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Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation
Johnson guides us through questions about interpretations of Revelation, what it meant to its original audience, and how it equips us today. A mighty expression of Christ's victory and glory.
Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2001
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About the author
Dennis E. Johnson
29 books16 followersDennis E. Johnson (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of practical theology at Westminster Seminary California and associate pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 1, 2016
I took a risk in buying this book. Because of the proliferation of dispensationalism in recent decades, I all but completely quit reading books about Revelation since I have never been able to reconcile dispensationalism with what I read in Scripture and found their arguments to be lacking. Though I found William Hendrickson's "More Than Conquerors" incredibly helpful and insightful there were a few statements he made that seemed to me to be convenient oversimplifications. Dennis Johnson does a great job of pulling from numerous sources like G.K. Beale, William Hendrickson, Richard Bauckham and many others to compile their superb insights, but doesn't overlook the oversimplifications I found in Hendrickson's work. Dennis' book is laid out in a smart fashion and is written in laymen's language. He explains every point he makes, mentioning alternatives and discussing what their strengths and weaknesses are. Perhaps the wisest decision Johnson makes is a refusal to even mention his position on that all too controversial subject (the Millennium) until the very end of the book in which he presents all positions, documenting their strengths and their challenges. His insights and those he has gleaned from other solid scholars make what I think may be an impenetrable case for the right understanding of the Revelation. This one is not going to be a "quick" read but I nevertheless believe everyone would benefit from owning a copy and giving their attention to it. As Johnson points out, the Revelation was never given as a secret for only the special initiates to understand. It was given as an Unveiling, a disclosure, to a first century church who's membership was largely illiterate, who couldn't read it for themselves and could only listen as one church person/leader read it aloud. Yet, they were expected to understand it with that hearing....without secret manuscript codes, without reference Bibles and flipping back and forth to compare references, without lexicons and dictionaries, without fancy Bible software. And, so can we understand it the same way they did.
August 12, 2012
I think this book is a great introductory commentary on Revelation. It covers background, approach, interpretations, and is strong on OT connections to the symbols. At 350 pages it is too short to get into too much discussion of alternative (non-idealistic) views, but it does cover the various millennial schools and interpretive options succinctly and fairly. I needed a bit more evaluation of things and discussion of the symbolism. It is very well written and clearly organized, a help in bringing out the structure of Revelation. Johnson is much more explanatory and much less dogmatic than Hendrickson, who I think also has a good, shorter introductory commentary. I definitely recommend this book.
November 11, 2020
This one took me a while to finish, but in the end I was very impressed with Johnson's interpretations on Revelation. He follows the Idealist or Recapitulation interpretation to the book. It wasn't a lite read, but it wasn't a critical commentary either: somewhere in between. The reader needs to be familiar with the text of Revelation before reading Johnson, as he doesnt paste the text in his commentary as he goes along, so you are expected to know the verses he is talking about by the heading and comments he gives. His best chapters I thought were on Revelation 11, 19, and 20. These are all difficult chapters which is perhaps why I thought he did best on them specifically. Every once in a while he will take a position on a difficult text that I disagree with, but he is good about giving the various views typically. He tries not to give away what he is at the beginning: preterist, futurist, continuous historical, or idealist. And one of the things I appreciate about his take on interpreting the book is that he keeps in mind the original audience and how they would have received it for the first time. They would have "heard" it read to them in the church. Thus, elaborate interpretations that involve the technical recounting of bizarre number sequences and ever so subtle repetitions throughout the book are suspect, for how would the original readers have picked up on these things auditorilly if we cannot pick up on them visually by and large? If you want to study Revelation, read a more introductory book and then get ahold of Johnson. I think you will be glad you did.
January 4, 2024
This is a good introductory commentary on the book of Revelation.
