.C. SRC. Fix that problem! One thinks immediately of books such as Genesis, Psalms, the Gospel of Matthew, and the Book of Revelation. With such a large number being published every year, it can be difficult to choose among them. All of these differences and more mean that it is very rare for someone to find a commentary on Revelation with which they agree on every point. Please read: The “Top 10” list below is a starting point for learning about 1-2 Timothy commentaries. Reddit. Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation. In short, this “Top 5” list will be a bit different from all of the others in that these five commentaries are not listed in any particular order. Here is my list of the top 5 commentaries on the book of Revelation: 5) Revelation, Thomas Schreiner – this commentary came out in 2018, and I’ve found it very helpful and thorough. In spite of this, Beale’s commentary contains a wealth of information and should be consulted by any serious student of Scripture. They were written to specific people in a specific time and place, often referring to specific imminent judgments and promising a time of restoration in the distant future. In many respects, it is outstanding. The presentation is mid-level. He has written one of the best commentaries on Romans, and now one of the best commentaries on James. He believes the book went through stages of composition. Engaging important questions concerning the interpretation of Revelation in scholarship today, as well interacting with the various viewpoints scholars hold on these issues, Beale's work makes a major contribution in the much-debated area of how the … Your gift enables our worldwide outreach. Sproul: Ligonier Ministries). I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this commentary as the best, however, because I differ with Smalley’s interpretive approach. Grace in Galatia: A Commentary on Paul's Letter to the Galatians. Commentators differ on many basic issues, from the structure of the book (recapitulation, chronological ordering, telescoping, etc.) Osbornes hermeneutical approach to Revelatio n is best described as eclectic. 17:9-11. 1. Interactive video courses for individual or group study on topics related to the Bible, theology, Christian living, church history, and more. He says that the preterist, idealist, and futurist methods should be allowed to interact in such a way that the strengths are maximized and the weaknesses minimized (21). I agree with Bauckham that it is a very serious mistake to understand the images of Revelation as timeless symbols. When I made the choice to go back to grad school to earn a second masters degree, I wanted to find my niche. 5. Reviews and ratings of Biblical, theological, and practical Christian works Introductory. There are a number of helpful commentaries on the Book of James, and the following are five of the best. Commentaries on Colossians. In Osborne’s case, he takes an eclectic approach with an emphasis on the futurist position. Tabletalk is the monthly magazine from Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. The primary problem with this commentary, however, is that it loses sight of the forest for all the trees. If we want to worship but feel something is amiss, it may be that we need a fresh encounter with Christ in His Word. The Next 500 Years: 2017 National Conference, Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation, Naming Ligonier the Beneficiary of a Bank or Investment Account, Gifts That Provide Income and Tax Benefits, Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Revelation. We do not interpret Old Testament prophetic books in an idealist manner. If you can locate a copy, David Clark has written a basically preterist commentary on Revelation entitled The Message From Patmos. The Next 500 Years: 2017 National Conference, Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation, Naming Ligonier the Beneficiary of a Bank or Investment Account, Gifts That Provide Income and Tax Benefits, Top Commentaries on Every Book of the Bible. The author is a professor and has a lot of influence as an extremely loved religious leader. And I beheld — The many angels; and heard the voice — And the number of them; round about the throne — Of the Divine Majesty; and the living creatures and the elders — So forming the third circle. Thank you for visiting. There are a number of helpful commentaries on the Thessalonian epistles, and the following are five of the best. 4. More By Justin . He argues that Revelation 1:7 -12a and 4:1 - 22:5 were probably composed around AD 70, but he believes the final edition of the book was put together during the reign of Trajan (AD 98-117). And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures fell down — Now is homage done to the Lamb by the whole Christian Church and all its members, represented by these four living creatures. The Ligonier Ministries site requires Javascript, but you’ve got Javascript disabled. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, however, may very well be the one book of the Bible that has inspired the most commentaries. Fix that problem! Therefore, it can be said that Osborne’s is the best-reviewed premillennial commentary on Revelation. You can follow him on Twitter. He is not as helpful when it comes to the point of understanding what the book means, its message and theology. Commentaries on 1 Corinthians. Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament: Volume XVII - Indexes G. Johannes Botterweck and Helmer Ringgren … The book of Revelation is an unveiling, a vivid disclosure of invisible realities. 1. A Commentary on the Revelation of John: 1972: 74.9: Blount, Brian K. Revelation: NTL: 2009: 74.9: Boxall, Ian: The Revelation of Saint John: BNTC: 2006: 74.4: Johnson, Dennis E. Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation: 2001: 74.4: Boring, M. Eugene: Revelation: INT: 1989: 74.4: Kovacs, Judith L.; Rowland, Christopher: Revelation Through the Centuries: BBC: 2004 Giants, Gods, and Dragons: Exposing the Fallen Realm and the Plot to Ignite the Final War of the Ages Sharon K. Gilbert and Derek P. Gilbert April 2021. Category: Articles. Please make sure all fields are filled out. Witherington III, Ben. Revelation is a prophecy (1:3; 19:10; 22:7, 10, 18, 19). 3. Best Commentaries on Revelation. To help as you select biblical commentaries for your study, Reformation Bible College‘s Dr. Keith Mathison has put together a list of his “Top 5” commentaries for each book of the Bible. Commentaries on 1/2 Thessalonians. There are a handful of biblical books for which there is no shortage of commentaries. G.K. Beale — The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1999). in all its fullness to as many people as possible. My own understanding of the book is set forth in a very summary manner in the last chapter of my book From Age to Age (a chapter that is not intended to be read until all of the other chapters have been completed). No matter what part of the Bible may be read, the one object seems to be to "find the Church." Category: Articles. The vision of God on his throne and of the worship he receives helps us to see beyond our earthly circumstances to the Lord of earth and heaven and reminds us that only God is ultimately worthy of Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary on the Book of Revelation is the 2 nd and updated edition of the book by Ranko Stefanovic. It conveys a sense of the sovereignty of God that no other New Testament book approaches. He threw them into the place where God squeezed them in his great anger. George Eldon Ladd — A Commentary on the Revelation of John (1972). God's Word instructs people to seek wisdom, so whether you are looking for devotional aids, bible studies, or commentaries, I hope this website will be helpful to you. I have merely listed five that I regularly consult for different reasons. Ladd describes his interpretive approach as a blending of the preterist and futurist methods, which means that he recognizes the relevance of the immediate historical context. Over the past couple of years I have focused on building a collection of commentaries that will include only the best volumes on each book of the Bible. Best Commentaries on Revelation (without all that blood moon stuff) In Revelation by Kurt Willems April 8, 2017 Leave a Comment. He looks closely at the brush strokes, but he looks so closely that he can’t see the big picture. Sproul, proclaiming God's holiness is central to the ministry's purpose. Although it is not a commentary, I would be remiss if I did not mention the classic little book by Richard Bauckham titled The Theology of the Book of Revelation. It is in the NIGTC series, so will require some knowledge of Greek. Commentaries on 2 Corinthians. Apr 02, 2014 Theological Stance: Dispensationalism. 1. Book by Dennis Johnson. There are a number of other helpful commentaries on the Book of Revelation including those by Robert Mounce, Ben Witherington, G.B. Preparing a “Top 5” list of commentaries on the book of Revelation is extremely challenging in a number of ways. Sproul, dedicated to helping growing Christians live biblically informed lives. Revelation is very similar in that it is dealing with the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the restoration that will take place at the consummation. The book offers a commentary of the Bible verse by verse. Justin Taylor is executive vice president for book publishing and publisher for books at Crossway. Beale’s commentary is the place to turn for insight on the many Old Testament allusions and echoes in the book of Revelation. His dating of the book during the reign of Domitian, late in the first century, causes some problems, but this classic commentary is still worth consulting. If we are not motivated to worship our Savior, then we may not actually know Him. Commentaries on Galatians. There are some excellent commentaries on Revelation, but a great many more which are just plain bad. A clearly written, modern commentary on Revelation, Keathley leaves no question unanswered as he ties Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Matthew together in a dispensational view of the end-times. Bullinger. It is remarkable that men are represented, through the whole vision, as nearer to God than any of the angels. G. K. Beale, New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC), Eerdmans, 1999, 1,309 pp. Galatians. Revelation 5:11-14. How the … Revelation 1. It is not intended to be the “final word” because of its limitations. Donate Now. Gather the *grapes from the bushes on the earth because the *grapes are ripe.’ v19 The *angel swung his sharp tool over the earth and gathered its *grapes. Summary: Grant Osborne’s Revelation commentary is often ranked just below Beale’s, but in one regard it’s categorically different because it’s a premillennial interpretation. Concerning the date of writing, Osborne says that the date must remain uncertain; however, a date in the mid-90s under Domitian has the best evidence (9). Revelation makes significant contributions to a number of areas of New Testament theology. 10 Best 1-2 Timothy Commentaries. Douglas Moo — The Letter of James (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 2000). My fundamental reservation about the book has to do with Beale’s modified idealist approach. in all its fullness to as many people as possible. https://www.ligonier.org/blog/top-5-commentaries-on-the-book-of-revelation David Aune’s massive commentary on the book of Revelation is another that should be consulted by every serious student of Scripture. Commentaries on Romans. I know when I’m in way over my head, so before I began I collected every good resource I could find that rated and reviewed commentaries. 100 5. Aune is very helpful with the details of the text and the details of extrabiblical literature. Stephen S. Smalley — The Revelation to John (2005). 