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The Throne, the Lamb & the Dragon: A Reader's Guide to the Book of Revelation
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-- Here is a guide that will help us hear Revelation speak, once again inspiring grateful worship and calling us to costly discipleship.
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 5, 2024
Good remedial understanding of the message and purpose of the book of Revelation. This is book is not best used as a commentary but as a simple and general guide to Revelation. It was a very easy read despite the very difficult content of this portion of the Bible.
February 6, 2025
This is the book I have been looking for. While there are much more thorough treatments of Revelation, I have been searching for an accessible book that I could hand to anyone at any reading level that would give them a solid foundation when approaching the book of Revelation. Spilsbury covers the overall message and significant themes in a concise way that is very easy to read and understand without digging too much into the weeds. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has historically struggled to read the book of Revelation or has been afraid of its contents. Truly a great introduction and level-headed overview for non-academics.
October 2, 2008
This was a book used for a church-wide study of Revelation a few years back. I enjoyed the book and learned quite a bit about one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible.
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May 7, 2020Best known as the Dean of Academic and professor of New Testament at Regent
College in Vancouver, Canada; Paul Spilsbury is the author of The Throne, the Lamb, and The
Dragon . In his book, Spilsbury takes a brief look at The Revelation of John and attempt to make
sense of it for an audience at large. While he acknowledges in his epilogue the great difficulty in
answering questions both adequately and briefly, Spilsbury admits that his aim is more to
“express the core of the book’s message (Spilsbury, 149). In a very “alpha and omega” sort of
way, Spilsbury opens and closes his book with the simple, yet powerful thesis that “Revelation
calls us to worship” (ibid, 15).
Spilsbury reminds his readers that Revelation is made up of two genres of literature
(Epistle/Correspondence and Apocalyptic), and therefore must be treated as such to approach
and understand it. While it is likely the temptation to dive headfirst into the deep in an attempt to
make sense of every question, Spilsbury keeps his focus on one thing: how the original
audience of Revelation understood and accepted it. He expresses, “As a letter, Revelation must
have made sense to its original readers. Otherwise why would have been written to them?”
(ibid, 23); and “Yet when we treat Revelation as if it were about the events unfolding today, we
detach it from its original setting, saying in essence that those first readers were mistaken to
think that it was written for them” (ibid, 28). He goes on for the next several pages to lay out the
importance of the first three chapters and how they lay the groundwork for the apocalyptic genre
that would follow in the rest of the letter.
For some, Revelation might feel like a trippy experience with themes, metaphors, and
things that do not belong in our world. Spilsbury acknowledges this by way of challenging his
readers to consider what is real and what is not. This is a reoccurring theme in his book. This
theme is particularly fascinating because Revelation is often thought of to be shrouded in a
great mystery. By turning reality on its head, and challenging the reader to use imagination,
Spilsbury enlightens his audience to the fact that “only God is truly real in a world of mirages
and illusions” (ibid, 16). In explaining the importance of Revelation to the original readers,
Spilsbury notes that Revelation’s main objective is to tear down the false realities found in their
world (Rome) and refocus the attention on the one true God (ibid, 34). This all points to the fact
that the first-century Christians had deception staring at them daily, just as it is true to this today.
While his book does not answer every question that might come to mind, Spilsbury does
a great job of hitting the high notes and not becoming too bogged down into theory. One
particular point toward this is chapter two, where he gives a short explanation of numerology
and its importance to unlocking Revelation. While much theory exists in regard to the various
numbers found in Revelation, Spilsbury gently grazes the top of this thought in his shortest
chapter. Even with just ten pages, this chapter might cause one’s head to begin to spin. There is
wisdom in keeping things of this sort brief. Despite his brevity in certain areas, Spilsbury (who
does not come across to his readers as a dispensationalist) does not adequately address
apocalyptic doctrines often held by a person of a dispensational background. Only part of two
and a half pages address the issue of the rapture. This could have easily been a longer rebuttal
of the dispensational thought, in order to strengthen his argument.