July 8, 2018
An excellent commentary on the book of Revelation from an idealist’s perspective. The author does not see the visions of John as a futurist timeline yet to take place, but instead interprets the book as encompassing all of human history from the incarnation through the present time and on to the end of time culminating with judgment and re-creation of heaven and earth. This interpretive position is amillennial, a view that I did not see myself moving towards, and yet, the more I read about it, the more I am persuaded by it.
But the jury is still out. I have more books on Revelation to read, so my education continues. Meanwhile, Triumph Of The Lamb is a stimulating read and highly recommended.
But the jury is still out. I have more books on Revelation to read, so my education continues. Meanwhile, Triumph Of The Lamb is a stimulating read and highly recommended.
May 27, 2019
A very good readable commentary on Revelation.
May 25, 2019
An outstanding commentary on Revelation, and one of my favorite commentaries of all time in general.
May 17, 2025
“When Revelation works on us as God intends it to, we trust, love, and fear Jesus more.”
“Christ’s call to endure is not a summons to grim, teeth-gritted obstinacy but to openhearted, openmouthed persistence in serving as the King’s ambassadors to a foolish, needy, and undeserving world. Knowing that we ourselves are foolish, needy, and undeserving, we hold forth the testimony of Jesus in joy and love, for as long as God’s patience waits. We know that through this witness he gathers in every one of his own, so the whole number of his true Israel — every one of them, from every one of earth’s peoples, nations, tribes, and tongues — will stand before his throne, gladly serving him. And we will see his face.”
This was an excellent, technical, yet doxological commentary on the book of Revelation. Johnson does a great job of presenting the book of Revelation with sound hermeneutics, keeping it in its proper context, reading it as its genre invites it to be read, and drawing out the typological connections grounded in the Old Testament. As a result, Johnson reads the book according to the amilennial view, but he does a good job of presenting other interpretations and discussing the merits and drawbacks of each one.
I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to better understand and more deeply study all that Christ has to say to His church in the book of Revelation, and am thankful for the work Johnson has done to draw our eyes to the Lamb Who was slain and Who lives forever, spurring us on to greater love and gratitude and devotion to the King on His throne. Maranatha — come, Lord Jesus!
“Christ’s call to endure is not a summons to grim, teeth-gritted obstinacy but to openhearted, openmouthed persistence in serving as the King’s ambassadors to a foolish, needy, and undeserving world. Knowing that we ourselves are foolish, needy, and undeserving, we hold forth the testimony of Jesus in joy and love, for as long as God’s patience waits. We know that through this witness he gathers in every one of his own, so the whole number of his true Israel — every one of them, from every one of earth’s peoples, nations, tribes, and tongues — will stand before his throne, gladly serving him. And we will see his face.”
This was an excellent, technical, yet doxological commentary on the book of Revelation. Johnson does a great job of presenting the book of Revelation with sound hermeneutics, keeping it in its proper context, reading it as its genre invites it to be read, and drawing out the typological connections grounded in the Old Testament. As a result, Johnson reads the book according to the amilennial view, but he does a good job of presenting other interpretations and discussing the merits and drawbacks of each one.
I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to better understand and more deeply study all that Christ has to say to His church in the book of Revelation, and am thankful for the work Johnson has done to draw our eyes to the Lamb Who was slain and Who lives forever, spurring us on to greater love and gratitude and devotion to the King on His throne. Maranatha — come, Lord Jesus!
April 9, 2017
Phenomenally sick
November 21, 2025
There is so much misinterpretation and just plain deception regarding the last book of the Bible, that when one finds a cache of Truth it is refreshing. This commentary is not light reading, I spent spent four months digesting the information presented and made lots of notes in my bible. The next time around I will be reading with a highlighter in one hand.
As I near completion of my second reading, I just want to go buy a dozen copies and give one to every Pastor I know. (I doubt that would be well received) I wish this material had been preached to me this way 50 years ago. It is comforting to know that as a child of God, sealed by His Spirit, I can anticipate the events described in Revelation with joy and celebration, not fear and trepidation.
The purchase price for a hard copy of this book is some of the best money I have ever spent.
As I near completion of my second reading, I just want to go buy a dozen copies and give one to every Pastor I know. (I doubt that would be well received) I wish this material had been preached to me this way 50 years ago. It is comforting to know that as a child of God, sealed by His Spirit, I can anticipate the events described in Revelation with joy and celebration, not fear and trepidation.
The purchase price for a hard copy of this book is some of the best money I have ever spent.
May 31, 2012
I'm still not ready to commit to a particular eschatological view, but this book is like a surprise visit from a dear friend. I had no idea that a commentary on Revelation (and a very readable one, at that) could so edify me. This reads more like a story, one that sweeps up the reader in the full spectrum of Biblical theology. If you want a crash course not only in Revelation, but the Old Testament, read this book!
On a side note, there desperately needs to be another view represented on the eschatological stage besides premillennialism. No offense intended, but most people in my part of the country are aware of no other view besides the tired arguments of "pre-trib," "mid-trib"...
On a side note, there desperately needs to be another view represented on the eschatological stage besides premillennialism. No offense intended, but most people in my part of the country are aware of no other view besides the tired arguments of "pre-trib," "mid-trib"...
October 30, 2012
This is a very strong "verse by verse" style of commentary that also does a good job with big narrative themes and interacting with other schools of interpretation (Johnson is amillenial). Johnson draws a lot from G.B. Caird's 1966 commentary The Revelation of St. John the Divine and even more from G.K. Beale's exhaustive 1998 work The Book of Revelation. As D.A. Carson notes on the jacket, Johnson "presents in a palatable, readable form." I found this book to be very applicable and helpful.
July 14, 2013
This was my introduction to idealism. After studying the futurist and preterist perspectives, this may be the way I'm finally starting to lean on prophecy. Johnson does a very good job keeping the reader interested, which I feel is pretty tough to do in a commentary. I would highly recommend this book if you're not familiar with the idealist perspective.
December 5, 2018
Can't recommend this commentary on Revelation too much! It's fantastic!
April 26, 2022
Clear and enjoyable. Gives thought and detail to other interpretations as well. Great resource on a difficult book.
July 21, 2025
So I don't bury the lede, if you're only going to read one commentary on Revelation, let it be this one. As with all of Johnson's writing, what I appreciate and what is in evidence here is both his scholarly diligence and his pastoral warmth. Citing 84 references, and interacting with all of them, Johnson carefully points out the strengths and weaknesses of each writer's perspectives on Revelation.
Yes, Revelation is a difficult book to understand, as evidenced by the greatly varying interpretations of it. But, as the capstone of Scripture, it is as important for us to read and understand as the rest of the Scriptures. There are four different approaches, or schools of interpretation, of Revelation. Unlike other commentaries, Johnson puts his discussion of the varying approaches at the end of his book, as an appendix. He wants us to first examine the book and try to understand it as best we can before we decide which approach seems to best fit the message of Revelation.
Johnson grounds us well right up front. "Our starting point should be confidence that God has given this book not to confuse, terrify, or divide his people but to give us light, to reveal to us the invisible forces and the secrets of his invincible plan that make sense of visible events and movements experienced by his church in the world." He continually points out references to Old Testament texts, reminding us to compare Scripture with Scripture. He also reminds us that Revelation is written for a church under attack by the world, but it is also to remind the church that her Lord, Savior, and bridegroom is protecting and preparing her for unimaginable glory in his presence forever.
As you would expect he devotes considerable time (16 pages) to a consideration of the various views of the millennium. Throughout his consideration of differing interpretations of the text, his tone is irenic rather than combative. And his writing style is very approachable; this book is aimed not at the academy but at the church.
Very highly recommended!
