In March & April of 2025, we held a 5 week course about the book of Revelation. It was called “Revealing Revelation”, and was an overview of the book, accompanied by a way of reading it that focused on its relevance to the witness of the church today. The classes were recorded, and are available here – along with other resources. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Matt.
WEEK 1
This week, we spend a lot of time talking about what Revelation is, and maybe more importantly, isn’t. This cleared some ground to discuss what the book is actually intended for, and the secret to the book lies there: it is for the faithful witness of the church.
WEEK 2
This week, we dove into chapters 4 & 5 – central chapters, with really, the central vision in Revelation: Jesus, as the slaughtered Lamb, standing in the middle of the throne of God. This image is the image of what it means in Revelation to “conquer”. He is the One – the only One – who can open the scroll which contains God’s plan to save the world.
WEEK 3
This week, we ventured into the middle, largest, and most muddy section of the book: chapters 6-16. Here, we find 3 cycles of 7 divine judgments aimed at bringing about what God wants: the repentance of the nations. But the amazing thing is that they don’t really ‘work’. So what will ‘work’ to bring about what God wants? What is on the scroll?
WEEK 4
This week, we go further into that long section of divine judgments, exploring the contents of the scroll in more depth, and begin to understand what “Babylon” is all about – and why it and all of its power must be destroyed. It’s a wild week!
WEEK 5
This week, we wrap up the judgment and fall of Babylon, discuss the final battle and destruction of evil and death itself, and discover the new heaven and new earth that is promised. Babylon, with her evils and pain, must be wiped away for the New Jerusalem to arrive with all of her glory – and with it – God’s very presence among us. It’s what the entire biblical story is straining to see, and here, we finally do. But what does this mean for our witness today?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
As you watch the individual sessions, you will quickly see that the class was designed to utilize the Bible Project’s summary video(s) on Revelation as something of a guide or outline. That video (part 1 & 2) can be viewed below. Hint: if you don’t have time to watch 7.5+ hours of this class, you can get the big ideas in about 20 minutes!
Books for further reading…
Revelation for the Rest of Us, Scot McKnight & Cody Matchett
Probably the most accessible, ‘easiest’ read. Thematic approach. Helpful appendices about hot button topics. Warning: it’s also the most politically blunt and pointed. Pulls no punches.
Reading Revelation Responsibly, Michael J. Gorman
If I could recommend one book, this would be it. It’s a bit of a step up from McKnight as far as reading difficulty, but it is worth the effort. Thematic approach. Critical of our brand of “civil religion”.
The Theology of the Book of Revelation, Richard Bauckham
Probably the most important book on Revelation written in the last 100 years. Short, strictly biblical/theological, and probably the most demanding as a reader. Thematic approach. The best book out there on Revelation (IMO).
Revelation & the End of All Things, Craig R. Koester
If you want a ‘mini-commentary’ that is excellent in what it covers, this is it. Chapter by chapter (so not thematic), but not verse by verse. Koester walks you through the big movements of what’s happening and why. If you want a helpful resource to follow the story / flow of Revelation, this is my recommendation.
All Things New, Brian J. Tabb
Revelation from the perspective of the ‘capstone’ or fulfillment of the the Old (and New) Testament. A bit dry, technical, and difficult, but robust biblically. Thematic.
Foretaste of the Future, Dean Flemming
This book is all about reading Revelation in light of God’s mission to the world. It does a wonderful job of pulling in the best work of people like Gorman and Bauckham (above) and puts it into a more practical, lived context. Focuses on how Revelation speaks to the mission of the church today. Excellent, and most ‘readable’ after McKnight.
Reversed Thunder, Eugene Peterson
*Note: I have not read this, but I’ve heard it’s very good.* Creative, more pastoral and poetic than technical and/or theological. Reflective. I imagine it’s the easiest read on this list. From the author of The Message bible translation.
Comfort and Protest, Alan Boesak & Can I Get a Witness?, Brian Blount
These are two books I have not yet had a chance to fully read, but both are known to be impactful and important. Boesak writes from a black South African context, while Blount writes from an African American context. Each have an important voice to speak from Revelation to the world today and should be heard.
Commentaries for further reading…
Revelation: Interpretation series, M. Eugene Boring
In spite of the author’s name, it is anything but boring. An excellent mid-level commentary from a world class biblical scholar. Note: it’s the free book of the month on Logos bible software right now (April 2025)!
Revelation: NIV Application series, Craig Keener
Excellent, readable, accessible, helpful, applicable (it’s in the name of the series!)
Revelation: New Testament Library, Brian Blount
Helpful, theological, deeply insightful, not overly technical.
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary, Greg K. Beale
A shortened version of his massive technical commentary. Most depth.