This guide has the aims of encouraging people to read and study the amazing and inspiring Book of Revelation for themselves, to take away some of the fear and confusion, and to focus on the victorious risen Lord Jesus and our promised place with him in glory.
It begins with two introductory sections before giving an explanation of the text. The first section is a helpful guide to the whole area of eschatology (the study of the events surrounding the second coming of Christ and the final judgement). This includes a description of the different millennial views and a practical guide to the study of passages which describe the second coming of Christ. The second introductory section is more specifically for the Book of Revelation, looking at apocalyptic literature and its symbolism, as well as the historical setting of the seven churches in the first century, and the structure of the book. It also gives an explanation of the four main approaches to the book.
The explanation of the text takes each section in turn, noting important points, with a special focus on seeking its meaning to the believers in the first century facing imminent persecution. There is also a consistent intention to find application of the text for all time. The approach is to seek to observe the text carefully to see what it actually says, as well as noting the remarkable contrasts in the descriptions of the major characters. Interpretations are suggested for the symbolism, looking for explanations and themes in the text, and their Old Testament background.
The attitude is to avoid being dogmatic, and to consider different interpretations, allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions. Practical guidance is also given for the reader’s own study. The aim is to find the message of the Book of Revelation to its original readers in the seven cities of Asia, and from that, to determine a relevant message for today.
The book concludes with an inspiring study on Jesus as the Lamb of God, which is the major theological theme of the book, seeing what we learn about the person and work of Jesus from the use of that title. The book also includes an extensive bibliography, and a selection of historical appendices.