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Revelation and the End of All Things
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Customer Reviews
Rating:  - The Cover Says it All
This book is as good, interesting, and thought provoking as the cover. If you are looking for a great commentary on the Book of Revelation that does not get bogged down in technical language and that is not dispensational hyper sensationalism then this is probably the best place to start.
Koester has a great grasp on the history of Christian thought that he displays in the Introduction by going over how Revelation has been interpreted throughout history. He does avoid getting too bogged down in Introductory matters and brings out a very readable commentary that makes sense. You may not agree with all of the opinions of Koester, but he does not have any blatant inconsistancies. His reads Revelation in its historical Jewish and Roman world (which the Preterist will like) and at the same time allows for the timeless truth of the test to apply to all times (which makes the Apocalypse relevant for today). The future is still in view in Koester's interpretation, because he sees the book as timeless truth.
This is not to say that a Christian Zionist or someone who thinks that Hal Lindsey, Schofield, Dake, or Tim LeHay hold the keys of interpretation will embrace the book, but anyone with an open mind on the subject will come away with a greater understanding.
Rating: - Clearly Accurate; Desperately Needed
Koester has done a masterful job of studying Revelation, one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted books in all of religious scripture. He clearly describes the message of the book and its multilayered vignette pattern; this effectively puts to rest the millennial dispensationalism which is behind such fiction as the Left Behind series. The message of Revelation is faithful endurance in the Christian life in the face of all challenges in any time. He is able to show us that the book is timeless rather than time predicting.
Rating: - Read the Review - This isn't an advertisment...
This book was very (VERY) well researched - but not in such a way where you are feeling you are reading a college text book. It's not such as reading from passages of "The Gospel of Mary" (i.e. long, informative, but very boring). The author does not downplay other interpreters ways except in such ways which are obviouse (i.e. How some interpretors of the Revelation have proactively chosen what they wish to see, some things literal and others symbolic - this is not my view but the author's). He does an incredible job telling the reader where other ideas regarding specific passges have come from (i.e. theories of other interpretations). Get used to reading the book with footnotes and citations - which is good if you want to read Revaltions for yourself. Not only does he give citations but in more than one version of the Bible (KJV is used alot due to more plausible Greek interpretations) which makes more research able in the readers hands. It is built like a rollercoaster: steps upon steps, then goes to the climax for one section, and soon and so forth - then a recap and how you got there and just in case you're dizy from the ride is gives his thesis again. His thesis, so you know what your getting into, is "Revelation is symbolic and was written for christians of all times going through the same thing," trying to find strength not to go into the secular world (a little harsh but you get the point). HE DOES AN INCREDIBLE JOB OF BREAKING DOWN THE BOOK (REVELATION) INTO AN ALMOST SUCH A WAY THAT MAKES YOU THINK: "NOW WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?" Yes I rate it a buy, no it's not too much information and research to google your head with, well written - you won't have any questions left at the end of the book. On what i learned from the book to sum it up - it's symbolism - I'm not one of those people that argue my point to death on these damn postings so just read the book and if it's not symbolism, rather a dragon with several heads (a form of symbolism but not the kind I'm talking about) then post it.
Rating: - Like putting on spectacles
One of the world's leading experts on the apocalypse (I believe he is presently writing a replacement for Ford's commentary on Revelation in the Anchor Bible series), Koester has poured biblical scholarship, historical knowledge, cultural critique and pastoral care into this book. What emerges, however, is no inaccessible tome, but a delightful, sometimes humorous, piercingly relevant, remarkably brief read in engaging prose.
This book clears away the cobwebs surrounding the final book of the New Testament. The first 5th of the book (40 pages) is an enlightening synopsis of the history of interpretations and where they came from, as well as the impact they have had on world history. The rest of the book engages section by section with the text and is packed with deep insights simply expressed. Reading this book is like putting on the spectacles you always needed for the first time. For anyone wanting to understand John's revelation, I know of no better place to start.
Rating: - The best book on the book of Revelation I've ever read.
I've never read anything before that helped me understand the book of Revelation like this book does. Not only is it elegantly written in attention getting prose, but Craig Koester's interpretations are characterized by careful theological reflection. It is also happily free from many of the sensational and erroneous reflections that are heard coming from many of the apocalyptic television pulpits of America. I also like the way Koester understands the 7 cycles of visions in Revelation and how how one blends into the next one. He points out that every vision ends with a triumphant vision of Christ, which is something I hadn't quite noticed before, but won't soon forget.
A previous reviewer pointed out that this book has no study questions, and for this reason I would hesitate to use it as a textbook for a Sunday school class. This is the kind of book you would give to the well read member of your parish or your family. And if you happen to be in some kind of ministry, then this is would be one of the books I would want with me if I were preparing to teach a class on Revelation or if I was preparing a sermon. It is easy to read, hard to put down at times, and always thought provoking.
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