Introduction

Years ago I thought the time had come to give Revelation some serious attention. As a result, I taught through the entire book twice: once in a mid-week Bible study setting and once, along with another pastor, on Sunday mornings.  As I taught, I blogged through the book and provided resources and notes for those who wanted a deeper dive than they would get through a Bible study or sermon.

I also developed something of an obsession, collecting hundreds of commentaries and other materials on eschatology, apocalypticism, and related subjects. Over time I thought I would like to assemble an online commentary, perhaps a wiki, on the Revelation.  

So, that brings me to this commentary on the Apocalypse of John the Apostle or the Book of Revelation. I hesitate to call it a commentary because, technically, I’m not qualified to produce such a work. So, I suppose it could be more accurately described as a collection of notes by an informed layman. But that may confuse many people and, perhaps, search engines. This is my commentary: my take on Revelation, as well as a collection of helpful books, resources, and links for those interested inquirers who check-in.

My commentary will follow, for the most part, the fine medium-sized commentary by Alan Johnson in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary series (also, this smaller stand-alone version). I will break it down into sections rather than chapters. I have adopted most of those divisions as presented in Craig Koester’s exhaustive and wonderfully crafted commentary in The Anchor Yale Bible. Large blocks of texts at the beginning of each section will be from the ESV, unless otherwise noted

This commentary will be constantly changing and, hopefully, improved and more helpful over time, so please check back regularly as it unfolds and expands. Since I will have no editor beyond spellcheck and an occasional review by Grammarly, I welcome any help you may provide in correcting spelling, grammar, format, and errors in production.

Thank you!

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20 ESV)