Introduction

This book of 'The Revelation of St. John the Divine' differs from other New Testament books, and it was debated whether it should be included in the Canon of Scripture, but it was. Luther did not see much value in it, and others have felt it is not in the more gentle spirit (so supposed) of the Gospels and the Epistles. However, it is in the Canon, and has been a book of countless encouragement and strength to many down through the centuries.

At the same time it has been a book over which wage more debates than any other. There are varying views of interpreting it, many of which are deeply convincing. Dr. Leon Morris in his excellent commentary says, 'I have not felt able to align myself with any of the usual schools of interpretation.' We must of course, take cognisance of them. The various schools are listed hereunder, but before we look at them it is worth observing that in the 404 verses of this book there are 518 Old Testament references, though not one direct quotation. That should show us that in order to understand the book we should be soaked in the Old Testament. Of course, the New Testament ideas are also very strong, and echoes of Matthew, Luke, 1 & 2 Corinthians, I Thessalonians, Ephesians and Hebrews, as well as themes of John's Gospel, are certainly present.

Literature on this book is large. It would be impossible to include many of the commentaries written. Some valuable ones (many of them of different views) are by:- Leon Morris (Tyndale Series), G.B. Caird (A. & C. Black), R.H. Charles (ICC), H.C. Swete, Walvoord, W. Hendriksen (Title, "More than Conquerors" Tyndale Press), G.E. Ladd (Eerdmans), Preston and Hanson (Torch Series S.C.M.).