Spilsbury’s approach to Revelation, in attempting to understand what the original
audience understood, is refreshing. One critique that I may add for this area is to lengthen the
book slightly to add a more thorough explanation of the epistle portion found in chapters one
through three of Revelation. This would help lay even further foundation for his approach.
Spilsbury only hits the highlights of what John says to the seven churches, as he hastily moves
forward without much more than a mention to the importance of location for each city. A fuller
exposit of this section could help the reader to further understand the realities in the ancient
near east, and how their realities might be compelling to us today.
I have always approached Revelation with great anxiety and perplexion, always skipping
from chapter three straight to the final glorious chapter. Despite this, I am thankful to have read
Spilsbury’s book, as I am definitely more enlightened and encouraged, as he continues to point
out (even in the judgment scenes) that the point is ultimately to make Jesus known and
worshipped. Having this thesis explained throughout his book, kept my eyes focused and
helped me to not wander too far into the mystery. It is without question that I leave this brief, yet
a compelling study of the Revelation of John with a greater desire to worship the Creator God.
College in Vancouver, Canada; Paul Spilsbury is the author of The Throne, the Lamb, and The
Dragon . In his book, Spilsbury takes a brief look at The Revelation of John and attempt to make
sense of it for an audience at large. While he acknowledges in his epilogue the great difficulty in
answering questions both adequately and briefly, Spilsbury admits that his aim is more to
“express the core of the book’s message (Spilsbury, 149). In a very “alpha and omega” sort of
way, Spilsbury opens and closes his book with the simple, yet powerful thesis that “Revelation
calls us to worship” (ibid, 15).
Spilsbury reminds his readers that Revelation is made up of two genres of literature
(Epistle/Correspondence and Apocalyptic), and therefore must be treated as such to approach
and understand it. While it is likely the temptation to dive headfirst into the deep in an attempt to
make sense of every question, Spilsbury keeps his focus on one thing: how the original
audience of Revelation understood and accepted it. He expresses, “As a letter, Revelation must
have made sense to its original readers. Otherwise why would have been written to them?”
(ibid, 23); and “Yet when we treat Revelation as if it were about the events unfolding today, we
detach it from its original setting, saying in essence that those first readers were mistaken to
think that it was written for them” (ibid, 28). He goes on for the next several pages to lay out the
importance of the first three chapters and how they lay the groundwork for the apocalyptic genre
that would follow in the rest of the letter.
For some, Revelation might feel like a trippy experience with themes, metaphors, and
things that do not belong in our world. Spilsbury acknowledges this by way of challenging his
readers to consider what is real and what is not. This is a reoccurring theme in his book. This
theme is particularly fascinating because Revelation is often thought of to be shrouded in a
great mystery. By turning reality on its head, and challenging the reader to use imagination,
Spilsbury enlightens his audience to the fact that “only God is truly real in a world of mirages
and illusions” (ibid, 16). In explaining the importance of Revelation to the original readers,
Spilsbury notes that Revelation’s main objective is to tear down the false realities found in their
world (Rome) and refocus the attention on the one true God (ibid, 34). This all points to the fact
that the first-century Christians had deception staring at them daily, just as it is true to this today.
While his book does not answer every question that might come to mind, Spilsbury does
a great job of hitting the high notes and not becoming too bogged down into theory. One
particular point toward this is chapter two, where he gives a short explanation of numerology
and its importance to unlocking Revelation. While much theory exists in regard to the various
numbers found in Revelation, Spilsbury gently grazes the top of this thought in his shortest
chapter. Even with just ten pages, this chapter might cause one’s head to begin to spin. There is
wisdom in keeping things of this sort brief. Despite his brevity in certain areas, Spilsbury (who
does not come across to his readers as a dispensationalist) does not adequately address
apocalyptic doctrines often held by a person of a dispensational background. Only part of two
and a half pages address the issue of the rapture. This could have easily been a longer rebuttal
of the dispensational thought, in order to strengthen his argument.
Spilsbury’s approach to Revelation, in attempting to understand what the original
audience understood, is refreshing. One critique that I may add for this area is to lengthen the
book slightly to add a more thorough explanation of the epistle portion found in chapters one
through three of Revelation. This would help lay even further foundation for his approach.
