The Book of Revelation

Tyndale New Testament Commentaries #22

by Leon L. Morris

Morris's study on the Book of Revelation is part of the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, a popular series designed to help the general Bible reader understand clearly what the text actually says and what it means, with a minimum of dependence on scholarly technicalities.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian, New Testament, Biblical Studies, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1987

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morris provides a concise, readable commentary that emphasizes the hopeful message that the book of Revelation was for the early Church. He avoids popular speculation and instead sticks to exegesis of the text in its historical and grammatical context.

[Chris Sobbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Read this!

[Willow Grimaldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful in trying to understand one of the hardest books in the Bible!

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, concise commentary on the Book of Revelation by one of the foremost Reformed Australian theologians. I found his commentary to be very insightful, especially the sections on the seven seals. However I most appreciated his treatment of the seven churches in the first 3 chapters, especially the following challenging quote, "Every generation of Christians must face the question, 'How far should I accept and adopt contemporary standards and practices?' On the one hand, Christians must not deny faith. On the other, they must not deny their membership of society. The cause of Christ is not served if Christians appear as a group of old-fashioned people always trying to retreat from the real world. Christians live in the same world as their neighbors and face the same problems. They must find Christian solutions."

[Joe Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tyndale Commentaries end with a solid volume that is easy to read which is appropriate as generally the whole series is a solid work aimed at the interested rather than the already educated. That Leon Morris could make a commentary on Revelation readable as well as educational is a fine feat.
The intro is brief but answers basic questions about who might have written Revelation. The simplistic Greek style which is quite different than the other works of John is noted, but in general the author tends to favor traditional views.
The commentary does good job of referring to the times John was writing in as Professor Morris speaks of the church of the first century as well as Rome, Nero and other Roman Emperors. It also speaks of the end of days and the prophecies yet to come. Various beliefs that have been drawn from Revelation are also explained. A book worth reading.

[Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morris is one of the best exegetes out there. This commentary was written carefully and humbly. He does well at avoiding the flights of fancy that many have taken in interpreting John's prophecy, and always acknowledging when his take is just one among several. There were still places where his interpretations weren't obvious to me, but that's difficult to avoid when reading Revelation. I can only think of one place where I really disagreed with his exegesis (20:4-6), but that's such a hotly contested passage that I don't hold it against the book.

As with every commentary in this series, this one is clear, concise, and not overly technical. And as with every commentary by Morris, it's worth reading.

[Joe]

Very level headed book by a long time commentator in main stream circles. He shows us that this book was written to us as well as them. The message of the book is to stay faithful in the face of opposition and persecution.

[Paul Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This without a doubt the best commentary on Revelation that I have read. The author keeps pointing out the overarching theme of Revelation is that God is sovereignly in control of what happens and that Christians who are suffering persecution (in any age) may take comfort in the fact that evil people may only do what God allows, that their time is limited by God (persecutions will not last forever), and that God's justice will ultimately prevail.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough is a good word for the quality of this book. A bit dry, but useful for maintaining a balanced POV while studying Revelations.

[Lillie]

With my caregiving responsibilities, I was never able to focus on this in spite of several attempts. For me, at least, it required uninterrupted concentration, which wasn't available.

[Lillie]

I'm reading a chapter a week of this in conjunction with a study of the Book of Revelation.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic introduction

[Kingsley Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to any Johannine library.