75.6. The strongest point of Aune’s commentary is the amount of information it contains regarding relevant extrabiblical literature that sheds light on the historical context. Best Commentaries. Many readers of the Bible treat it as though it were like a "puzzle-picture," where we have to "find a face," or "a man," or some other object. Yet its bizarre imagery often leaves us puzzled. Commentary on Revelation E.W. To interpret it in an idealist manner is to decontextualize it. In this … They are not by any means the only five commentaries a student of Scripture should consult. John’s book is also a prophecy, and like Jeremiah, it too has a specific historical context. David E. Aune — Revelation 1-5; Revelation 6-16, and Revelation 17-22 (Word Biblical Commentary, 1997, 1998, 1998). 100 2. Like most commentators, Grant too easily dismisses the arguments for an early date of the book, but the commentary is still well worth consulting. Email • 3 Minute Read . https://www.ligonier.org/blog/top-commentaries-on-every-book-of-the-bible Gene L. Green — The Letters to the Thessalonians (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 2002). OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra & Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, NEW TESTAMENT: The Gospel of Matthew, The Gospel of Mark, The Gospel of Luke, The Gospel of John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, The Pastoral Epistles, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter & Jude, The Epistles of John, Revelation, The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries is to proclaim the holiness of God Commentaries on Philippians. in … If you are interested in understanding Revelation, Bauckham’s book is a must-read. Ligonier Ministries is an international Christian education organization established in 1971 to equip Christians to articulate what they believe and why they believe it. The single best inductive study in my opinion is the Precept Ministries International 4 part study on the Revelation (see below ). Regarding the date of the book, Aune takes a slightly complicated view. Jun 20, 2009 In his commentary, and more fully in his book Thunder and Love, Smalley argues that the book was written in the reign of Vespasian (AD 69-79), just before the fall of Jerusalem to Titus in AD 70. 1998. He received his B.A. Bauckham also contributed the commentary on Revelation to The Oxford Bible Commentary edited by Barton and Muddiman. For more, see the “Runners Up” section following the Top 5 list. v20 This place was outside the city. Worship is the natural outflow of a true encounter with Jesus. I include Stephen Smalley’s commentary on Revelation in this Top 5 list because I believe his view of the dating of the book is essentially correct. Caird, Craig Keener, Leon Morris, William Hendriksen, Simon Kistemaker, Vern Poythress, and Dennis Johnson. Despite differing with Ladd’s millennial view, I believe his commentary still contains a wealth of interpretive insight. I have found very helpful material in a number of commentaries that approach the book from a different perspective than my own. Share. Blood flowed from the *grapes. He blogs at Between Two Worlds and Evangelical History. Dennis E. Johnson deftly guides us through questions about how to interpret Revelation, what it meant to its original … Learn More The Ligonier Ministries site requires Javascript, but you’ve got Javascript disabled. I have commented in the past about reading Revelation as an example of apocalyptic literature which uses metaphors and … If you can only have one commentary … The last twenty years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number and quality of biblical commentaries being published. Despite the fact that his view of the book’s date lends itself to a basically preterist view, Smalley follows Beale in taking a modified idealist approach. Tweet. Grant R. Osborne — Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 2002). Commentaries on Ephesians. Your gift enables our worldwide outreach. For aggregated reviews of Bible commentaries, see the website Best Commentaries. Douglas Moo is one of the top conservative New Testament scholars alive today. Thank you for subscribing. Pin. Revelation. Nevertheless, a list based on aggregate reviews is likely to point many people in the right direction to find the right resource for their purposes. from Keith Mathison As I explain in my own book, this view of the date of Revelation fits very well with several pieces of evidence, including what John writes in Rev. Osborne’s commentary is particularly helpful in providing historical background information on the people, places, and things mentioned in the biblical text. Many Reformed and evangelical scholars argue that Beale has written the best available contemporary commentary on Revelation. 2. Cole, R. Dennis. I studied them and then began my collection on the basis of what the experts told me. Let us meditate on God’s Word that we might be reminded of Christ’s glory and be motivated to worship Him in spirit and in truth. OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra & Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, NEW TESTAMENT: The Gospel of Matthew, The Gospel of Mark, The Gospel of Luke, The Gospel of John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, The Pastoral Epistles, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter & Jude, The Epistles of John, Revelation, The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries is to proclaim the holiness of God Commentaries on Pastoral Epistles. from Nathan W. Bingham Donate Now. Best Bible Commentaries connects people to resources that will help them understand and apply Scripture. The consensus choice for the best commentary on the book of Revelation seems to be Beale’s. Like Ladd, Osborne is a premillennialist, and like several recent authors, he takes an eclectic approach to the book of Revelation. Learn more. I cannot point to a single commentary with which I agree entirely.