More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation

by William Hendriksen

With an uninterrupted printing history since it was first published in 1939, this classic interpretation of the book of Revelation has served as a solid resource and source of inspiration for generations. Using sound principles of interpretation, William Hendriksen unfolds the mysteries of the apocalypse gradually, always with the purpose of showing that "we are more than conquerors through Christ." Both beginning and advanced students of the Scriptures will find here the inspiration to face a restless and confusing world with a joyful, confident spirit, secure in the knowledge that God reigns and is coming again soon. This edition features a newly designed interior layout.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, New Testament

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

Reviews

[Nate DeRochie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don’t think I agree with everything in this book, it is a masterful lay-level commentary on the Book of Revelation. If you have always approached this book as though it was a “manual for the future” that has little to do with the here-and-now (other than the fact that “we know how the story ends”), then More Than Conquerors is for you. Hendricksen rightly understands the book as being almost completely saturated in OT imagery. It is, as he points out, a moving picture whose images and themes are predominantly drawn from previous Scripture. Highly recommended.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendriksen's book is a refreshing change from those of contemporary authors trying to fit today's headlines into Revelation's scenes.

Hendriksen was a Christian Reformed pastor and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary (he died in 1982). This book presents the Reformed view of John's Revelation. This may be a different interpretation than most readers of prophetic books are used to these days. That the book I reviewed is a 75th anniversary edition shows that the Reformed view has something to offer that is lasting, unlike popular prophetic books that quickly go out of print.

Hendriksen wants us to view Revelation as relevant, no matter what era we live in. It shows God's hand in history, His Protection, and His ultimate victory. “In the main,” he writes, “the purpose of the book of Revelation is to comfort the militant Church in its struggle against the forces of evil. It is full of help and comfort for persecuted and suffering Christians.” (13) The theme of the book is the victory of Christ and His Church over Satan and his helpers. It may seem like Satan is winning, but Christ is victorious in the end.

What about those who want to find contemporary events in its scenes? Hendriksen says a sound interpretation of the book must have as its starting point that the book was intended for believers in John's day. We should ask how the first readers understood the book in light of the conditions and circumstances of their day. We then realize that the book is also intended for believers in the centuries following.

A general overview of the book is given, a late date (A.D. 95 or 96) is defended, the author is discussed as are the major themes (conflict between the Church and the world, judgment upon persecutors, victory through Christ).

I really appreciated Hendriksen's discussion about the images in Revelation. He notes that they are so broad that they should not be confined to a particular era. He says they cover the entire gospel age in a parallel fashion. The bowls of judgment always follow the trumpets of warning, he says, in an ascending order leading to the final judgment.

I also liked his section on interpreting symbols. Don't press too hard, he suggests, just like with the symbols in the parables Jesus taught. We shouldn't try to find “deeper” meanings. He sees them as impressions describing the Church, satanic conduct, and human behavior.

Hendriksen does identify representations of visions. For the helpers of the dragon in chapter 13, he notes the first comes from the sea and the second from the land. “The first is Satan's hand,” he writes. “The second is the devil's mind. The first represents the persecuting power of Satan operating in and through the nations of this world and their governments. The second symbolizes the false religions and philosophies of this world.” (161) He adds that this image represents the opposition to the Church throughout the gospel age. Armageddon “is the symbol of every battle in which, when the need is greatest and believers are oppressed, the Lord suddenly reveals His power in the interest of His distressed people and defeats the enemy.” (181)

He takes us through the sections of the book, helping us grasp their meanings in light of his understanding of them. It helps us see Revelation as a book of comfort and encouragement.

This is not the kind of book on Revelation that will generate speculative headlines. It is a book that has stood the test of time in its understanding of John's message for us today. I highly recommend this book to those who are open to investigating the meaning of Revelation in a manner not tied to the novelties of current events.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Grant Carter]

The first half of the book, which deals with the structure of Revelation, is incredible. The last half is a mini-commentary which has never been super appealing to me

[Elijah Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable, common sense approach to a challenging book. Hendriksen continuously keeps the “big picture” in mind as he masterfully interprets and explains the overarching themes and messages of the Apocalypse. My understanding of Revelation has grown by leaps and bounds as a result of reading this book. In turn, my appreciation for my God has grown as well. Indeed we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us!

[JT Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say goodbye to premillennialism. This commentary was very easy to read and I wish was more mainstream amongst christians. The book of Revelation can seem daunting and mysterious but this commentary has now turned it into one of my favorite books. Read this book.

[Paul Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not hold to the Idealist view on Revelation, but this was an excellent overview of that position. While I was not persuaded to take this view, I now have a better understanding and appreciation for it. I took a lot of notes and hope to make a blog post comparing it with Historicism.

[Ryan Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book! Only reason it’s a 4 star is because I have to do more studying to convince myself of this interpretation but I’m 90% there. The principles of interpretation make sense of the opening verse where we are told the events “must soon take place”. Now I can actually be edified by Revelation.

[Stuart Gunner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very helpful in understanding the recapitulation view of Revelation. Hendrickson does a great job in showing the OT allusion in Revelation, and makes Revelation a much easier book to read, understand, and teach

[Unchong Berkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful resource for understanding and interpreting Revelation.

[Micah Natal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible, it is a must read!

[Jim Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a commentary on the book of Revelation and is a classic work of biblical Christianity. Hendriksen argues that an eclectic approach should interpret Revelation whereby ideas, principles, theological concepts, and historical conditions are relevant in every age. He outlines the book in seven sections that run in parallel with one another. This view, known as progressive recapitulation, sees Revelation as an apocalyptic prophecy with a unified vision of the inter-advent period as seen from different perspectives. He argues against a literal interpretation that views the book as “history-written-beforehand;” instead, Hendriksen asserts that Revelation was written for believers in John’s era but applicable to believers in any era. He also emphasizes the Christus Victor theme of the book and Christ’s putting Satan in bondage, beginning with His crucifixion. This is a seminal text and a must-read for all Christians.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting but imperfect read. The author offers some articulate insights, particularly on the book’s structure, but the work leans heavily into replacement theology, which readers should approach with caution. He also warns against assigning meaning where none exists, yet in some sections proceeds to do exactly that without backing up his interpretations with Scripture. Overall, it’s an interesting work, though not one I’d consider my first choice.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible read. If you are going to reckon with any scholarly analysis or ministerial exegesis of Revelation, you ought to reckon with the solid interpretation from Hendriksen. My understanding and appreciation for this book of prophecy has increased tenfold from what was already a high level of respect and admiration.

10/10

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and compelling, but unconvincing in many areas. Too many statements made as a fact, but without defense or explanation, too many arguments unaddressed. However, I would be interested in reading again with a physical copy in order to be able to compare directly with Scripture and spend more time with it.

[Samuel Dunyak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful guide to an often neglected and misunderstood book in Scripture. Many Christians improperly view Revelation with a feeling of dread and fear. Hendriksen masterfully explains why the heart of Christ-follower should be filled with joy when contemplating the Last Things. From Genesis to Revelation, the message of redemptive history is clear: Christ is victorious.

[Kelton Zacharias · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best single resource I used in my teaching of Revelation. I don’t agree on every point, but Hendriksen’s work is a classic for good reason. This is an accessible and compelling interpretation of an often misunderstood book.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of rhe most helpful books on Revelation. Hendriksen genuinely helped me not to be so "scared" of interpreting and reading John's incredible book. The first 50pgs, which are all about how to handle and approach the book, are worth purchasing this book for.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent introductory commentary to the book of Revelation. Put this one alongside Vern Poythress', if you want to understand what is happening in a confusing book of the Bible!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A logical, common sense approach to a book of the Bible that can be very intimidating & wildly misinterpreted. Thoroughly enjoyed this commentary.

[Russell Matherly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Not great. Some parts are brilliant (his take on the structure of the book), some not so (threes imply the trinity). Overall an important read, but not my go-to

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

The classic articulation of the amillennial interpretation of Revelation.

[Jake Ruefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never been a big fan of Hendriksen but this is probably the best of his stuff I’ve interacted with. His general approach is very helpful even if the details feel a bit surface level.

[Chris Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best commentaries on the book of Revelation

[Gini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an anniversary edition commemorating 75 years of “uninterrupted printing history” according to the information from the back cover. I don’t know how many other interpretations like this can claim that honor. Within the biographical tribute the reader will find that a publisher named Herman Baker “presented the first trade copies…to the author in July 1939.” (7) This is indeed a commemorative edition.

Given the age of this work I am sure scholarly reviews must be available for those that want to engage in a conversation with the text Hendriksen presents. This book is accessible to all readers, not just the Biblical scholar, and I enjoyed reading this even though I found his interpretation much different from any I had read or heard presented before.

The author presents his interpretation in sections that reflect natural break points in the book of Revelation rather than a verse by verse format. Think of the headers found in most of the Bibles today which serve a similar function. What got in my way in this book was his tendency to add a bit of a grand flourish to his interpretations, but that may have the style when this was originally penned. He covered the entire book of Revelation along with the usual purpose, author, and other background material in less than 250 pages. That alone is a major plus for me.

I would recommend this book for its historical value if for no other reason. I would not recommend reading this as an only source of information related to the book of Revelation.

I received this book from the publisher in return for a review.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first interpretive study of revelation I’ve read. I appreciate how comprehensive the author is in referencing additional passages of scripture throughout the Bible in support of his perspective. That being said, I feel some symbolic interpretation took on some measure of flourish or was a bit of a stretch, but again this is my first real study of the book of revelation and could be my ignorance.

One example of something that feels a little stretchy:
Describing the city of the new Jerusalem the author explains, “ here is the city extending 1400 miles in each of its three dimensions - also 1400 miles upward, and all of pure, transparent, smooth, shining gold. But what does it mean? 12,000 is the product of three (for the Trinity) times four (for the universe) times 10×10×10 (for reduplicated, ultimate completeness and perfection.) Therefore this number expresses the complete imperfect result of the saving power of the train God operating in the universe.”

While this is incredibly intriguing, it challenges my perspective that all of scripture is able to be read and understood by every day man.

Though, perhaps at one point in time this number symbolism was quite obvious and we’ve lost touch in our modern western culture?

I definitely plan to read through this again (after reading and listening to a few different studies on Rev.), hopefully with a group as I’d love to hear from those more familiar with the book of revelation and complementary studies.

Rather than an “end times dystopian” the overall theme was that of God’s faithfulness throughout the entire dispensation and his admonition and encouragement to his church as we await his promised return!

[Jason Kanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

William Hendriksen was a minister, professor, and New Testament scholar, but he was perhaps best known for his excellent commentaries on several New Testament books. More than conquerors: An interpretation of the book of Revelation was first published in 1940 and has been re-released by Baker Books in a 75th anniversary edition.

The first six chapters of the book provide a general overview of the book of Revelation looking at issues like symbolism, unity, and purpose. One thing I appreciated about Hendriksen was his insight that whatever we make of Revelation, we have to understand that it needed to mean something to John's readers at that time. So many of the esoteric approaches to interpreting Revelation seem to ignore that reality.

In the last eight chapters, he begins to look into the meaning of each of the chapters of Revelation with their rich symbolism and meaning. His insights here are deep, yet accessible.

Above all, Hendriksen argues that the apostle John and this letter are for the church. No doubt, Hendricksen too was a man for the church, a characteristic I deeply appreciated.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. The views presented here are my own.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Hendriksen’s More Than Conquerors is a classic. It is also a helpful corrective for many who may be tempted to buy into those peddling books giving exact time tables for the return of Christ.

His interpretation of Revelation is idealist and amillennial, which might surprise readers as many assume that the premillennial view is the only one. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Hendriksen on the details of the millennium and other matters of interpretation no serious reader can deny that Hendriksen seriously wrestles with the text of Scripture.

While there have been many commentaries written in the 75 years since the original publication of this work, it has stood the test of time. Even if one disagree with Hednriksen it still is a helpful volume to have in reading through Revelation.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Academic through the Baker Books Bloggers program for review purposes. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....

[Just Commonly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all, Dr. Hendriksen sees More Than Conquerors as a way for those who enjoy or sought a deeper understanding of Scripture, to see and find an appreciation for it, and a different perspective than one from a textbook per se. The title of this book speaks more to what this book hopes to achieve, which references this Biblical verse:
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:37-39

For the full review scheduled to be live on 12/4/2015, please see: http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/2015...

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Baker Books for an honest review.

[Carol Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new publishing of a classic book. They layout was easy to read and it was a book that was still inspirational after all this time. I had heard passages from this book over time and decided it was time to see it in its entirety. It is a book that is meant to be shared and used for inspiration for all. It gives you a great set of help to use scriptures to understand what is going on in the world that is just as relevant today as it was 75 years ago.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.