The Apocalypse of St. John

by E. Sylvester Berry

To this day, Fr. Sylvester Berry’s book on the Apocalypse, now digitized by KIC for Kindle, is quoted in other Catholic titles on the revelations of God to St. John.The Apocalypse (Greek for “Revelations”) is unlike any other book of the New Testament—and is full of consolation and instruction to all who read its inspired and prophetic words. It lifts the soul up to the beauty and grandeur of Heaven—shows us in all their glory the joys and triumphs of those who were once like ourselves—but who are now changed and happy with those “who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” How consoling it is to turn from the sordid things of earth—to be carried away with the sublime words that lead us to the throne of God—to the company of the Angels and Saints—to the new Jerusalem with streets of gold—to the river and tree of life—to hear the voice of God Himself saying, “Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.”The following pages will be most interesting to those who love to study the word of God. Father Berry has entered a new field—for there is practically no study of the Apocalypse in the English language—and the points and explanations he has placed before us are both interesting and instructive. The student will read it with pleasure and profit. St. Jerome tells us, “The Apocalypse has as many mysteries as words—or rather mysteries in every word.” The author has tried in a simple scholarly way to help us view them all with pleasure and understanding.—Bishop James Hartley, Preface.Christ has promised that the gates of hell shall never prevail against His Church (Matt. 16:18), but this very promise foreshadows a mighty conflict with the powers of darkness. The Apocalypse tells of the trials and sufferings of the Church in this great conflict and prophesies her final triumph according to the promise of “Behold I am with you all days even to the consummation of the world” (Matt. 28:20). Hence, the prophecies of the Apocalypse should be a source of consolation when we see the Church opposed and persecuted for we have the assurance of the Holy Ghost that she shall come forth triumphant and reign peacefully over all nations. In this Catholic classic, Fr. Berry explains in layman’s terms how St. John singles out the most important historical events which serve as guide-posts along the course of centuries. Including patristic and other Catholic references, “Father Berry meets a need by his simple, Catholic interpretation of this most difficult apocalyptic book.” In Barry’s examination, “the Revelations of St. John are divided into three parts and foretell the history of the Church during three periods…Father Berry is to be congratulated on this scholarly and illuminative exposition of a book of the New Testament, whose obscurity prevents many from reading it” (America, October 22,1921).

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2011

About the author

Rev. Fr. Elwood Sylvester Berry was professor at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Maryland. He wrote a number of commentaries on the Bible. The Apocalypse of St. John, published in 1921, was one of his first. He died in 1954.

Reviews

[Chels S · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's ok (if suspicious in that he thinks he is the only one who understands the Apocalypse correctly, and in his disdain for Rome)....UNTIL he gets to chapter 20 of the Apocalypse, where he goes off the rails and advocates for a kind of (allegedly spiritual) mitigated Millenarianism, and also loses all strength, conviction and evidence for his arguements. As well as passing over obvious contradictions, he just says "This is MY opinion, no matter that nearly all other commentators hold a different one, it's mine so it's right. Next chapter."

Also in 1921 they had no idea or imaginings of the world in 2020, which makes reading this like reading a Victorian sci fi novel set in the year 2000.

[Heidi Paguio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final warning...

A must read for everyone. God's justice will prevail, rewards the good and punishes the evil. Heaven is real but only for the deserving.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the Apocalypse in an easy-to-understand way. It breaks the chapters up and explains the symbolism found in the vision given to St. John. I never understood what was supposed to happen after the time of the Antichrist. I know now that there will be a long age of peace, followed by one last attempt by Satan to overcome the world. I believe we’re living very close to the time of the Antichrist so the message in this final book of the Bible is crucial. May God shorten the days of our visitation!

[Katherine Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardest Book of the Bible Explained

I loved this book. So many more things have been answered about these Scriptures. A lot to look forward to predicted!

[Ray Boshers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't What I Was Expecting

The writer is Catholic, which gives him a different approach to the Book of Revelation. Not being Catholic myself, this book made me look at the Book of Revelation in a different light. Rev. Berry does an excellent job of giving an overview of the subject matter. While he doesn't go into great detail at times, he is still able to help the reader understand the message being presented. There are plenty of references to look into which was a great help to me as I don't have a Catholic background. If you are interested in the Book of Revelation, you should read this will no matter your religious background.

[John Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a catholic I've always wanted to understand the last book of the bible this book explains very well what it all means. I would recommend this book to all too take a good look at there own life, and what they need to do themselves to make this world a better place.

As a Catholic I've always wanted to understand the last book of the bible. A lot of questions have been answered. All should read it and take a look at their life.

[Ruben Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It a great understanding of the book revolutions ...

A great book for Catholics or non-catholics. A great understanding of Book of Revelations. And also understanding of st. John and his times.. love it!