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The book of Revelation has long intrigued, puzzled and even frightened its readers. Surely it is the most misunderstood book in the Bible. And some faulty interpretations of Revelation are so entrenched in the consciousness of Christians that they are regarded as "gospel truth" and provide riveting plot lines for end-time fiction. But behind the ancient multimedia show that is Revelation lies a message both simple and profound. It is told in a language and grammar of faith that was clearly understood by its first Christian audience. Much as a music video would scarcely have been understood by first-century citizens, though it is immediately understood by youthful audiences today, so we are puzzled by and misread Revelation. Paul Spilsbury has studied Revelation in the company of its best interpreters, those who have taken the time to enter the minds of the first-century Christians for whom it was originally written. And what has he found? Within the central images of a throne, a lamb and a dragon lies the answer--the gospel clearly proclaimed
the glory of God awesomely illumined
the work of Christ memorably embodied
the nature of evil hauntingly disclosed
Here is a guide that will help us hear Revelation speak, once again inspiring grateful worship and calling us to costly discipleship.
About the author
Paul Spilsbury (PhD, Cambridge University) is academic dean and professor of New Testament at Regent College in Vancouver. Previously he was professor of New Testament and dean of the faculty of religion at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary, Alberta.
J. I. Packer is regarded as one of the most influential evangelicals in North America. He is Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, and his writings include books such as
Knowing God,
A Quest for Godliness,
Growing in Christ (Crossway) and
Rediscovering Holiness. He has preached and lectured widely in Great Britain and North America and served as general editor of the English Standard Version of the Bible published in 2001, and theological editor of the Study Bible version. In 2014, Packer was named Author of the Year by the Association of Logos Bookstores. He is a frequent contributor to and an executive editor of
Christianity Today and has written numerous articles published in journals such as
Churchman, SouthWestern Journal, Reformation Revival Journal and
Touchstone. He received a BA, MA and PhD from Oxford University.
