Navigating the Book of Revelation: Special Studies on Important Issues

by Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.

The Book of Revelation is simultaneously the most difficult and the most intriguing book of Scripture. Because of these twin realities, it attracts great attention from the newest Christian convert to the most erudite biblical scholar. Unfortunately, too many self-proclaimed "prophecy experts" carelessly leap into the heart of Revelation's drama. In their zeal they seek to get at the exciting action that begins exploding on the scene several chapters into the book. By doing this they overlook John's own stated interpretive clues, thereby causing them to miss his entire point. In this work Dr. Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., author of Before Jerusalem Dating the Book of Revelation, highlights some of the important issues for understanding Revelation. In an earlier book, The Book of Revelation Made Easy, he explained the fundamental issues necessary for grasping the main drift of Revelation. In this follow-up work, he builds on those principles in order to assist the reader in Navigating the Book of Revelation. The author is currently working on a multi-volume commentary on Revelation from the perspective of redemptive-historical preterism. The chapters contained within are summaries of several side-studies that will appear in his commentary. They should help the prophecy enthusiast navigate the mine field that we know as "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 1:1). About the Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., Th.D., is a retired Presbyterian pastor and author or co-author of over thirty books on theology and biblical studies. He is a conference speaker who has spoken throughout America, in the Caribbean, and Australia. He is a conservative, evangelical, and Reformed Christian. He holds a B.A. from Tennessee Temple University (Biblical Studies); the M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary (Pastoral Ministry); and the Th.M. and Th.D. from Whitefield Theological Seminary (New Testament).

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr. is a Reformed theologian, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (RPCGA). He is particularly known for his support for and publication on the topics of orthodox preterism and postmillennialism in Christian eschatology, as well as for theonomy and six day creation. He holds that each of these theological distinctives are logical and theological extensions of his foundational theology, which is Calvinistic and Reformed.

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Reviews

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly await Dr. Gentry's forthcoming two-volume commentary on the Book of Revelation, which will represent decades of work. Until then, I tackled this short tome. Dr. Gentry makes a compelling case for a preterist reading of the Apocalypse. Highly recommended.

[Joshua Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exegetically helpful as always.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, a good introductory book to the preterist eschatology.

[Jonathan]

By far one of the best books on Revelation ever written.

[Jarmo Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a rewarding look at some key passages in the Book of Revelation from a preterist perspective. Who was the Beast? Who was Babylon? What about 666? The Great Harlot? Who persecuted the believers? And so on. Gentry, a partial preterist, highlights important aspects of the end-times debate, many of which a full preterist could readily agree with. On a few occasions he even refers to one of the pioneers of full preterism, J. Stuart Russell, while at the same time pointing out that Russell went too far. Still, Gentry seems to show a certain respect for him—more than for some of the more recent preterists.

All in all, this is a significant contribution to the interpretation of Revelation. The appendix provides interesting arguments against the common futurist charge that preterism is anti-Semitic. While Gentry does not explore every part of Revelation in great depth, the areas he does address are insightful and rewarding.

[Carson Callis · Rating 3 out of 5]

My main criticism of this book has less to do with the substance of the text and more to do with the presentation. This book cries out for an editor to give it a final once-over, but alas it gets none.
In several places we have the word "insure" when what is clearly meant from the context is "ensure."
The author switches between versions mostly without notice; the only exceptions offhand I recall are mentions of a translation error in the NASB and one note towards the end that he used NKJV for a specific quotation. I wouldn't have picked up on this but for his occasional usage of the KJV with its obvious "thees" and "thous."
We have multiple places where the same word is used multiple times in the same sentence; I found a short sentence toward the middle of the book where "therefore" is used twice.
Thus continues my journey into partial preterism.

[Fred Kohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book repeats some of the material from The Beast of Revelation by the same author, but is worth reading in addition. I was hoping David Aune,s commentary would shed more light on the idea that the Whore of Babylon is Jerusalem, but he only said that it was doubtful.

[DOUGLAS GREENE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

If you are looking to better understand the book of Revelation then this book is a must read! I have read several books by Ken Gentry. All of them have aided in a much better understanding of a book that many shy away from, Revelation. To have a grasp on the book of Revelation is to have a grasp on the Glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! His promises are being fulfilled and will continue to be fulfilled until their completion!

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some helpful commentary on a handful of passages in Revelation. I appreciated how they were interpreted using a wide breath of passages from all over scripture.

This book, by design, is not a commentary that gets into the details of all of Revelation. I'm looking for a good one from a Postmil perspective, and am looking forward to the release of Mr. Gentry's commentary.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

An good presentation for the preterest view

I found it to be an interesting read and of interest to add to my understanding of some facts about the prettiest view. I appreciate dr. Gentry's scholarship and documentation. He has done much to influence my belief in an early writing of the book of Revelation.

[History7teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a commentary, but a survey of places and issues in The Revelation which frequently cause questions. Very easy to understand, and very helpful. I just finished teaching through The Revelation in Sunday School and found this book a great help to me and one to recommend to fellow class members.

[George Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book very much. The insights the author presents was to my liking. Motivated me to read it twice and soak it in. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Frikkie Bruwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

A good amount of research and thought went into this book with logical conclusions. Can't wait to read more from Kenneth!

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a helpful exegetical work displayed by the author. Gentry and the Book of Revelation are a great match!

[AlegnaB † · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

[Gabe Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book for those who are debating their eschatology. Gentry presents a view for many applicable eschatological views. I could tell how much research went into this, and it truly was an amazing book.

[Bryan Edenfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentry’s book is a good resource for those who already have a working knowledge of the Book of Revelation. That being said, the book reads more like a research paper than a commentary. Citing a number of references, he often fails to connect the dots for the reader. Not to be too harsh, there are places where he gives much more detailed exposition and commentary on both the text and how he arrived at his interpretation. Overall, it’s a helpful work and as a result, I look forward to the fuller expression of his interpretations in his new commentary.

[Evan Minton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent scholarly treatment on the book of Revelation. Anyone studying eschatology should have this book in their library.