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Transformative Word
Between the Cross and the Throne: The Book of Revelation by Matthew Emerson
Revelation is often considered one of the most confusing books of the Bible, and consequently it's regularly overlooked or ignored. But no longer. In Between the Cross and the Throne , Matthew Emerson walks us through the book of Revelation, unpacking its complex imagery and pointing out major themes. In conversational tone, he reminds us that Christ died, but he has risen. The Lord reigns, but evil persists. We live between Christ's ascension and his final conquest--and that should give us hope.
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About the author
Matthew Y. Emerson
10 books20 followersMatthew Y. Emerson (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of religion at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author of The Story of Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Theology, Between the Cross and the Throne: The Book of Revelation, and Christ and the New Creation: A Canonical Approach to the Theology of the New Testament.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 10, 2018
A great, short, and helpful introduction to and overview of the book of Revelation. Would like to hand this out to everyone in my church, especially to the guy who keeps telling me about blood moons and using the newspaper to explain the apocalyptic imagery in the book.
May 3, 2018
Between the Cross and the Throne is a short primer on the Book of Revelation. When read on this basis, the book does have value providing a succinct overview and addressing some of the the main issues with clarity. However, for the more serious student, this study is just too brief (and with too little detail) to be of use. Instead, I would recommend The Theology of Revelation by Richard Bauckham, which is similarly brief, but offers far more valuable insights.
February 17, 2023
Good little intro into Rev.
July 27, 2021
Es un buen libro. Aunque mantiene una postura postribulacional y bastante amilenialista no tiende a ser dogmático, es abierto. Me hubiera gustado que citara menos a Beale y citara quizás a Osborne o otros estudios del Apocalipsis. Pero aún así, pienso que es un libro muy práctico y útil para impartirlo a otros.
August 18, 2020
A phenomenal introduction to one of the most difficult books in the Bible. Studying Revelation can be a daunting task, but Emerson provides a brilliantly concise overview that serves as a guide to anyone just beginning their journey into the book. His overview of the major themes and message of John's Revelation is not intended to be exhaustive; instead, it provides the essential framework to an accurate understanding of the book, and sets up the reader to continue in their own personal study. If you are a pastor or teacher preparing to go through Revelation with a congregation or small group, buy a bunch of copies of this book and hand them out. Your people will be greatly benefited from Emerson's work.
August 7, 2017
This is quite a good, little book that gives a non-dispensational overview of the Book of Revelation. Whilst brief, it does cover the key points, and is a good place to start for someone who has never properly studied this book of the Bible. Given that each chapter ends with some questions, it would also be worthwhile for a short group bible study where you wanted to get a good overview of the Book of Revelation.
I think some decent references at the end of each chapter (or even at the end) would have made this book better. I appreciated the Scripture passages in the Suggested Reading, as a good way to ensure we are interpreting Scripture with Scripture - but some advice on where to go for more info, such as some recommended Commentaries, would seem like a worthwhile addition.
I think some decent references at the end of each chapter (or even at the end) would have made this book better. I appreciated the Scripture passages in the Suggested Reading, as a good way to ensure we are interpreting Scripture with Scripture - but some advice on where to go for more info, such as some recommended Commentaries, would seem like a worthwhile addition.
July 24, 2022
This is a solid read. Really helpful in identifying key themes and their potential purposes in the book of Revelation.
In a summary work there will always be holes but there were a few places where an additional paragraph or two grounding his exegetical conclusions would have been helpful. The author could also have offered alternative approaches in his introduction and pointing out how his approach differs from theirs.
Other than those hangups this is an awesome starter resource for people seeking to faithfully understand the book of Revelation. With a few additions from the leader this would be an effective small group or Sunday school resource to help equip believers to read, interpret, apply, and worship God through Revelation.
In a summary work there will always be holes but there were a few places where an additional paragraph or two grounding his exegetical conclusions would have been helpful. The author could also have offered alternative approaches in his introduction and pointing out how his approach differs from theirs.
Other than those hangups this is an awesome starter resource for people seeking to faithfully understand the book of Revelation. With a few additions from the leader this would be an effective small group or Sunday school resource to help equip believers to read, interpret, apply, and worship God through Revelation.
January 22, 2020
Very helpful book if you are using it for its intended purpose. That is, if you are using it as an introduction to studying Revelation. Revelation is scary to a lot of people, and this little guide does a lot to clear the air.
The value and weakness of the book are in its brevity. The weakness is that it cannot have the depth that it needs to explore Revelation, the value is that it is short enough that the average church goer will actually read it. I've given it to friends to help understand the book of Revelation and I'm confident that I will do so again.
The value and weakness of the book are in its brevity. The weakness is that it cannot have the depth that it needs to explore Revelation, the value is that it is short enough that the average church goer will actually read it. I've given it to friends to help understand the book of Revelation and I'm confident that I will do so again.
November 15, 2018
Short introduction into the book of Revelations. Who is not challenged by tyring to understand this last book in the New Testament in a genre that is truly unfamiliar to us? This little book helps with getting oriented and introduced to me a new awareness that I did not have before: the mockery of Satan in the form of imitating the Trinity. I had never seen this 'comparison' if you can call it, but it connected with me. Good, quick read, to unravel the idea and message of Revelations.
