A Commentary on the Revelation of John

by George Eldon Ladd

A scholarly and comprehensive exposition of Revelation written in the language of the layperson. The verse-by-verse commentary is preceded by a brief discussion of authorship, date, setting, structure, and various methods of interpretation as well as by an analytical outline of the book.

Genres: Theology, Christian, New Testament, Reference, Biblical Studies

308 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1971

About the author

George Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) was a Baptist minister and professor of New Testament exegesis and theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Ladd was ordained in 1933 and pastored in New England from 1936 to 1945. He served as an instructor at Gordon College of Theology and Missions (now Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), Wenham, Massachusetts from 1942–45. He was an associate professor of New Testament and Greek from 1946–50, and head of the department of New Testament from 1946–49. In 1950–52 he was an associate professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif, becoming professor of biblical theology in 1952.

Ladd's best-known work, A Theology of the New Testament, has been used by thousands of seminary students since its publication in 1974. This work was enhanced and updated by Donald A. Hagner in 1993.

Ladd was a notable, modern proponent of Historic Premillennialism, and often criticized dispensationalist views. His writings regarding the Kingdom of God (especially his view of inaugurated eschatology) have become a cornerstone of Kingdom theology. His perspective is expressed in The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, R. G. Clouse, editor (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977) and the shorter and more accessible The Gospel of the Kingdom (Paternoster, 1959).

Reviews

[Michael Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladd writes from an evangelical Christian perspective. He served as Prof. of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. The book is very readable, non-technical, geared for the layman and minister. [His views were firmly entrenched in what is called the "historic premillennialism" school, meaning, briefly, that he amicably opposed the other major end-time teachings: the amillennialist view (i.e., no 1,000 year post-tribulation reign of Christ on earth), postmillennialism (Christ does not return until end of the 1,000 years, when the whole world becomes Christianized - popular view prior to WW I), and dispensational premillennialism (which avers that God's plan for the world is divided into different eras, or dispensations, and Christ will return twice - once to call his followers to heaven, and again, after a 7-year time of trouble, when he will then establish his rule on earth)]. Dr. Ladd explains the book of "Revelation" using generally simple language, with pertinent Bible references, and generally avoiding speculation. His tone is gracious (occasionally lacking in books covering this field), which is most welcome.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a time-tested commentary that's rightfully being republished. Eerdmans has realized the value of several great commentaries that were subsequently replaced in some of their stellar commentary series (NICOT, NICNT, NIGTC) as well as some standout independent commentaries. There are commentators like F. F. Bruce, John Murray, Leon Morris, Merrill Tenney, and Herman Ridderbos among others. These newly-released reprints are published in matching styles in paperback as The Eerdmans Classic Biblical Commentaries series. This volume by the late George Eldon Ladd is an influential commentary on Revelation.

The Introduction is more direct than most in modern commentaries, but the information gets to the heart of the study of Revelation. Since I just recently reviewed a modern critical commentary on Revelation, this work was like a breath of fresh air. He covers authorship, date, and setting including historical background. He gives a fine overview of methods of interpretation. He categorizes them as Preterist, Historical, Idealist, and Futurist. He's a Futurist himself with a little Preterist thrown in but sees dispensationalism as excessive. I don't follow him in all his conclusions, but really appreciate reading them. His view of structure is simple, divided around visions, and is also presented in an outline.

The commentary is in that straightforward style that can sometimes be missed in these days. It gets to the point but is never careless or superficial. He renders complexities with simple clarity. It's a little jewel and I'm glad to see it reprinted! 

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Chris Comis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of the better commentaries on the book of Revelation by an historic premill scholar. Some really good insights, but also some exegetical and historical slips. I appreciated the fact that Ladd was willing to move beyond some of his contemporary dispensational views on Revelation. He tends to overemphasize the already-not yet hermeneutic. Overall, a great book for a non-premill guy like myself to read in that it really forced me to answer some of his critiques and objections to my views on the book of Revelation.

[Adam Gossman · Rating 4 out of 5]

My preferred commentary on Revelation

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful commentary. Historic premillennial. Ladd was bit dismissive of dispensationalists, even calling them "extreme futurists." C'mon!
But, I was very helped by his insights and arguments, especially because he had a good balance between digging into details and not losing sight of the whole.
It did seem a bit dry at times and could have used some more application/devotion, but perhaps that was beyond Ladd's purpose.
Even though it was published in 1972, it was a very relevant mid-level commentary.

[Jenni Enzor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough commentary from a post trib (premillennialism) perspective. I liked how he explained all the perspectives on verses or topics in dispute. He also did a good job explaining how to know if something was symbolic or to be taken literally. I didn't agree with everything, but I liked his humility and his emphasis on God taking care of his people during trials.

[Mary Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I still think Beale is far superior and Caird much better also.

[Tyrone Harbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

a Great work reflecting on the content of Revelation from the classical and historical pre Millenial view.

[Tcblack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am deeply appreciative of Ladd's contribution. Not the least because I have frequently found myself in agreement with him. This commentary was easier to read than most on Revelation.

[Landon Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the work of George Ladd. His theological works have been massively influential in how evangelicals make sense of the church, the kingdom, and the future. In this work, Ladd walks through the book of Revelation. It is essentially a verse-by-verse commentary, although Ladd doesn't go into tremendous detail on any one verse or section. This is a foundational work in the vein of historic premillennial thought.

[Victor Agramonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads on the book of revelation

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent classic commentary on Revelation.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary. Offers varied opinions and options.

[Julio Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladd es muy equilibrado en su acercamiento escatologico, siempre bajo el lente del reino de Dios.

[Mark Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good commentary. I disagree with Ladd here and there but I enjoyed using his opinions in conjunction with GK Beale.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best commentary I've read on the on the book of Revelation.