The Book of Revelation Made Easy: You Can Understand Bible Prophecy

by Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.

Yes, you can understand the book of Revelation! It was, after all, written to be read and understood, as John clearly informs us (Rev. 1:3). The error so many make in interpreting Revelation is not properly taking into account John's original audience and their circumstances, and John's own interpretive clues.

In this helpful book, Dr. Gentry provides textually secure keys for properly interpreting Revelation. His work avoids the sensationalism and newspaper exegesis of modern, best-selling, self-appointed "prophecy experts." Once you have these keys in hand, your can unlock Revelation's secrets and experience a challenging re-reading of this glorious work.

Though John's Revelation is lengthy and complex, Dr. Gentry's book is short and clear. It quickly introduces you to John's own interpretive clues, major characters, and key movements. You will read Revelation with a new and remarkable understanding.

About Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

Ken is the Director of www.NiceneCouncil.com and its sister company Apologetics Group. He received his B.A. in Biblical Studies from Tennessee Temple University (1973, cum laude). After graduating he enrolled at Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. After two years at Grace Seminary (1973-1975) he left dispensationalism, having become convinced of a covenant and Reformed theology. He transferred to Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi (1975-1977). Upon completing studies at Reformed Theological Seminary he was awarded the M.Div. in 1977. After several years of pastoral ministry, he earned a Th.M. (1986) and a Th.D. (1987, magna cum laude) from Whitefield Theological Seminary, both in the field of New Testament.

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

132 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 1999

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

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What we get here is a deep, layered analysis of the Book of Revelation. For the most part, the title rings true. While there are many heady themes or symbols throughout the most scrutinized chapter of the Bible, Kenneth Gentry does his utmost best to break down those themes in layman's terms. One of his best attribute's as an author is his consistent use of proof. If he has a point then he will cite a Biblical passage to support that point. Author's dealing with Biblical stories will often revert to just making points without citing anything; this is something also seen in preachers on TV etc. They will simply say "The Bible says this", but then fail to tell us what passage to look up. Gentry is the opposite. If he says something he will tell you where he got it from. Also, if he didn't obtain said support from the Bible he will show the reader what historical context he got it from. Josephus' "The Jewish War" which showcases Israel's war with Rome culminating in the collapse around AD 70. According to the author, this consequential war serves as the backdrop for John's dramatic symbolism seen throughout Revelation. After reading the arguments, as well as seeing the supporting evidence, I agree.
Many scholars see Revelation as a prophecy intended to be fulfilled thousands of years in the future. As Gentry explains, John tells his audience that the event he describes "must shortly take place". In other words, this chapter is not meant to waited upon for millennium. It is intended to be seen as a foreshadow of events that were to take place in Israel in AD 70.
Another good point the author makes is that the language in the book is supposed to be taken in symbolic form. John even says his prophecies are "sent and communicated". Gentry says this can also mean signified. This important point makes sense as well since the apocalyptic language doesn't make a ton of sense when taken literally.
As Gentry extrapolates, John is showing how the old covenant is no longer.; the Temple is destroyed. Israel disobeyed her people and in Revelation God divorces her, thus ushering in the new covenant which is the Church. Other symbols discussed are Nero symbolizing the Sea Beast and Israel as the harlot.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I agreed with almost all of Gentry's conclusions as listed above. Sometimes Biblical books can be difficult to full grasp. There are so many significant points or symbols that are peppered in every chapter. Some of these points can go right over my head. It's appreciated to have an in-depth breakdown of these points.

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma defesa breve, mas extremamente convincente da interpretação preterista do livro de Apocalipse. Altamente recomendado!

[Mason Sherrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an extremely well researched and organized defense of the partial preterist view of the book of Revelation. Although this topic is theologically complex, Dr. Gentry does a great job of summarizing his previous points at the beginning of each chapter that the reader may follow his arguments & train of thought easily.
He thoroughly explains Revelation’s principal purpose, the importance of time-texts, how to understand apocalyptic imagery (such as the beast & the millennium) and their implications for the Church both in the 1st century and today.
I highly recommend as an introductory resource; as long as the reader has a general or basic understanding of eschatology.

[Wesley and Fernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book during a hot California summer in between college years. I remember finishing it in only a few sittings because I was completely captive to this new (to me) understanding of how to interpret the book of Revelation and differing millennial viewpoints.

This was a great re-read to go through. Certain aspects of dispensationalism and premillennialism have become more apparent to me during the past few years, so it was good to consider these new arguments and go back to books like this to see if they stand up to the dispensational scrutiny. I do, of course, believe that the amillenial viewpoint stands up to scrutiny quite well, but I love the back and forth and nitty-gritty that the arguments present, so it is good for sharpening my mind.

Of course, the author is presenting a postmillennial viewpoint, which I do not embrace; however, the preterist (or partial preterist? I get the terms confused) view is mostly consistent between the two viewpoints, so I can still subscribe to his interpretation of Revelation while not fully embracing his optimistic, postmillennial view.

Definitely check this out if you're considering studying millennial viewpoints and the book of Revelation. It's not a fully fleshed out commentary on Revelation, but it does give you enough to make own curious.

[Vini · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Acts 7, Stephen’s speech beautifully summarizes the continued disobedience and disbelief of the unbelieving Jews from the time of Abraham to the coming of their Messiah. I’ve found this speech particularly helpful in understanding the Old Testament.

In The Book of Revelation Made Easy, Gentry summarizes the book of Revelation that is easily digestible. Though I usually steer new believers away from the book of Revelation, this book makes Revelation MUCH less intimidating. After finishing this book, you will be given a greater foundation for understanding Revelation and the New Testament as a whole.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I’m on the lookout for THE introductory resource to the book of Revelation to recommend to others. Not sure this is It. But its still very good, and easy to follow for those at least familiar with the preterist perspective. Gentry’s central thesis is that the book of Revelation “is a dramatic presentation of some basic themes unfolded in the New Testament. These themes are the coming of the new covenant as the final redemptive order, which appears in Christ, and the passing away of the old covenant order (the temple system) and people (Israel), who rejected Christ and his new order.” (p. 141) I commend this!

[Mike Felker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it claims to be: making the book of Revelation easy. That doesn't mean it answers all of your questions. In fact, it might raise for your more questions than it answers. This may especially be the case if you've never encountered a preterist perspective on the book of Revelation. In fact, most Christians have never encountered preterism and this includes many in the reformed world.

This book is not necessarily intended to be your first stop as a defense for preterism. Instead, it is intended to explain the preterist perspective for Revelation and provides you with the proper tools to exegete the sections that aren't dealt with in the book. What you'll get is an exegetical basis for viewing the book of Revelation within a first century fulfillment by examining the passages which explicitly state that the prophecy really is coming soon (for John's audience). You'll see how a preterist interprets some of the judgment texts and how they show their fulfillment in the events leading up to the destruction of the temple. This is probably where most readers will find the greatest difficulty because the events seem too unbelievable and worldwide to have been fulfilled in a localized event in Jerusalem. But for me, this was the most convincing part because even Josephus (a Jewish contemporary historian) uses similar language that John uses to describe the events.

If I had to say anything negative about the book, it would be the treatment of the millennium. The book was already very short and I think Gentry could have devoted just a few more pages to make the case stronger. But that's the problem with creating short books like this on such a deep topic. How could you possibly explain Revelation in 100, 200, or 2,000 pages? There would never be enough pages to explain all that you want to explain. There are almost always new questions that arise with every explanation. But at least with Revelation 20, I think a verse by verse analysis would have been helpful, even if it was condensed into 20-30 pages.

If you are coming to this having never read a work from a preterist, don't expect to be fully convinced. But you will certainly have a more clear idea on how a preterist might interpret Revelation. If you want a compelling treatment of preterism as a whole that deals with the full range of Scripture, I couldn't recommend more "Last Days Madness" by Gary DeMar. That book made me a preterist nearly overnight.

[Guilherme Reggiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro sensacional! Cumpre com as promessas do título: primeiro por ser de fato para "LEIGOS", pois o autor se preocupa em não utilizar de palavras difíceis ou termos demasiadamente "teologicos" que dificultam o entendimento, e também por dar ferramentas (ou chaves, como ele chama) equipando o leitor a "entender a profecia bíblica".
O único ponto mais fraco do livro em minha opinião, foi no tratamento da questão da "prisão de Satanás", deixa em dúvida se o autor defende que Satanás foi preso SOMENTE no primeiro século, ou que ele está preso DESDE o primeiro século. Além disso, o autor também não aborda a questão de que Satanás será solto ao fim do milênio (Ap. 20: 2,3 e 7,8).
Sem dúvidas um livro que indicarei com muito entusiamos para aqueles que querem mergulhar no livro de apocalipse e ter uma visão escriturística e clara.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't recommend highly enough. Simply the best way to introduce someone to partial preterism and help them make sense of the mystifying book of Revelation.

.... However , one serious problem is he thinks that Rev 20-21 is about the start of the new covenant church . This is ridiculous . If this logic holds I don't know why he isn't a full preterist . Also, he thinks everything is about Jerusalem whereas I think a good case could be made for Jerusalem and Rome .

It's still a good read , but should be balanced with something like Keith Mathison's From Age to Age .

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to a preterist interpretation of Revelation. It is not a commentary, but a thematic discussion of key ideas, people, and judgments. His initial chapter on how John himself provides the key to interpreting Revelation is excellent. There are better commentaries out there, but this is a great, easy read that orients the reader correctly to Revelation.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I do not know how much I agree with the author, but frankly I think that's okay. Eschatology can be a complex thing as there are many views. This author did a great job of explaining and citing his POV, and for that reason I think it is a beneficial read as it is good to have more than one perspective.

[Esther Wyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this one

[Evandro Junior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentry analisa o livro do Apocalipse a partir de uma perspectiva histórica e teológica, mas sem deixar a desejar sobre interessantes insights exegéticos. Apresenta uma perspectiva preterista, ou seja, para Gentry, o Apocalipse foi uma profecia escrita às igrejas do séc. 1 e que se cumpriu no ano 70 d.C., na destruição de Jerusaslém por Roma. Há um foco sobre a proximidade temporal no cumprimento dos fatos narrados ("para mostrar aos seus servos as coisas que em breve devem acontecer..." 1:1, cf. 1:3; 2:16; 3:11; 22;6), e não um cumprimento para milhares de anos depois dos ouvintes originais do livro. Sobre os temas do livro, Gentry apresenta o fluxo dramático no discurso de João: a besta é Nero/Roma (Ap 13), que perseguiu os cristãos entre 64-68 d.C. (três anos e meio, segundo o historiador Flávio Josefo); Jerusalém é "a grande prostitua embriagada com o sangue dos mártires..." montada sobre a besta, que é uma descrição da perseguição que judeus praticaram em conluio com judeus do séc. 1 (Ap 17). Depois da queda da mulher que cometeu prostituição espiritual (Ap 18), Cristo apresenta sua nova esposa (a noiva do cordeiro, Ap 19) e suas descrições de beleza e plenitude para todos no mundo (Ap 21-22). Alguém pode até discordar de Gentry, mas precisa interagir com fortes argumentos que ele fundamenta no contexto bíblico e histórico dos eventos profetizados. Como as características mais negativas do Apocalipse são relegadas para o cumprimento já em 70 d.C., Gentry deixa claro que sua apresenta é dentro de uma estrutura optimista e pós-milenista sobre o reinado e o domínio de Cristo no mundo. A perspectiva de Gentry tem alcançado outras escolas também, por exemplo, no amilenismo (Jay Adams) e no pré-milenismo (Marvin Pate), e tem sido cada vez mais abraçada na academia (cf. Wright). Talvez, o único ponto negativo do livro é a insistência de Gentry sobre o tempo dos aoristos de Apocalipse, extraindo implicações teológicas não tão necessárias (e.g. ele parece desconhecer que pesquisas modernas não mais atribuem "tempo" às formas verbais do grego; cf. Carson, Porter, Campbell etc). De facto, é um bom livro e que traz muitas surpresas para o leitor que nunca teve contacto com o preterismo e uma escatologia de vitória (eu diria até mesmo empolgante!). Felizmente, a obra já está traduzida em português pela Editora Monergismo ("Apocalipse para leigos"). Recomendo.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book and I have to admit that I'm glad that my pastor recommended it for me. Although I still can't say that I'm 100% into the preterist viewpoint, I do have to admit that a lot of the stuff simply just makes sense and it lines up very well. My problems with this Viewpoint and as such, this book, is that there is still not a lot of mention of the second coming. It almost makes it seem like this event is not as significant or it might not even happen at all, which I don't think aligns with scripture. Secondly my next problem is when it talks about judgment in terms of seeing the son of man coming down from the clouds and all of that. The author tries to argue that this is the Judgment that happened in 70 AD and tries to connect it to a few other things but for me that still doesn't sit quiet right. I'm sure there's a better explanation out there so I'll need to ask Josh about this.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pivotal to understanding the message of any book is the question, "What is the author intending to communicate?" In a highly readable and straightforward — and, very importantly, non-speculative — style, Dr. Gentry helps answer this question. Finally, some sensible material on the book of Revelation! The book is certainly too small to answer all of the insightful student's questions, but it fulfills its purpose well. And it appears other resources for further study by the same author are available ("Navigating the Book of Revelation") or will be available soon (the forthcoming two-volume commentary). May the Lord send that this book and others like it gain a wide readership, so that Revelation will no longer remain "a sealed book to the contemporary Church" (p. 139).

[elora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terribly helpful little book. Gentry uses scripture to interpret scripture, historical works that document both the scriptural and actual happenings of the 1st century pointing to the partial-preterist view of "end times" prophecy being fulfilled. Growing up in predominantly dispensational or premillennial churches, the book of Revelation was a scary and daunting book to understand. However, this should not be, since the name it self is to be of a revealing nature.
If you are interested in a new(not really new, but new to our century of Christianity) view on end times and biblical prophecy but are overwhelmed by the monster size books that usually surround the subject, I highly recommend this little gem to whet the appetite.

[J-ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was life changing for me. I no longer live in confusion & fear concerning end times events but am now full of hope, in joyful expectation of the return of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ken Gentry does not write from mere opinion but backs everything he says with The Word of God. Now the book of Revelation is no longer a mystery to me. Ken’s careful, diligent study ties together scripture & Biblical historical events in a way that makes it easy to understand. Glory be to God!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did it! I finally read what Revelation is all about... me, a person who has always shied away from Revelation because 'it's too difficult to comprehend.' Many thanks to Ken Gentry Jr. for writing this! Every explanation is cited by scripture, it unfolds much easier than I expected, much clearer than I expected, and I certainly wish all Christians would read this to know what this book is about & NOT about.

[Andy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and helpful introduction to the book on Revelation from a preterist point of view. This really makes the book of Revelation less intimidating and much easier to understand. Gentry, as always, does a good job of anticipating objections and answering them. Gentry also does an excellent job in all of his "Made Easy" books of writing on a level of lay people.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revelation Revealed

The Book of Revelation remains something of a mystery to many christians, mainly because of poor teaching. We have pushed the interpretation of Revelation out to the end times but Kenneth Gentry argues strongly that it all happened already.

The book lives up to its title, making the Book of Revelation easier to understand.

[R. Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I look forward to his full-length commentary in Spring 2019!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am proud to say I have finished reading the New Testament. Now onto the old!

[Rusten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it. Great introduction to the book.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I write this, I am preparing to preach through Revelation. If I had to pick one book (other than Revelation) for my congregation to read, it would be this one!

[Lucas Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, left me thirsty for more.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer on Revelation.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of Gentry's extensive research.

[Sara Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely helpful book!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentry presents the keys to understanding the book of Revelation in this short, relatively easy to read book. Gentry is postmillenial preterist. Consequently he believes that the bulk of Revelation has already taken place in the past.

Gentry's keys to understanding Revelation are stated early on. He writes:

The three leading keys to Revelation are: (1) John’s express statements that the events prophesied lay in the near future, and therefore must occur in the first century, (2) his repeated declarations and illustrations of the symbolic nature of Revelation, discouraging a literalistic approach, and (3) his early declaration of Revelation’s theme, focusing on Christ’s judgment against the first century Jews. Putting these together, I was able to provide a follow-up key: (4) The dramatic literary flow of action in Revelation, unfolding in God’s divorce decree against his unfaithful wife through her capital punishment, and in his taking a new bride, the Church.

He takes John's words that "the time is near," to mean that the prophecies in the book took place during the lifetime of the readers of the epistle. Gentry notes that the book opens and closes with this statement that the events "must soon take place." This pushes Gentry to search the first century for the historical fulfillment of the prophecies. Consequently, he sees Josephus' "The Jewish War" as historical evidence of this fulfillment.

But Gentry sees the text of Revelation itself explaining that God is about to divorce Israel, the Harlot in Revelation, and wed a new bride, the Church. Israel's adultery and idolatry is one of the central focuses of the book.

Gentry shows how the New Testament is full of condemnation of the Jews, their guilt for Jesus' death, their rejection of his authority, their rejection of God's law, and then their persecution of Christians. God's anger was poured out upon them in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the devastation of the people.

In fact, Gentry argues that Israel's adultery led to the death penalty--stoning, as required under the old covenant. This stoning was quite literal, as the Romans assaulted Jerusalem with the kind of stones described in Revelation 16:21. Once Israel had been divorced through death, the new bride is prepared and given to Jesus Christ the Bridegroom.

Gentry summarizes that Revelation is "a dramatic presentation of some basic themes unfolded in the New Testament. These themes are the coming of the new covenant as the final redemptive order, which appears in Christ, and the passing away of the old covenant order (the temple system) and people (Israel), who rejected Christ and his new order."

This is the most straightforward, clear, and plausible explanation to the book that I've encountered. Many object by saying that Revelation was most likely written after 100 A.D., and thus could not be describing the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Gentry does not even mention this objection, nor give any evidence, outside of his interpretive evidence, that Revelation was written prior to 70 A.D. This is perhaps the greatest weakness in the book. Still, this is a compelling work and is a good place to start in understanding Revelation and postmillenialism.

[Leandro Texeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bom livro, sobre um ótimo assunto. Realmente ajuda a eliminar o nevoeiro que cobre os eventos finais da odisseia terrestre. Abrange os pontos mais conhecidos da escatologia, de forma clara e acessível. Abordagem preterista do Apocalipse, um pouco desconhecida do público evangélico brasileiro em geral.