Yes, Revelation is a difficult book to understand, as evidenced by the greatly varying interpretations of it. But, as the capstone of Scripture, it is as important for us to read and understand as the rest of the Scriptures. There are four different approaches, or schools of interpretation, of Revelation. Unlike other commentaries, Johnson puts his discussion of the varying approaches at the end of his book, as an appendix. He wants us to first examine the book and try to understand it as best we can before we decide which approach seems to best fit the message of Revelation.
Johnson grounds us well right up front. "Our starting point should be confidence that God has given this book not to confuse, terrify, or divide his people but to give us light, to reveal to us the invisible forces and the secrets of his invincible plan that make sense of visible events and movements experienced by his church in the world." He continually points out references to Old Testament texts, reminding us to compare Scripture with Scripture. He also reminds us that Revelation is written for a church under attack by the world, but it is also to remind the church that her Lord, Savior, and bridegroom is protecting and preparing her for unimaginable glory in his presence forever.
As you would expect he devotes considerable time (16 pages) to a consideration of the various views of the millennium. Throughout his consideration of differing interpretations of the text, his tone is irenic rather than combative. And his writing style is very approachable; this book is aimed not at the academy but at the church.
Very highly recommended!
April 28, 2021
This is a really good commentary on the book of Revelation from an Amillennial perspective. Both expositional and topical, Mr. Johnson does a great job of focusing the reader on the true intent of John's apocalyptic masterpiece, Jesus Christ and His triumph through redemptive history. Very sound biblically and exegetically and very clear teaching without bogging the reader down in obscure speculation. Great price on Kindle version makes this work accessible and attractive. Pick it up if you get the chance.
October 9, 2024
A challenge to how many view Revelation
The author challenges the long-held dispensational view of Revelation and gives a different view held by Augustine. There will be intense persecution against the church before the end, but we shouldn’t get overwhelmed. Jesus will come once, and not twice, to make things right.
The author challenges the long-held dispensational view of Revelation and gives a different view held by Augustine. There will be intense persecution against the church before the end, but we shouldn’t get overwhelmed. Jesus will come once, and not twice, to make things right.
December 14, 2019
Fantastic book! Johnson presents the message of Revelation free from fear-mongering, date-setting, and hyper-speculation. It’s a book that points it’s readers to the mysterious truth that the Lion of Judah is a slain Lamb who will triumph in the end. Loved this book!
April 17, 2023
Very well structured and logical; His personal opinion appears to be a result of his study and not stand at the beginning of it, so that everyone should be able to read it in an enriching manner (no matter the eschatologic position)
February 11, 2025
De esos libros que marcan un antes y un después: me ayudó a empezar a escudriñar las Escrituras de verdad, primero leyendo y meditando y luego completando con su contenido. Entender el Apocalipsis de manera esperanzadora como lo hicieron los primeros cristianos. Muy bueno.
May 21, 2025
Johnson does a great job writing a thorough commentary on Revelation in an accessible way. Despite being a scholarly and well-researched, well-documented book, the reader not be a scholar to get insight, joy, and wisdom from this commentary.
May 11, 2018
Very solid, biblical, approachable commentary on Revelation.
June 27, 2019
This is a good commentary on Revelation.
April 4, 2024
Johnson's is a great and easy read. His descriptions are vivid!
December 27, 2024
Very clear presentation of the amil idealistic end times view.
to-obtain
February 22, 2008T he book of Revelation is an unveiling, a vivid disclosure of invisible realities. Yet its bizarre imagery often leaves us puzzled. Dennis E. Johnson deftly guides us through questions about how to interpret Revelation, what it meant to its original audience, and how it equips us today. He explains that Revelation fortifies the church against the Enemy's wiles by disclosing the profound paradoxes of Christ?s victory and glory. The central themes of Revelation converge with Christ's triumph over the Enemy. Table of Contents: PDF". . . takes some of the best material on the interpretation of apocalyptic generally, and Revelation in particular, and presents it in a palatable, readable form. Johnson knows how to write, and his text is infused with a rare sanity."
D. A. Carson
". . . takes some of the best material on the interpretation of apocalyptic generally, and Revelation in particular, and presents it in a palatable, readable form. Johnson knows how to write, and his text is infused with a rare sanity."
S. M. Baugh
"Johnson writes with masterful skill without losing the reader down exegetical rabbit trails. Triumph of the Lamb is essential reading on Revelation from a man with unique qualifications as a well-loved pastor, New Testament scholar, and now professor of practical theology. This book is itself a triumph."
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger
The best all-around commentary on Revelation. Not as technical as Beale, up-to-date, unlike Hendricksen, but no fluff is found here either. A very helpful, user-friendly, and pastoral piece of work. If you buy only one commentary on Revelation, this should be it.
Dennis E. Johnson (Th.M., Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD., Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, California. He is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, author of The Message in Acts in the History of Redemption, and a contributor to numerous books and theological journals.
From http://www.monergismbooks.com/Triumph...
D. A. Carson
". . . takes some of the best material on the interpretation of apocalyptic generally, and Revelation in particular, and presents it in a palatable, readable form. Johnson knows how to write, and his text is infused with a rare sanity."
S. M. Baugh
"Johnson writes with masterful skill without losing the reader down exegetical rabbit trails. Triumph of the Lamb is essential reading on Revelation from a man with unique qualifications as a well-loved pastor, New Testament scholar, and now professor of practical theology. This book is itself a triumph."
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger
The best all-around commentary on Revelation. Not as technical as Beale, up-to-date, unlike Hendricksen, but no fluff is found here either. A very helpful, user-friendly, and pastoral piece of work. If you buy only one commentary on Revelation, this should be it.
Dennis E. Johnson (Th.M., Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD., Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, California. He is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, author of The Message in Acts in the History of Redemption, and a contributor to numerous books and theological journals.
From http://www.monergismbooks.com/Triumph...
October 16, 2012
Read in preparation for leading a Bible study through Revelation.
An excellent and useful survey of the book of Revelation. Johnson approaches the book from its practical, spiritual, and transformational nature. That is, we should see in the book of Revelation
1) a source of practical comfort in this difficult world and a challenge not to conform to the temptations and lures of sin;
2) the spiritual reality that lies behind the forces moving the the world- both sin and the Lamb, and the spiritual hope that comes from the promise of certain victory;
3) the necessity to be on the winning team, to repent and believes so that the triumph of the Lamb over sin through the cross is our triumph as well.
Much of this book will bear more thought and consideration in the future, especially as we walk through Revelation a verse at a time in Bible study.
Highly recommended.
An excellent and useful survey of the book of Revelation. Johnson approaches the book from its practical, spiritual, and transformational nature. That is, we should see in the book of Revelation
1) a source of practical comfort in this difficult world and a challenge not to conform to the temptations and lures of sin;
2) the spiritual reality that lies behind the forces moving the the world- both sin and the Lamb, and the spiritual hope that comes from the promise of certain victory;
3) the necessity to be on the winning team, to repent and believes so that the triumph of the Lamb over sin through the cross is our triumph as well.
Much of this book will bear more thought and consideration in the future, especially as we walk through Revelation a verse at a time in Bible study.
Highly recommended.
December 7, 2013
Johnson provides a great book which is engaging for both novices to Revelation or more skilled interpreters of prophecy. It is highly readable, informative, and has plenty of footnotes if you're interested in tracking down more sources for further study. Best of all, it reads very nicely and does a great job of tying all the themes together to bring out the central message of Revelation: Christ has conquered the world and protects his church until the end.
July 19, 2012
Probably one of the best commentaries on Revelation in several years. Well-written and easy to read. In a sense, he has distilled Beale's magisterial work on Revelation into a very readable work. Yet, Johnson maintains his own independence and conclusions but no library on Revelation is complete without Beale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews