Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation

by Shane J. Wood

Christianity Today Book Awards Finalist—Biblical Studies Encounter the Hope of Jesus in the Book of RevelationThe Biblical book of Revelation—a text that, for many, remains shrouded in mystery and confusion. The cryptic symbols and visions of the end times often evoke anxiety among believers. Is it even possible to find hope and spiritual growth within its pages? Thinning the Veil is not just a book; it's a spiritual guide that combines Biblical scholarship with personal reflection, making the study of Revelation accessible and enriching. You'll discover that the heart of Revelation lies in its opening words—"the revelation of Jesus Christ." It's a powerful and personal unveiling, designed to bridge the gap between heaven and earth, bringing God's presence into our lives in a very real and transforming way.Authored by renowned Biblical scholar Shane J. Wood, Thinning the Veil provides a fresh perspective on Revelation, aiming to transform our understanding of this profound text. Wood invites readers to see Revelation not as a daunting puzzle but as a revelation of Jesus, meant to inspire divine intimacy and spiritual renewal.Each chapter of Thinning the Veil is crafted to deepen your engagement Interpretation Engage with exercises that explore different principles of Biblical interpretation, helping you unlock the deeper meanings within Revelation.Scriptural Delve into thorough textual studies that illuminate the complex passages, unveiling the profound messages they contain.Spiritual Reflect on spiritual practices and thought-provoking questions designed to invite the Word to transform your soul, just as it did for its original audience.Are you ready to dispel the mystery and uncover the hope that lies within the book of Revelation? Thinning the Veil is your guide to experiencing Revelation’s hopeful and transformational message.

Genres: Theology, Christian

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Marty Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things collide in such a beautiful way in this book. Two things that people may initially think to avoid. First, while some of us are drawn to studies on the book of Revelation, many of us avoid them, often for good reason. There is so much bad stuff out there, should I take the chance on this work? Second, the idea of studying Christology sounds like high and lofty theologian’s work that is above my pay grade.

But Shane Wood has brought both of these together in a beautiful way in this book, which is one of my favorite new resources for the book of Revelation. First, his scholarship is fantastic. Shane is one of the top Revelation scholars doing work right now and this book is not skirting those gems. The footnotes are full of great resources and the historical context is engaging on every level. Well-written and well-studied.

But second, this is far more than another historical-contextual work. The book is framed as a journey to find Jesus in the the pages of John’s apocalypse and apply wonderfully relevant takeaways to our daily lives. It’s powerful and poetic and would be a great guide for any teacher who is looking to do a teaching series on Revelation while avoiding crazy eschatology and cold historical analysis.

This is a great resource that should be added to any bibliography for a study on Revelation.

[James Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wood is a remarkable scholar who makes Revelation not confusing. The thing I loved most about this book is it's pastoral element. Its very academic, but not so much in the weeds that he misses the audience he is writing to. I really appreciated the scholarly, but pastoral tone of this book. There are so many great lines but my favorite was: "Without question, Revelation's target is not prediction, but transformation." (Pg. 27) And he makes that case pretty clearly by how Jesus thins the veil. This is a great book for anyone interested in Revelation studies.

[Gage Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a good book. Faithfully written and a great blend of scholarship and artistic language. I think he hits the brain and the heart with this one. Even after studying under Dr. Wood, I still learned new things and encountered God in new ways.

My favorite chapters were 1, 2, 6, and 10. I hope it leads everyone else deeper in their union with God as it did with me.

[Matthew McBirth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encourages and challenges. It encourages one to see Jesus more clearly, more intimately. It encourages readers to approach the book of Revelation with fresh eyes. Even more so, to approach the text with holy eyes. And it challenges. It challenges one to be like Adam and Eve, naked and ashamed, and to come out of hiding. Shane Wood opens up his own struggles, his own wrestling with the Lord and with life, demonstrating that this is what Scripture desires to do with all that read it: to in fact be interpreted by the Spiritual author of its pages. Hence, I could not help but ask vulnerable questions to the Lord as I read this book.
I consider this book to be a commentary. But not like one anticipates when they hear the word "commentary." The book certainly exegetes Scripture, using tools of a top rate theologian and biblical scholar. But the book also comments on the desires and frustrations of people: doing so like a pastor/father/friend.

The book essentially comments on the desire of God, relayed through the revelation of Jesus. To know us truly. Intimately so.

[Luke Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelation — put simply.

Shane Wood’s son, Zion, and I were roommates my in the fall of my sophomore year at Ozark Christian College which is how I got to know Shane. Shane, Zion, and I all played intramural basketball together, and I got to really know Shane well during that time. He became one of the most reliable guys I could go to, and hold a lot of respect for him.

If you are expecting a commentary on Revelation where all your questions will be answered, then Thinning the Veil is not for you. It’s for those who are searching for the heart of Revelation, and who allow the book to speak, rather than us putting words in its mouth. Wood inserts a lot of testimony to illustrate Revelation’s themes that unveil God’s unimaginable character.

I read along in Revelation along with the book, and Thinning the veil has changed my perspective about Revelation. I used avoid Revelation out of fear, but now it might be one of the most encouraging books I’ve ever read in the Bible.

[Brayden Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Revelation has always been confusing to me, but Shane makes things so clear! I would recommend this to anyone who has struggled with Revelation.

[John Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, truly, one of the best, most beautiful, and inspired books I’ve ever read.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: An exposition of the Book of Revelation centered on the idea that it is “the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Many readers are mystified by Revelation. They think in reading it, they will find a roadmap of the “End Times.” Yet many are frustrated by the imagery and feel they cannot crack the code. Shane J. Wood contends that the reason for this is that we are using the wrong cipher. He believes the key to understanding the whole book is in the first five words: “the revelation of Jesus Christ.” He believes that for John, John’s readers, and us, heaven is veiled off from us. In John’s encounter with Jesus on the Lord’s day and his subsequent visions, there is a “thinning of the veil” to reveal the presence, grace, power, and triumph of the risen Lord.

The book follows the text of Revelation, although not in a verse by verse fashion unfolding how Jesus reveals himself. First to John in his loneliness on Patmos, he finds in the majestic presence of Jesus that he is not alone (Rev. 1). Then, in the letters to the churches, Jesus reveals himself as intimately acquainted with them, warning, assuring, and vindicating them. But how is this possible? Revelation 4-5 pulls back the veil on the power in heaven’s halls, the holiness of the Triune God. However, this is not confined to heaven. Rather, Revelation 6:1-8:5 reveals the worship of the saints as intimately connected to God’s war against his enemies on earth. Then, Revelation 8:6-11:19 unveils a God who relentlessly pursues the wandering lonely while unveiling hells pursuit of those it would destroy. In the end, it comes down to who you worship.

But up to now, evil cloaks and deceives. In Revelation 12-14, the unveiled Trinity meets and uncloaks the unholy trinity of the serpent, the sea beast, and the land beast. The blood of the lamb on the cross and the cruciform lives of his people defeat evil. Therefore, Revelation 15-16 focuses on seeing things clearly so we can fight effectively without compromise. Revelation 17:1-19:10 reveals the demise of evil in the form of the great prostitute (Rome). The great triumphal procession follows in 19:11-20:15. Wood argues that Satan’s release is not a final challenge but the parading of a defeated foe. Finally Revelation 21-22 reveals the giddy God who has pursued his bride from Eden to the garden city and is now one with his beloved.

In addition to the text, there are several other features I would note that make this great for personal or group study. Firstly, Wood provides a number of photos from the Roman world to help explain the imagery of Revelation. Secondly, each chapter includes Going Deeper, The Text, and The Takeaway reflection questions. And thirdly, these reflection sections include links to videos by Wood that expand on the material.

What a delight to consider God’s pursuit of us in Christ. How encouraging to have the veil drawn back to see God’s zealous love and war on behalf of his own. And how bracing to understand what is the real war and the weapons of our warfare. Henrietta Mears once warned against missing King Jesus in Revelation in our focus on symbols and imagery. Wood’s focus on “the revelation of Jesus Christ” and how he elaborates this reminds us of the same truth. This book is indeed a “thin place” allowing us glimpses of the grace and glory of our King.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane J. Wood’s Thinning the Veil offers a refreshing and deeply personal exploration of the book of Revelation, one of the most enigmatic and often misunderstood texts in the Bible. Rather than approaching Revelation as a puzzle to solve or a doomsday prophecy to fear, Wood invites readers to experience it as a profound unveiling of Jesus Christ — a revelation that brings hope, not despair.

From the very beginning, Wood emphasizes the relational nature of Revelation. He highlights how the text serves as a divine encounter, where the distance between heaven and earth is bridged, allowing believers to experience the presence of God in their everyday lives. This perspective shifts the reader’s focus from fear of the end times to the transformative hope that Revelation offers.

The book is thoughtfully structured to guide readers through a meaningful engagement with the biblical text. Wood’s approach is both scholarly and pastoral, making complex theological concepts accessible without oversimplifying their depth. Each chapter includes practical tools for interpretation, detailed scriptural insights, and reflective exercises that encourage spiritual growth. Whether you are new to studying Revelation or have struggled with its imagery in the past, Thinning the Veil equips you to read with understanding and faith.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Wood’s ability to intertwine academic expertise with heartfelt personal reflection. His authentic tone and clear passion for the subject make the journey through Revelation feel like a conversation with a trusted guide. Readers will not only gain knowledge but also be invited to consider how the message of Revelation speaks to their own lives.

Furthermore, the spiritual takeaways in each chapter foster a contemplative experience. Through reflective questions and suggested practices, Wood encourages readers to respond to the text, cultivating a deeper awareness of God’s presence. This interactive element makes Thinning the Veil more than a study resource — it becomes a tool for personal and communal spiritual renewal.

In a world often marked by uncertainty and fear, Thinning the Veil offers a timely reminder of the steadfast hope found in Jesus Christ. Shane J. Wood has crafted a compelling and accessible work that demystifies Revelation, inviting readers to draw closer to God and experience the joy of His nearness. Whether you are seeking theological clarity or spiritual renewal, this book will inspire you to see Revelation not as a book of dread, but as a promise of divine presence and eternal hope.

[Ian Blaauw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great walk through on the book of revelation! It really lays out what the context of the audience would be, and what the original readers would hear. And it cuts through a lot of the dispensationalism and what our cultural biases about what Revelation's purpose even is. In short it does a great job and I learned a lot!

I appreciated that I got to walk through this with a Pastor and a group of people studying it. I'm honestly not sure I would have made it through the book without the help. The author's style is a rather poetic and emotionally charged which just isn't my style for a biblical exposition.

I HIGHLY discourage using the audio book. The author has a tendency to compose sentences where between every two words is a bible verse reference to make a point. This is not an exaggeration. When reading, this is fine since your brain can pretty easily filter the references to find the actual sentence. But the audio book reads every single reference, and it becomes very difficult to follow the original sentence.

My first critique of the book is that I disagreed with a couple of the minor points it made, but that's not a big deal. The more annoying thing was how the author often projected his feelings into the characters of the book and then presented them as fact. One example is the continuous assertion that John was having a dark night of the soul and constant loneliness, which is frankly unsupportable by the text or history. Maybe this is part of the poetic style though.

[Sav · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Thinning the Veil" offers an accessible and reflective exploration of the often-perceived complex and mysterious Book of Revelation. Shane J. Wood aims to make this biblical text more understandable while highlighting its spiritual essence.

As an atheist, I don’t usually engage with religious texts, nor do I have a particular interest in them. However, I found this book surprisingly entertaining. The author presents Revelation not as a frightening prophecy but as an inspiring revelation of Jesus Christ, which makes for an interesting perspective. The exercises and reflection questions add depth for those who want to engage more with the text.

That being said, the book can feel somewhat theoretical at times, with certain explanations becoming repetitive. Those already familiar with theological writings may not find much new insight. Additionally, a stronger emphasis on applying these insights to everyday life would have been beneficial.

Overall, it was a solid 3 ⭐ read for those looking for a less intimidating and more spiritually enriching perspective on Revelation. While it didn’t change my views, it was engaging enough to hold my interest.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!

[Austin Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! What a wonderful and thoughtful read. I'm so thankful for the influence that Shane J. Wood has had on me and my walk with Christ. I'm thankful for this book.

In Thinning the Veil, he combines his deep knowledge and deep love of the Lord into a reader friendly and compelling journey through Revelation. Each chapter ends with more resources to watch online, thought provoking discussion questions (for solo or group study), and a practice to invite the word of Christ to dwell in you richly.

Shane taught me to love the book of Revelation while a student at Ozark Christian College. He connected the rich Old Testament connections as well as the Roman world in which John's audience lived to the images we see in the text. I don't know how he managed to balance this book with thorough research and heart-deep devotional reflection while respecting both, but he pulled it off.

I received an advance reader copy of the book and just finished it. I'm thankful for the opportunity to post this review and can't wait for my paperback copy to arrive when the book is released.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oddly for a book about the most terrifying book in the New Testament, Thinning the Veil by Shane Wood is comforting. His journal entries will leave you thinking, “You, too? I thought it was just me.”

This book brings the daunting book of Revelation down to earth. He shows how the whole book of Revelation continually points to Jesus. Rather than getting caught up in predicting the precise timings or deciphering numerology or unearthing signs, he talks about Jesus.

The end of days is not neutral. We should be terrified or comforted by the end times, but it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with the One who conquers. He who was and is and is to come provides the ultimate hope. I’m always grateful for this reminder. I’m equally grateful for this fresh look at the book of Revelation.

Thank you InterVarsity Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

[Kathie Rezek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Revelation has been largely ignored or misunderstood or outright abused over the years, leading many down an interpretative path that has nothing to do with what it desires to convey. The Bible is not intended to provoke fear or fantasy, but to tell the story of a God who loves every person and every inch of the universe He created and He has no intentions of abandoning or destroying it, but has launched in a mission to restore it. And humanity has the privilege of partnering with Him in that restoration project. Heaven is not where or what you likely have been taught to believe, but it doesn't have to be mystery. There is no reason to despair, or fear for those who follow the Lamb. You are secure, loved, and able to stand firm through every storm.

[Jonathan Markham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that really does draw back the curtain on so many of the mysterious things that we read in revelation. As a pastor, I’ve always stepped back from preaching through the book of Revelation for fear of an inadequate or inaccurate interpretation. Having read Dr Woods book I am not sure that I can now preach through the chapters with confidence, but I am sure that the imagery and metaphors are much clearer than they were before. This is a book that I suspect I shall come back to a number of times because it needs to be meditated upon rather than simply Read. The questions at the end of each chapter are extraordinarily helpful in earthing the messages and I look forward to listening to the teaching he references.

[Wanda Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a layperson, I appreciate that Thinning the Veil is not a commentary on the book of Revelation but rather an unveiling of Jesus Christ and His triumphant victory in converting those who chose to follow Him from enemy to friend.. The activities at the end of each chapter simplify the complexities of the text in such a way that the reader will not only know more deeply who the real enemy is in this world, but understand how to fight appropriately and claim the victory we already have in Jesus. Reading Thinning the Veil gave me easy access to seminary like instruction making it an excellent resource for a discipleship class.

[Nancy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a doctorate in theology and also taught the same. While in college for my degree the university truly avoided teaching Revelation. I, therefore, had to search on my own. This book, "Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus in the Book of Revelation" by Shane J. Wood, is by far a targeted approach in teaching the true meaning of Revelation rather than the hype of predicting the end of times.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some people at my church read this as a group in concert with a sermon series, but I read it after the fact. Some good thoughts about the intentions of the book in contrast with the Left Behind mania.