Spilsbury only hits the highlights of what John says to the seven churches, as he hastily moves
forward without much more than a mention to the importance of location for each city. A fuller
exposit of this section could help the reader to further understand the realities in the ancient
near east, and how their realities might be compelling to us today.
I have always approached Revelation with great anxiety and perplexion, always skipping
from chapter three straight to the final glorious chapter. Despite this, I am thankful to have read
Spilsbury’s book, as I am definitely more enlightened and encouraged, as he continues to point
out (even in the judgment scenes) that the point is ultimately to make Jesus known and
worshipped. Having this thesis explained throughout his book, kept my eyes focused and
helped me to not wander too far into the mystery. It is without question that I leave this brief, yet
a compelling study of the Revelation of John with a greater desire to worship the Creator God.
August 24, 2026
5/5 stars
I read “The Throne, The Lamb & The Dragon” across almost 10 months, I took my time and read a portion every day. Prior to picking this up, I’ve been an avid reader of J.I. Packer’s books.
Revelation has always been a book in the Bible that was confusing and had multiple interpretations presented by theologians. Throughout reading, I was taking notes with both pen and pencil, highlighting and adding sticky tabs in several colors. I’ve truly learned a lot from Dr. Paul Spilsbury’s analysis of Revelation!
Near the end of the Epilogue, I didn’t want it to end —that’s how much I’ve enjoyed this book. Through life’s ups and downs, reading this has led me closer to God and helped me reach a deeper understanding of Revelation.
“It is a work of stunning sensory power, at times able to overwhelm us, to terrify us, and to move us to tears of longing.”
- Paul Spilsbury in the Epilogue, pg. 152.
I read “The Throne, The Lamb & The Dragon” across almost 10 months, I took my time and read a portion every day. Prior to picking this up, I’ve been an avid reader of J.I. Packer’s books.
Revelation has always been a book in the Bible that was confusing and had multiple interpretations presented by theologians. Throughout reading, I was taking notes with both pen and pencil, highlighting and adding sticky tabs in several colors. I’ve truly learned a lot from Dr. Paul Spilsbury’s analysis of Revelation!
Near the end of the Epilogue, I didn’t want it to end —that’s how much I’ve enjoyed this book. Through life’s ups and downs, reading this has led me closer to God and helped me reach a deeper understanding of Revelation.
September 6, 2019
This is one of the best books I have ever read on Revelation. Spilsbury's work represents an idealist approach. While that may not represent my approach to Revelation, Spilsbury's book is very helpful for interpreting the symbols of Revelation. He does a particularly good job of discovering and explaining relevant Old Testament backgrounds. I think he offers a thoughtful yet gentle critique of the futurist interpretation that I will continue to think about. This book is short. It does not cover everything. But that is actually this book's strength. By not covering everything, Spilsbury is able to articulate broad themes that are missed in more detailed discussions. If you want to learn about Revelation, buy this book. You will learn something even if you approach Revelation from a futurist or preterist point of view.
August 21, 2021
What an excellent book. Spilsbury clearly distills key ideas from the Revelation and sets those ideas in the context of the original reader of John’s apocalyptic letter to the churches of Asia.
As JI Packer mentions in his Foreword, ‘Whether I agree with every sentence is neither here nor there. There are huge benefits to be gained from what he has written, and I heartily commend it.’
As JI Packer mentions in his Foreword, ‘Whether I agree with every sentence is neither here nor there. There are huge benefits to be gained from what he has written, and I heartily commend it.’
March 15, 2023
I read this to write a book review for a class. The author divides the Book of Revelation by concept/image and explains the message of Revelation through that. I’m not the biggest fan of the book because of how the author had some interpretations that he stated more as fact rather than opinion. But this is still a good read for someone looking to understand Revelation a bit more.
October 29, 2018
Without a doubt the best overview of the book of Revelation. This short book (156 pages) gives the clearest & most well balanced overview of this book that is confusing to so many. There really is nothing to fear... the point of the book is to worship God!
April 13, 2026
A great guide
I found this book an essential tool to tackle the literary richness of the book of revelation taking us through the settings the author wants his readers to contemplate
I found this book an essential tool to tackle the literary richness of the book of revelation taking us through the settings the author wants his readers to contemplate
December 15, 2020
This book was a great overview of the book of Revelation. It is a great starting point for one who wants to read the apocalyptic letter with more understanding.
February 15, 2022
Far from comprehensive, but helped me to appreciate and enjoy a book I used to avoid at all costs.
March 2, 2024
Read this for class. Helped me understand the book of revelation more that’s for sure. Probs wouldn’t have read it on my own but glad I read it
February 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! The kind of Christian book that isn’t overly meaty where it takes 10 minutes to read one page but just the right amount of meatiness. Makes revelation seem less daunting and paints the Bible in a beautiful way
September 24, 2024
The perfect introduction to the book of Revelation! Anyone looking to learn what Revelation is really all about or who has been intimidated or frustrated by lackluster interpretations they've heard previously will be well-served by reading this book. It's short, eminently readable, and does a great job of briefly but thoroughly covering all the key questions and issues that need to be covered.
The Throne, the Lamb & the Dragon rescues the original message of Revelation from the abuses of people who've tried to use it to predict tomorrow's headlines. It places the focus back where Revelation itself actually places it: on giving God the worship he is due and following his Christ, staying faithful despite the spiritual resistance we face in this fallen world, knowing that God will bring history to its proper conclusion.
Spilsbury is to be commended for presenting a well-informed, literate, and faithful reading of Revelation that anyone can pick up and glean from. You can tell that behind all of his conclusions lies a hefty amount of scholarly spadework, but he never comes across as overly erudite, nor does he provide an avalanche of footnotes. Even where I had some minor quibbles with his interpretations, I appreciated his winsome presentation. Highly recommended.
Those wishing to go deeper in the study of Revelation after reading Spilsbury should check out Richard Bauckham's The Theology of the Book of Revelation and the Revelation commentary by Craig Koester in the Anchor series.
The Throne, the Lamb & the Dragon rescues the original message of Revelation from the abuses of people who've tried to use it to predict tomorrow's headlines. It places the focus back where Revelation itself actually places it: on giving God the worship he is due and following his Christ, staying faithful despite the spiritual resistance we face in this fallen world, knowing that God will bring history to its proper conclusion.
Spilsbury is to be commended for presenting a well-informed, literate, and faithful reading of Revelation that anyone can pick up and glean from. You can tell that behind all of his conclusions lies a hefty amount of scholarly spadework, but he never comes across as overly erudite, nor does he provide an avalanche of footnotes. Even where I had some minor quibbles with his interpretations, I appreciated his winsome presentation. Highly recommended.
Those wishing to go deeper in the study of Revelation after reading Spilsbury should check out Richard Bauckham's The Theology of the Book of Revelation and the Revelation commentary by Craig Koester in the Anchor series.
November 27, 2025
This Inter-Varsity Press book is actually written by Paul Spilsbury - the Forward is by J.I. Packer. As books to help one understand the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, this is one of the best. It may not please many from the Dispensational side of town, but it makes good sense of the play of the book of Revelation. To utilize this book get a translation of the Bible that makes sense to you. I recommend the NIV or ESV. Do not try to use a translation that comes from an era that does't talk like you do. You will need to read Revelation and check out a bunch of scriptures from other parts of the Bible when you use this book. In the end after you have gone through all of this heady and wild stuff, put on some humility and allow others to read it differently. A careful comparison with most folks understanding will include agreement on the most basic parts.
April 4, 2016
This book is a brief overview of the major themes in the Book of Revelation. The author takes a thematic approach and does not believe that the actions mentioned in the book are sequential. Rather, he believes that certain ideas are repeated, often with more intensity such as the judgments that are mentioned. He states that it is essential to approach the book from the viewpoint of the churches to whom it is addressed.
February 4, 2013
Helped me gain a much greater appreciation Revelation has to say to every generation of the Lamb's bride, not just the last.
December 11, 2023
Read this for a training class for work. Made Revelation seem accessible, although I have nothing to compare it with really.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews