Be Victorious (Revelation): In Christ You Are an Overcomer

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

The book of Revelation stands out as one of the most intriguing, yet least understood books of the Bible. From the sobering letters to the seven churches to the amazing visions and epic battles, millions of Christians have toiled to understand the meaning of this mysterious book. Trust Dr. Warren Wiersbe, pastor and Bible teacher for over forty years, to take you chapter-by-chapter through the various topics in this important book, all the while, keeping a steady eye on the main message of the book: Christ is the victor, and in Christ, we are also victorious. Part of Dr. Wiersbe's best-selling "Be" Commentary series, Be Victorious has now been updated with new content and study questions to aid your in-depth analysis and application of these important truths. Don't miss the chance to get a sneak peak at Christ's decisive victory.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Reference, Religion, Christianity, Theology, Christian Non Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1985

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Frans Kempe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at Revelations with some good insights. A lot focused about on a AntiCrist teaching and a look at the book as a linear process. I did not agree with everything but got some good thoughts from it.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book of Revelation by the apostle John is an amazing, yet intriguing vision, of what many Christians call “the end times.” It is graphic, full of symbolism and historic references, and sobering in its messages to the seven churches of the world. The battle between good and evil reaches its climax with Christ leading his faithful people to victory and into the promised new heaven and new earth…the new Jerusalem. “Behold, I make all things new!” (Revelations 21:5b). Understanding Revelation is challenging and even Dr. Wiersbe admits to areas that Christians must take on faith and pray for God to reveal the true meaning. The vivid imagery and symbolism in the Revelation often draws from Old and New Testament scripture and Dr. Wiersbe does his best to help the reader understand the imagery and symbolism in context with these scriptures. He is thorough in his verse by verse commentary; giving alternate interpretations by other scholars where needed. Most importantly he clearly reminds the reader of the primary purpose behind the writing of the Revelation…to give hope to Christians in all places and in all circumstances. “Christ is the victor, and in Christ, we are victorious.” (back cover).
I and my Sunday school class enjoyed reading and studying the book of Revelation using Dr. Wiersbe’s book as a guide, and I recommend this and other bible study guides in the “BE” series by Dr. Wiersbe.

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the entire New Testament commentaries of Dr. Warren Wiersbe. "Be Victorious" was very helpful to me in understanding some difficult passages of scripture without getting too deep into the weeds. I felt it was one of Dr. Wiersbe's stand-out books from those I've read so far.

I have the Old Testament commentaries as well and will turn to them later, maybe beginning in 2022.

[Donna Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many times in Revelations where Old and New Testament verses supported the new revelations. This alone made this study so much deeper as you realize how woven together our scrupture is, from Genesis through the book of Revelations. What a mighty God! And the second chances He gives are available over and over again till the end.

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, conservative devotional commentary which, while by no means exhaustive (147 pages), provides a good flow and explanation of the text of the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible.

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of Revelation in the Bible is a challenge for many reasons. Readers and interpreters argue about what’s literal and what’s symbolic, what the symbols mean, what’s going to happen when. In Warren Wiersbe’s brief commentary, Be Victorious (Revelation): In Christ You Are an Overcomer, he mentions “I have dozens of commentaries on this book, and no two authors completely agree on everything.”

But I like Wiersbe’s emphasis:

John’s prophecy is primarily the revelation of Jesus Christ, not the revelation of future events. You must not divorce the Person from the prophecy, for without the Person there could be no fulfillment of the prophecy.

In fact, Wiersbe says in his first chapter:

The word translated “revelation” simply means “unveiling.” It gives us our English word apocalypse which, unfortunately, is today a synonym for chaos and catastrophe. The verb simply means “to uncover, to reveal, to make manifest.” In this book, the Holy Spirit pulls back the curtain and gives us the privilege of seeing the glorified Christ in heaven and the fulfillment of His sovereign purposes in the world.

Although Wiersbe gives a more detailed outline of the book, this one emphasizes how Christ is pictured in each section:

In Revelation 1—3, Christ is seen as the exalted Priest-King ministering to the churches. In Revelation 4—5, He is seen in heaven as the glorified Lamb of God, reigning on the throne. In Revelation 6—18, Christ is the Judge of all the earth, and in Revelation 19, He returns to earth as the conquering King of Kings. The book closes with the heavenly Bridegroom ushering His bride, the church, into the glorious heavenly city.

Wiersbe suggests four reasons for the heavy use of symbolism in this particular book. At the time John wrote it, he was an old man exiled on the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony. He might have used symbols as a kind of code, so the Roman officers wouldn’t pick up on what he was saying. Another reason: the symbols’ meaning and strength would last through the years rather than being specific to a certain time and culture. A third possible reason: “symbols not only convey information, but also impart values and arouse emotion. John could have written, ‘A dictator will rule the world,’ but instead he describes a beast.” Also, some of the symbols carry over from the rest of the Bible: the church as a bride, Jesus as a lamb. In fact, Wiersbe notes that “Nearly 300 references to the Old Testament are found in Revelation! This means that we must anchor our interpretations to what God has already revealed, lest we misinterpret this important prophetic book.” And he warns that we “must not conclude that John’s use of symbolism indicates that the events described are not real.”

Something that stood out to me this time around reading Revelation was the parallels between it and Genesis. Wiersbe has a chart with the things that began in Genesis (heaven and earth created, day and night established, the curse for sin, death, people driven from Eden, beginning of sorrow and pain, marriage instituted) and were brought to completion in Revelation (new heavens and earth, no need of sun, no night, curse, death, sorrow, tears, people restored to paradise, marriage supper of the Lamb). I know these must have been pointed in in previous studies or sermon series through Revelation, but it it was like I noticed it for the first time. Maybe I had just forgotten.

I’m not going to get into the explanation and exposition of Revelation and the arguments over the whether and what and when of millennium—that would take too much time and space. Good people can differ on these things. I don’t think different views of the end times are anything to argue or separate over. But, I agree that, as Wiersbe says, “no matter what ‘key’ a student may use to unlock Revelation, he cannot help but see the exalted King of Kings as He vindicates His people and gives victory to His overcomers.”

One good reason for reading and studying Revelation, besides the fact that it’s as inspired as the rest of the Bible, is that “When you have assurance for the future, you have stability in the present.” As more than one Christian has said, “I’ve read the end of the book—I know how it all turns out.” Plus, “A true understanding of Bible prophecy should both motivate us to obey God’s Word and to share God’s invitation with a lost world.”

Here are a few other quotes that stood out to me:

Labor is no substitute for love; neither is purity a substitute for passion. The church must have both if it is to please Him.

The church that loses its love will soon lose its light, no matter how doctrinally sound it may be.

The “overcomers” are not a “spiritual elite,” but rather the true believers whose faith has given them victory (1 John 5: 4–5).

No amount of loving and sacrificial works can compensate for tolerance of evil.

Unloving orthodoxy and loving compromise are both hateful to God.

The first step toward renewal in a dying church is honest awareness that something is wrong.

If men and women will not yield to the love of God and be changed by the grace of God, then there is no way for them to escape the wrath of God.

God’s Word will be there. “The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12: 48). Every sinner will be held accountable for the truth he or she has heard in this life.

It’s always challenging to go through the book of Revelation, But I am thankful for the help this book gave this time around.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Wiersbe did a good job of writing an easy to follow commentary explaining the book of Revelation from a pre-trib, dispensationialist viewpoint. I personally don't  hold to this viewpoint but I still enjoyed and benefited from the study. Revelations is a book of comfort and hope for suffering (and all other) christians as well as a book of prophecy. Like Dr. Wiersbe said the main message of revelations is "the glorious victory of Jesus Christ over all His enemies". All bible believing christians can agree with that. 

[Juani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study!

Gave me a better understanding of the book of RevelationS and I love how he draws the reader back to Christ and our need for daily repentance and continued service for the Lord. I thought that it was crucial how he gave the reader a chance to think through questions and come to salvation !

[Marcelle Malillo maggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and detailed account of the Book of Revelations. Wiersbe has a very fine way of dissecting a very complicated book of the bible. He makes it all crystal clear. I would definitely recommend this study guide.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good study. Come, Lord Jesus!

[Mike Eccles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew that I was taking on a very difficult book of the Bible when I decided to read Revelation with the help of Wiersbe's commentary. My expectations were proved to be correct! "Be Victorious" helped me because it gave me Warren Wiersbe's personal interpretation of this challenging end-times description. He acknowledges that there are many different opinions as to the meaning and implications for us all of many passages. I remain confused but at least have read the whole book of Revelation and can think about his and my own interpretation. I would not have got through the book without the support and encouragement provided.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biblically accurate, but not a deep theological resource. More of a summary. If you want to go really deep into the book of Revelation I would pick a different commentary, but if you want something that gives you basics, then this is the book for you. It does give you a better understanding of the book of Revelations.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revelation was a hard book to be commented, many denominations have different way to give meaning to the symbols here. I think the author of this commentary would skip a lot, and that's true. But for several symbols, the author still explained it but not accuse directly, and for many doctrines the author explained plainly and not touching something controversy.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, as most of all that I’ve read from this author, this book offers a great analysis and commentaries of the book of revelations in the Bible, although I did not find support for some of his arguments from other sources. I believe this is due to denominational approaches to the Scriptures. Great read nonetheless.

[Rebekah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes. I made it about 2/3 of the way through. In short, I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for a strongly dispensational commentary of Revelation. I found it to be more based on speculation than actual scripture or historical events.

Skip this and head for Jen Wilkin’s Revelation study. It’s informative, Biblically based, non hysterical and well researched.

[Chris Hilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful and accessible daily devotional on the book of Revelation. Wiersbe is such a gifted bible teacher - even more remarkable that he takes you through what can seem a very dense book of the bible in such a short devotional. Highly recommended!

[Mike Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increased Understanding of Revelation

I have read through and tried to teach through this book in the past. I wish I had read through this commentary to help me better understand and relay it's content beforehand.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Istartedd reading this December 2021 then put the book down an finished the book this month. This is a significant book that takes some digesstion to enjoy. As with all of Wiersbe books in th"Be" series it does not disappoint.

[Bryan Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and easy to understand

Loved the simple explanation of very difficult theology. Opened my eyes to the certainty and hope of the ultimate future for both Believers and Unbelievers alike. The overcomers of this world will succeed in the end.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revelation is a hard read. Mt Wiersbe helps you work through it. Regardless of where you stand in regards to the Tribulation and the Rapture this commentary will help.

[Linda Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelation is difficult. I read Weirsbe’s study guide while our Sunday school class read Revelation. It really helped.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

Warren Wiersbe opens up a difficult book of the Bible and makes it understandable. He has a way of throwing the reader in and giving insight.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this simple commentary very useful in helping me understand the book of Revelation.

[Beverly Barthiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unveiling The Book of Revelation

I like the fact that this commentary encourages and gives hope. It explains beautifully and really takes the fear out of studying this book.

[Deb Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Superb explanation of the book of Revelation and the end of times.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Lily Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a year to finish this as it also took me a year to finish reading revelation. Such a great aide in my study of the last book of the Bible. To God be the glory forever & ever!!

[Cindy Mink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful study

I have learned so much from Warren Wiersbe. My small group uses his commentaries for our weekly study. While we have yet to study Revelation in small group, I have started the Kay Arthur Precept and I was wanting another commentary to broaden my knowledge. I highly recommend.

[Patricia Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

For clear, practical, accessible teaching, it’s hard to beat Warren Weirsbe. He’s been one of my go-to Bible commentators for decades, and has never failed to untangle knots for me. An easy read, and easy to follow his train of thought.

I’m an armchair theologian, so have been immersed in a deep dive study of Revelation, using several studies, translations, and commentaries (including Wiersbe’s Bible study on Revelation), this one added many sweet and tangy notes. Nice summary statements and bullet-point lists.

An “expository survey” as the book synopsis describes it in Goodreads.
Not exhaustive or exhausting, not a deep, theological dive, but a good place to start. Wiersbe strikes a healthy balance of overview and keeping an eye on critical details.

Especially helpful is Wiersbe’s proposition for the use of so much symbolism. Makes total sense. It helped me understand so much of all symbolism in the Bible.