May 14, 2018
This book is not bad; very readable. Took me awhile to finish it because I got through chapter five of eight and then forgot I was reading it. The premise of the book is to explore what the Apostle John was saying to his first century audience through his writing of the book of Revelation and then showing how the book applies to Christians today and exploring what it means for tomorrow.
January 10, 2022
Amazing, easy read on what revelation truly means including what modern readers can get from reading revelation. This book takes away the mystery and fear that comes with reading revelation and replaces it with a hope for the future.
April 13, 2018
A simple, insightful breakdown of the Book of Revelation and how every Christian can benefit from reading its relevant and practical truths. Easy to read, not long at all.
April 21, 2018
Emerson explains Revelation from the perspective of the first readers. Makes more sense the all the dispensationalists that lift the book completely from the original context.
October 18, 2018
Helpful for understanding the broader picture of Revelation. Not a traditional commentary though.
April 10, 2020
My only complaint is that it’s not long enough.
December 24, 2020
Helpful and accessible. This is now my go to intro resource for those wanting a better understanding of Revelation.
April 27, 2022
Excellent little summary of the book of Revelation.
March 29, 2025
A decent introduction to the message, theological themes, and application of the Book of Revelation, unless you hold to dispensational premillennialism.
May 12, 2016
Several years ago I ventured to preach through the entirety of Revelation with our high school students. It was interesting to say the least. In all honesty, my study of Revelation before that time had been minimal at best. I could deal with the first couple of chapters and could make a few observations here and there, but when it came to bowls, trumpets, demon frogs, and prostitutes riding red monsters, I was a bit of a fish out of water. I studied Revelation in depth for months for that sermon series, and I wish I would have had Matthew Emerson's book as a resource!
There are several types of texts that one can use to study books of the Bible. Introductions offer excellent overviews of arguments concerning author, date, and purpose, while also offering a brief outline of the book. Commentaries of different types can help with interpretation, application, and original language issues. It is also important to employ good hermeneutics (interpretation skills) as you study and there are lots of books on how to do this as well. Therefore, I was a bit curious as to what this little book (only 79 pages before the notes) was going to add to the conversation. But Matthew Emerson surprised me.
Emerson's book is not one of the traditional resources for book study mentioned above. Rather, Emerson supplies the reader with specific interpretation tools calibrated for the book of Revelation. First, he draws attention to the thesis of Revelation - a call to believers in Christ to remain faithful to him even through trials. Secondly, Emerson explains the three genres of literature contained within the book and how the use of these genres ought to influence our reading and understanding of it. Finally, he offers an overview of the literary devices and symbolism that pervade the book.
"The clue to the entire book, the key at the top of Revelation's map, is recognizing that John uses pictures to describe reality throughout the book...to understand this visual story we must grasp the use of symbols."
On the technical side, the writing is understandable and concise. Concise writing is a wonderful weapon which Emerson wields well. He has a knack for making simple what could easily become confusing. The book is laid out and organized well giving it a readable flow that builds through the conclusion.
I could spend time in this review dealing with the different views of interpretation that Emerson espouses. However, that would be a disservice to this text. Emerson spends little to no time arguing for his view or against others. I appreciate his laser focus in this book, namely, to help people engage meaningfully with the book of Revelation. Emerson notes that:
"Revelation is an exciting book, with its images of many-headed Dragons and Beasts, angels blasting judgment trumpets, and Christ returning in glory as the conquering king. Sometimes, though, these figurative images cause today's believers to shy away from John's Apocalypse because such images are simply unfamiliar to our modern imaginations."
Sadly this is very true - even for many pastors. But Emerson's short text offers excellent insight into the symbolism and imagery that will allow readers to tackle Revelation with a bit more confidence. Of specific note are chapters 4 and 5 which explore the relationship between Christ and his bride over against the Dragon and his harlot. Emerson masterfully draws attention to how the "unholy trinity" of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet are meant to make a mockery of the true, triune God. Seeing this contrast is vital to a proper understanding of Revelation.
"The unholy Trinity is a deceptive mockery of the true and only triune God, and the Harlot is a deceptive mockery of Christ's Bride."
This will be a book that I recommend often to both students and adults alike as a starting guide to reading Revelation. Emerson has provided the church with a very useful resource. This book is reminiscent of Dale Ralph Davis' The Word Became Fresh which gives readers tools for understanding how to read Old Testament narrative. Emerson has given readers a road map for understanding the unique cocktail of literature that is Revelation. I commend this book to you highly!
There are several types of texts that one can use to study books of the Bible. Introductions offer excellent overviews of arguments concerning author, date, and purpose, while also offering a brief outline of the book. Commentaries of different types can help with interpretation, application, and original language issues. It is also important to employ good hermeneutics (interpretation skills) as you study and there are lots of books on how to do this as well. Therefore, I was a bit curious as to what this little book (only 79 pages before the notes) was going to add to the conversation. But Matthew Emerson surprised me.
Emerson's book is not one of the traditional resources for book study mentioned above. Rather, Emerson supplies the reader with specific interpretation tools calibrated for the book of Revelation. First, he draws attention to the thesis of Revelation - a call to believers in Christ to remain faithful to him even through trials. Secondly, Emerson explains the three genres of literature contained within the book and how the use of these genres ought to influence our reading and understanding of it. Finally, he offers an overview of the literary devices and symbolism that pervade the book.
"The clue to the entire book, the key at the top of Revelation's map, is recognizing that John uses pictures to describe reality throughout the book...to understand this visual story we must grasp the use of symbols."
On the technical side, the writing is understandable and concise. Concise writing is a wonderful weapon which Emerson wields well. He has a knack for making simple what could easily become confusing. The book is laid out and organized well giving it a readable flow that builds through the conclusion.
I could spend time in this review dealing with the different views of interpretation that Emerson espouses. However, that would be a disservice to this text. Emerson spends little to no time arguing for his view or against others. I appreciate his laser focus in this book, namely, to help people engage meaningfully with the book of Revelation. Emerson notes that:
"Revelation is an exciting book, with its images of many-headed Dragons and Beasts, angels blasting judgment trumpets, and Christ returning in glory as the conquering king. Sometimes, though, these figurative images cause today's believers to shy away from John's Apocalypse because such images are simply unfamiliar to our modern imaginations."
Sadly this is very true - even for many pastors. But Emerson's short text offers excellent insight into the symbolism and imagery that will allow readers to tackle Revelation with a bit more confidence. Of specific note are chapters 4 and 5 which explore the relationship between Christ and his bride over against the Dragon and his harlot. Emerson masterfully draws attention to how the "unholy trinity" of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet are meant to make a mockery of the true, triune God. Seeing this contrast is vital to a proper understanding of Revelation.
"The unholy Trinity is a deceptive mockery of the true and only triune God, and the Harlot is a deceptive mockery of Christ's Bride."
This will be a book that I recommend often to both students and adults alike as a starting guide to reading Revelation. Emerson has provided the church with a very useful resource. This book is reminiscent of Dale Ralph Davis' The Word Became Fresh which gives readers tools for understanding how to read Old Testament narrative. Emerson has given readers a road map for understanding the unique cocktail of literature that is Revelation. I commend this book to you highly!
June 25, 2016
Emerson's approach to Revelation in this book is remarkably cogent. The level of detail is not what you would find in a biblical commentary, but that is not the book's aim. This is intended as an overview of Revelation's theological vision and major themes/characters, and in that respect it accomplishes its goal with great efficiency. I teach biblical studies at the college level, and every semester I struggle with how to present Revelation to my students in a way that will make sense. This book has given me a number of things to consider. This text will be easily accessible to undergraduates, and will be a fine addition to a New Testament course or a course on Revelation in particular or apocalyptic literature in general. Those who would consider this text for the college classroom should note that it is an unapologetically "theological" work that addresses the first-century context of Revelation alongside its perceived relevance for the contemporary church. This detail is neither positive nor negative in my estimation, and I mention it here simply as an acknowledgment that it will fit better in some classrooms than others. Overall I quite liked this little book, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
May 18, 2016
Very helpful. Fantastic little commentary on Revelation.
It relies heavily on a few longer commentaries. I'm familiar with Beale's Book of Revelation, and this serves as almost a cliffs notes (in the best possible way), distilling into an extremely readable form, the themes of Revelation. Anyone in the church could benefit from this.
Included at the end of each chapter were both suggested further readings for parallel chapters in the Bible, as well as devotional questions which are such a refreshing asset for response.
This volume is laid out thematically rather than linearly, which I found immensely helpful as a recap after my in depth study of Revelation this year. It would also make a wonderful outline prior to a study.
The final chapter was practical and strong (a strong final chapter is a rarity in many books).
This work will certainly add to the renewed interest in the book of Revelation, and provide a balanced biblical foundation for one of Scripture's least understood books.
I will certainly be checking into what else Emerson has written.
It relies heavily on a few longer commentaries. I'm familiar with Beale's Book of Revelation, and this serves as almost a cliffs notes (in the best possible way), distilling into an extremely readable form, the themes of Revelation. Anyone in the church could benefit from this.
Included at the end of each chapter were both suggested further readings for parallel chapters in the Bible, as well as devotional questions which are such a refreshing asset for response.
This volume is laid out thematically rather than linearly, which I found immensely helpful as a recap after my in depth study of Revelation this year. It would also make a wonderful outline prior to a study.
The final chapter was practical and strong (a strong final chapter is a rarity in many books).
This work will certainly add to the renewed interest in the book of Revelation, and provide a balanced biblical foundation for one of Scripture's least understood books.
I will certainly be checking into what else Emerson has written.
July 12, 2016
Excellent high level summary of the book of Revelation. A great resource book for anyone studying the book of Revelation
October 20, 2016
A good simple introduction to reading and understanding the themes that are found in the book of Revelation.
July 7, 2020
Solid, sane overview of the themes of Revelation
March 16, 2023
Excellent introduction, great resource for laypeople.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews