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Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation
An Understandable and Reliable Guide to Revelation
Blessed, by bestselling author and speaker Nancy Guthrie, provides individuals and small groups a friendly yet theologically robust guide to understanding the book of Revelation. Over 12 chapters, Blessed covers the full text of the book of Revelation, exploring its call to patient endurance as God’s sovereign plans for judgment and salvation are worked out in the world. In this book, Guthrie shows how Revelation is less about when Jesus will return and more about who we are to be, what we are to do, and what we can expect to endure as we wait for Jesus to return to establish his kingdom in the new creation. With a friendly and engaging tone, Blessed takes the fear, intimidation, and confusion away from studying Revelation, providing a solid and accessible resource that individuals and small groups can use to study this important yet often avoided book.
Blessed, by bestselling author and speaker Nancy Guthrie, provides individuals and small groups a friendly yet theologically robust guide to understanding the book of Revelation. Over 12 chapters, Blessed covers the full text of the book of Revelation, exploring its call to patient endurance as God’s sovereign plans for judgment and salvation are worked out in the world. In this book, Guthrie shows how Revelation is less about when Jesus will return and more about who we are to be, what we are to do, and what we can expect to endure as we wait for Jesus to return to establish his kingdom in the new creation. With a friendly and engaging tone, Blessed takes the fear, intimidation, and confusion away from studying Revelation, providing a solid and accessible resource that individuals and small groups can use to study this important yet often avoided book.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2022
564 people are currently reading
3023 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Guthrie
80 books564 followersNancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including through her Biblical Theology Workshops for Women. She is the author of numerous books and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast at The Gospel Coalition. She and her husband host Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of child and are co-hosts of the GriefShare video series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
July 7, 2022
You’d think a book on Revelation would be scary, intimidating, or confusing. But this one is none of those things — it’s actually one of the most comforting books I’ve ever read! This is the second book I’ve read of Guthrie’s, and I really enjoy her style of writing. It’s very scriptural, with verses covering every page.
May 1, 2022
“A Christian life in which we simply orient our lives around the teachings and example of Jesus with no real expectation of His bodily return to this earth is not the Christian life at all. The orientation of a Christian is leaning forward in anticipation of the next big event on the calendar of redemptive history: the second coming of Christ.” (p. 239)
The Book of Revelation is undeniably the most confusing within the Bible, but it’s one I adore reading and studying. I’ve been fascinated by End Times prophecy since becoming a Christian, so it was a no-brainer to request this title on Netgalley. I’ve also heard fantastic things about Guthrie as a sound Bible teacher, so I was excited to finally read her work for myself and even more so to see that her teaching is just as good as I’ve heard.
Throughout this book, Guthrie’s intent is not to focus on drawing parallels to the Scripture and current events, but rather to concentrate on what the Word says and what it means for Christians.
“Revelation was written to fortify Christians to live in the world, enduring its harsh treatment and alienation, with a firm confidence that this world is not all there is, and that, in fact, what may seem like defeat is going to give way to victory” (p. 23)
“Rather, it was written to give servants of Jesus Christ in the first century, and servants of Jesus Christ living in every century since then, confidence in what God is doing to bring about His intended purposes for His world.” (p. 26)
Guthrie shares she was initially hesitant to dive into Revelation, but knew she absolutely had to read and try to understand the book of prophecy. This realization came after she read “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Rev 1:3, echoed in 22:10). In the introduction, she tackles some of the reasons Christians tend to shy away from reading prophecy. In an attempt to dispel these common reasons, she shares that
“Rather, it was written so that ordinary believers who hear it and embrace what is written in it will not only be able to understand it; they’ll be blessed by it–blessed in a countercultural way that the world simply cannot understand and does not value” (p. 12)
It is with this lens in mind that she tackles the entirety of the 22 chapters of Scripture throughout this book.
“Many of the symbols in Revelation find resonance in the specific social, political, cultural, and religious world of the first century….they have theological and spiritual meaning pertinent to the first readers of Revelation, and that meaning must inform how we interpret their meaning for us today.” (p. 19)
Guthrie explains the cultural context, to reveal the true meanings of many of John’s metaphors. This provides insight different to the more literal interpretations I’ve read on Revelation. In this case, providing insight into what may actually be metaphors. I’m cautious to stray from a literal interpretation, but given the vast cultural differences between John’s time and the present, and the unique style of the apocalyptic prophecy in this book, I’m willing to consider multiple interpretations in some cases within this Book.
“One day, after all of the preparing for the wedding, our bridegroom will come for us. All of the waiting will be over. The wedding will give way to the marriage, an eternity of togetherness with the One who loves us. Until then, let’s keep ourselves pure for Him, let’s talk about Him, let’s love Him with all of our souls, all of our strength, and all of our minds” (p. 202)
This is a refreshing take on Revelation, focusing not on the timeline or signs of the Last Days or End Times, but on what the text means for believers today. This would be a great introductory point for anyone looking to wrap their head around the Book of Revelation, but because of its unique focus, it also provides new insights for those who have spent time studying this Book. I have already purchased myself a physical copy of this book for re-reading in the future; this will definitely not be the last book I read from Guthrie!
Thank you to the publisher, Crossway for providing an e-ARC for review via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
To read my full review, including specifics I liked and didn't like (despite this being an easy 5 star book), check out my blog post: https://kristinasshelves.blogspot.com...
June 21, 2022
Which one will you serve? From which will you draw your life, your identity, your satisfaction, your security.
This question is for all of mankind and how you answer is what you will experience. I have been ministered greatly by Nancy Guthrie. She is worshipful in her approach to teaching and that is the thread that she uses in the book of Revelation. Her focus is not on the prophetic but with the explanation of the bowls and trumpets, it is all about the worship and who we worship. How we can be deceived by false teaching, world systems, politics, and the like.
Love and worship are words that are thrown around loosely but a good study of Revelation such as this, will be the blessing you seek as you come to understand the holiness and judgement of God on a world that has rejected him. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
This question is for all of mankind and how you answer is what you will experience. I have been ministered greatly by Nancy Guthrie. She is worshipful in her approach to teaching and that is the thread that she uses in the book of Revelation. Her focus is not on the prophetic but with the explanation of the bowls and trumpets, it is all about the worship and who we worship. How we can be deceived by false teaching, world systems, politics, and the like.
Love and worship are words that are thrown around loosely but a good study of Revelation such as this, will be the blessing you seek as you come to understand the holiness and judgement of God on a world that has rejected him. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 9, 2022
This is the best book I have ever read on Revelation. I have already been a big fan of Nancy Guthrie's writing and was so excited to see this book come out. Nancy writes in a captivating way that makes you see how the whole of scripture points to Jesus and Blessed is no exception here. One thing I greatly appreciate about reading this book is that it has prompted rich theological discussion between my husband and I.
Nancy breaks the book of Revelation down into bite sized pieces, so you can read about 2 chapters of scripture per each chapter in the book. There's a lot of cross references throughout scripture to help make the text less intimidating and so much easier to understand. I especially appreciated the way the book made me think and look deeper into the text.
While I was given a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Crossway in exchange for my review, I do plan on purchasing a hard copy so I can read it again and continue to gain wisdom. I would recommend this book for personal Bible study (and you can get more resources for that from Nancy's website), as well as for a small group Bible study. It would be best for 8-11 weeks, in my opinion. This is a great book for both new Christians and seasoned believers alike, regardless of your familiarity with the book of Revelation. Anyone and everyone can be blessed and grow from reading it.
Nancy breaks the book of Revelation down into bite sized pieces, so you can read about 2 chapters of scripture per each chapter in the book. There's a lot of cross references throughout scripture to help make the text less intimidating and so much easier to understand. I especially appreciated the way the book made me think and look deeper into the text.
While I was given a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Crossway in exchange for my review, I do plan on purchasing a hard copy so I can read it again and continue to gain wisdom. I would recommend this book for personal Bible study (and you can get more resources for that from Nancy's website), as well as for a small group Bible study. It would be best for 8-11 weeks, in my opinion. This is a great book for both new Christians and seasoned believers alike, regardless of your familiarity with the book of Revelation. Anyone and everyone can be blessed and grow from reading it.
September 12, 2024
I 100% should’ve slowed down for this one, cus that was kinda drinking from a fire hose, but I couldn’t help it. SO GOOD!!! She took Revelation and broke it down verse by verse to little bite sized chunks that I could take home and even apply to my daily life. Revelation has never felt so timely/personal. I’d love to try others of Guthrie’s works.
June 12, 2022
For a long time I’ve struggled with Revelation and the whole “end times” debate. I remember sitting in youth group at 11 years old and being shown a clip from Left Behind and being offered no explanation other than “if you don’t want this to be you, you better get right with God tonight.” Not exactly a message you want to just throw at a bunch of middle schoolers who more than likely don’t fully understand the Gospel.
If you grew up similarly, I highly recommend you read this book! If you read only one non-fiction book this year, let it be this one. I think a lot of the fear and uncertainty that surrounds Revelation will become less scary to you; I know it has for me.
If you grew up similarly, I highly recommend you read this book! If you read only one non-fiction book this year, let it be this one. I think a lot of the fear and uncertainty that surrounds Revelation will become less scary to you; I know it has for me.
April 21, 2022
Nancy Guthrie is a great writer, and this is a great book. Her approach to Revelation is not a literalistic, chronological guessing game. Rather, she rightly sees John describing "the end" from multiple perspectives. Guthrie also does a wonderful job of interpreting the symbolism of Revelation in light of the Old Testament, the words of Jesus, and the writings of the apostles. This book is accessible for the average believer, yet also encouraging for a seasoned saint.
September 30, 2023
I got so much out of this book/study! It really dives into scripture verse by verse, unpacking what it means, and modeling how to use scripture to interpret scripture. But beyond just helping me understand and interpret Revelation, it encouraged my soul towards patient endurance in Christ. As I read this thoughtful commentary on John’s vision in Revelation, the Lord used it to enrich and expand my view of Jesus as the reigning heavenly King. My heart was drawn toward awe & worship of the Lamb who sealed my inheritance with His own blood.
As with any book of this type, it’s important to compare what the writer says directly with scripture and see if it holds true. You may find that you don’t agree with all Nancy’s interpretations, but I found her approach thorough and a good example to follow in my own study of other books of the Bible.
I received a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
As with any book of this type, it’s important to compare what the writer says directly with scripture and see if it holds true. You may find that you don’t agree with all Nancy’s interpretations, but I found her approach thorough and a good example to follow in my own study of other books of the Bible.
I received a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
April 3, 2025
This book was such a blessing to me. I will be re-reading it for years to come. Thank you Nancy.
September 24, 2024
An excellent read and resource. Nancy clearly steps the reader through the book of Revelation in such an approachable and theologically rich way. I now have a great appreciation for the book of Revelation and the call it gives its audience to patiently endure all that is before us as we wait for the day of Christ’s return.
May 12, 2022
If I'd ask what you thought was the most intriguing, mysterious book of the bible, what would you say?
There'd be a few options, but I'm sure that the book of Revelation would be on the list. As a result, sometimes we avoid it and other times we interpret the metaphors and make meaning that's outside the context of how it was written.
In this study of Revelation, Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation by Nancy Guthrie, she writes to help us see how "Revelation presents a past, present, ongoing, and future reality that servants of Jesus living in between his ascension and return need to see." She helps us understand the reasons we avoid studying this prophetic book and the reasons why we should study it.
Three verses into the book of Revelation we read, "blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near" (Rev 1:3). Upon reading this, Nancy reflects, "would I ever want to say that there is a blessing from God that I'm not interested in receiving?"
She unpacks the book of Revelation, chapter by chapter, to reveal the blessings we are promised by God as revealed by him in this portion of scripture. We discover the blessing of knowing the Lord Jesus as he shows himself to John in the vision, and also of being known by the Lord Jesus as he speaks to his church. We see blessing in the worthiness of Christ as worshiped in the heavens, in the protection of Jesus as he preserves his people, and in giving our lives for the gospel. The blessed life is also promised us as we prepare for his return, through becoming part of his family and voiding his wrath, and are prepared as his bride to finally share in his resurrection. We're given a picture of the new creation and finally admonished to continue living as keepers of the Words of Jesus.
Nancy traces this theme of hearing and keeping the words written in Revelation as she reflects in each chapter how we can live out these truths practically in our lives.
I really enjoyed this study, it's relevant for us today as those who love and follow the Lord Jesus, to keep sight of the hope and promise of his return while we continue living our day-to-day, growing to become more like him and carrying his truth to those around us.
There's no homework with this one, so if you're looking for a study, she's prepared one - and a leader's guide - for purchase at her website.
If you want to grow in learning more about God's promises through the book of Revelation, I'd highly recommend this book!!
Quick Stats
# of pages: 272 pages
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 Stars!
*A big thanks to Crossway for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review! {https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/di...}
There'd be a few options, but I'm sure that the book of Revelation would be on the list. As a result, sometimes we avoid it and other times we interpret the metaphors and make meaning that's outside the context of how it was written.
In this study of Revelation, Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation by Nancy Guthrie, she writes to help us see how "Revelation presents a past, present, ongoing, and future reality that servants of Jesus living in between his ascension and return need to see." She helps us understand the reasons we avoid studying this prophetic book and the reasons why we should study it.
Three verses into the book of Revelation we read, "blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near" (Rev 1:3). Upon reading this, Nancy reflects, "would I ever want to say that there is a blessing from God that I'm not interested in receiving?"
She unpacks the book of Revelation, chapter by chapter, to reveal the blessings we are promised by God as revealed by him in this portion of scripture. We discover the blessing of knowing the Lord Jesus as he shows himself to John in the vision, and also of being known by the Lord Jesus as he speaks to his church. We see blessing in the worthiness of Christ as worshiped in the heavens, in the protection of Jesus as he preserves his people, and in giving our lives for the gospel. The blessed life is also promised us as we prepare for his return, through becoming part of his family and voiding his wrath, and are prepared as his bride to finally share in his resurrection. We're given a picture of the new creation and finally admonished to continue living as keepers of the Words of Jesus.
Nancy traces this theme of hearing and keeping the words written in Revelation as she reflects in each chapter how we can live out these truths practically in our lives.
I really enjoyed this study, it's relevant for us today as those who love and follow the Lord Jesus, to keep sight of the hope and promise of his return while we continue living our day-to-day, growing to become more like him and carrying his truth to those around us.
There's no homework with this one, so if you're looking for a study, she's prepared one - and a leader's guide - for purchase at her website.
If you want to grow in learning more about God's promises through the book of Revelation, I'd highly recommend this book!!
Quick Stats
# of pages: 272 pages
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 Stars!
*A big thanks to Crossway for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review! {https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/di...}
January 20, 2023
I’ve been doing this Bible study all fall and winter with a neighbor and it has been SO good. Nancy Guthrie is one of my favorite Bible teachers and this study has set the bar high!
We bought the PDF personal study questions for our own time in the Word prior to reading each chapter of her book. I would recommend downloading her PDF of group discussion questions, too. Those are extremely thought provoking and some make for great dinner conversations (depending on your guests! 😅).
Many chapters left me feeling like I got slapped, but honestly, we need that. Just the intro chapter to this book is KILLER good. A few quotes:
“These images are intended to shake us out of our sleepiness and apathy and the détente we may have made with the world's ways.”
“Enduring in our allegiance to King Jesus (even when it costs us) and living, as if we do not expect this world to applaud us, approve of us, or satisfy us.. is subversive. It’s shocking. And at the same time, it is the ordinary Christian life. It is what is expected of a citizen of the kingdom of heaven, living in the kingdom of the world.”
“We need to see this world, and our lives in this world, through the perspective of heaven. Rather than view this world's offerings as attractive, we can see how ugly and unsatisfying they are.”
👆🏻 those are just from the intro! Can’t you imagine how good the rest of the book is?!
We bought the PDF personal study questions for our own time in the Word prior to reading each chapter of her book. I would recommend downloading her PDF of group discussion questions, too. Those are extremely thought provoking and some make for great dinner conversations (depending on your guests! 😅).
Many chapters left me feeling like I got slapped, but honestly, we need that. Just the intro chapter to this book is KILLER good. A few quotes:
“These images are intended to shake us out of our sleepiness and apathy and the détente we may have made with the world's ways.”
“Enduring in our allegiance to King Jesus (even when it costs us) and living, as if we do not expect this world to applaud us, approve of us, or satisfy us.. is subversive. It’s shocking. And at the same time, it is the ordinary Christian life. It is what is expected of a citizen of the kingdom of heaven, living in the kingdom of the world.”
“We need to see this world, and our lives in this world, through the perspective of heaven. Rather than view this world's offerings as attractive, we can see how ugly and unsatisfying they are.”
👆🏻 those are just from the intro! Can’t you imagine how good the rest of the book is?!
April 1, 2023
The Book of Revelation is meant to bring hope and courage to those who trust Christ. Nancy Guthrie opens this often controversial book with solid exposition and winsome application. She opens the text in a way that removes confusion and gives readers an awe for their great God who is in control of all things, especially the promises of eternity. She does not get bogged down in controversies, but focuses on those things which are straightforward and focus on the triune God.
Guthrie is one of my favorite authors and this book is one of her best. I have plans to purchase multiple copies to share and am considering using this book in a group setting. It would bring great blessing to anyone who needs to endure by setting their eyes on Christ.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Guthrie is one of my favorite authors and this book is one of her best. I have plans to purchase multiple copies to share and am considering using this book in a group setting. It would bring great blessing to anyone who needs to endure by setting their eyes on Christ.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2025
Excellent Resource
January 13, 2024
What a fantastic overview of the book of Revelation. If you're mostly intimidated by all of the symbolism in the last book of the Bible, don't be! Nancy Guthrie helps with that, but manages to not get bogged down in explaining every detail.
What I found most helpful about this is that it is really heavy on application, but brings the application from what John would have been communicating to his original audience. Is this not what makes the Bible so special beyond any other book?! It was written within a specific setting and to a specific audience, yet remains timeless--"living and active." Rather than focusing only on the future aspect of Revelation (though that is great), Nancy helps us think about how Revelation impacts our lives as believers today.
There are resources available to use in combination with this book for further study, but I found that the book alone worked well for Bible study as I read the corresponding chapters in Revelation before diving in to Blessed.
Highly recommend!
What I found most helpful about this is that it is really heavy on application, but brings the application from what John would have been communicating to his original audience. Is this not what makes the Bible so special beyond any other book?! It was written within a specific setting and to a specific audience, yet remains timeless--"living and active." Rather than focusing only on the future aspect of Revelation (though that is great), Nancy helps us think about how Revelation impacts our lives as believers today.
There are resources available to use in combination with this book for further study, but I found that the book alone worked well for Bible study as I read the corresponding chapters in Revelation before diving in to Blessed.
Highly recommend!
February 14, 2023
I listened to the audiobook read by the author. I really appreciate her goal, namely to go to the book of Revelation and seek the blessing it is meant to be. This book of the Bible has sadly become more of a flashpoint for arguing and confusion, not blessing and encouragement. Great read for someone who is intimidated by Revelation and has been scared off from reading it.
March 29, 2025
I loved reading through this alongside my Revelation BSF study this year - and cried sooooo many times throughout! Both happy and sad tears... So much deep, convicting truth that encouraged me to hold fast my faith and endure to the end. And the author actually reading the audiobook herself?! Fantastic.
My only complaint is that she takes almost the entire book of Revelation figuratively, including many aspects that seemed to take some hermeneutical gymnastics to do so 😅 (chronology, numbers, descriptions...) So I guess, I would take a much more literal interpretation than she does eschatologically, just because to me it makes most sense to take the simplest explanation.
HOWEVER. Even with those minor differences aside, it was incredibly encouraging to see the big themes pulled out of Revelation and focus on the character of God, His plan for redemptive history, and the call for believers to remain faithful to Christ in an increasingly hostile world.
So good. Definitely enjoyed.
My only complaint is that she takes almost the entire book of Revelation figuratively, including many aspects that seemed to take some hermeneutical gymnastics to do so 😅 (chronology, numbers, descriptions...) So I guess, I would take a much more literal interpretation than she does eschatologically, just because to me it makes most sense to take the simplest explanation.
HOWEVER. Even with those minor differences aside, it was incredibly encouraging to see the big themes pulled out of Revelation and focus on the character of God, His plan for redemptive history, and the call for believers to remain faithful to Christ in an increasingly hostile world.
So good. Definitely enjoyed.
May 18, 2022
Nancy Guthrie simply but carefully frames Revelation as a work that is all about Jesus. I would recommend this to anyone.
Some words from the book:
“Revelation has its own unique way of pressing us into Christ, illumining the person and work of Christ, nourishing our love for Christ . . . It intends to infuse our worship with wonder.”
“Oh, how I hope this study of Revelation has been about so much more than nailing down how to interpret it. The goal is to live it, keep it, and obey it.”
December 28, 2024
I very much enjoyed this book. I was extremely encouraged looking into Revelation. A book that so many are fearful of reading. I'm glad she focused on showing us that this was a book for everyone to read and comprehend, to love and dive into more. That Revelation is a book of blessing and showing us our blessing in Christ. After doing her study (that I 100% recommend doing,) I am able to see clearly where these same things were promised in the OT. I also am leery of a commentary that doesn't tell you and encourage you to seek the scriptures for yourself, while you read the book.
Overall, this was a great introduction to the book of Revelation. I did have a couple of things that I didn't totally agree with her on, but I will pray on those to get more clarity. I don't assume she has all there is to say on the subject, but am very appreciative of what she has done and worked so hard on. I can now read Revelation without feeling lost, and for that I am very thankful.
I think this is really a 4.5 star book.
2024: Read this again because we are studying Revelation in our Bible study. I appreciated this more this time. I think I am learning a bit more because I enjoyed it even more. I really like studying this book in the Bible.
Overall, this was a great introduction to the book of Revelation. I did have a couple of things that I didn't totally agree with her on, but I will pray on those to get more clarity. I don't assume she has all there is to say on the subject, but am very appreciative of what she has done and worked so hard on. I can now read Revelation without feeling lost, and for that I am very thankful.
I think this is really a 4.5 star book.
2024: Read this again because we are studying Revelation in our Bible study. I appreciated this more this time. I think I am learning a bit more because I enjoyed it even more. I really like studying this book in the Bible.
Read
July 15, 20255/24 Reread: This one makes Revelation richer and deeper with every read. So grateful for the way Guthrie redirects my eyes and challenges me to my core.
Wow, this book left me convicted, empowered, speechless…all the things! Nancy Guthrie did a beautiful job guiding the reader through the depths of Revelation, making this book understandable from a first century life perspective and applicable in today’s perspective. An imperative tool in mining the Bible’s final, sometimes daunting, book.
Wow, this book left me convicted, empowered, speechless…all the things! Nancy Guthrie did a beautiful job guiding the reader through the depths of Revelation, making this book understandable from a first century life perspective and applicable in today’s perspective. An imperative tool in mining the Bible’s final, sometimes daunting, book.
April 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
What makes Blessed a fantastic supplement to your reading of the Book of Revelation is how singularly focused Nancy Guthrie is on the exaltation of Jesus. Guthrie is also one of the best at identifying biblical themes and tracing them across Scripture. She mines these gems throughout the book (as Revelation overflows with OT references).
What makes Blessed a frustrating supplement to your reading of the Book of Revelation is the lack of supporting evidence for many of her hermeneutical positions. I wanted to read Blessed to better understand the Covenantal view of eschatology and compare it to the view presented in my church’s Bible study. Blessed explained what the views are but did not explain why or how they arrived at those conclusions.
What makes Blessed a fantastic supplement to your reading of the Book of Revelation is how singularly focused Nancy Guthrie is on the exaltation of Jesus. Guthrie is also one of the best at identifying biblical themes and tracing them across Scripture. She mines these gems throughout the book (as Revelation overflows with OT references).
What makes Blessed a frustrating supplement to your reading of the Book of Revelation is the lack of supporting evidence for many of her hermeneutical positions. I wanted to read Blessed to better understand the Covenantal view of eschatology and compare it to the view presented in my church’s Bible study. Blessed explained what the views are but did not explain why or how they arrived at those conclusions.
November 16, 2025
“there is no book, no story, that has a happier ending than this one”
SO SO good i highly recommend! I’ve always been a lil intimidated by reading Revelation and wondered how are we supposed to let what’s written in this book shape how we live. This author does such a good job of tracing our call to patient endurance and making it digestible! I loved that she went through everything verse by verse. Reading this book with Revelation together challenged me and made me more aware of how I need to step out boldness for His kingdom. This will definitely be a re-read and a book I reference!
“Revelation is a call to patient endurance of tribulation as we await the coming of Christ’s kingdom in all of its fullness”
“As those who are engaged to be married to Christ forever, we say to the world around us: “Come.” Until the day that he comes, we invite all who are thirsty for something more than this world has to offer to come to the only well that will never run dry, the only source that can quench our thirst for life and relationship and meaning”
p.s. shoutout kira for the rec
SO SO good i highly recommend! I’ve always been a lil intimidated by reading Revelation and wondered how are we supposed to let what’s written in this book shape how we live. This author does such a good job of tracing our call to patient endurance and making it digestible! I loved that she went through everything verse by verse. Reading this book with Revelation together challenged me and made me more aware of how I need to step out boldness for His kingdom. This will definitely be a re-read and a book I reference!
“Revelation is a call to patient endurance of tribulation as we await the coming of Christ’s kingdom in all of its fullness”
“As those who are engaged to be married to Christ forever, we say to the world around us: “Come.” Until the day that he comes, we invite all who are thirsty for something more than this world has to offer to come to the only well that will never run dry, the only source that can quench our thirst for life and relationship and meaning”
p.s. shoutout kira for the rec
May 26, 2023
Excellent. Rather than aiming to provide a commentary-style, line-by-line exposition of Revelation, Nancy focuses on helping us understand this oft-feared book and how we can be blessed by its contents. Really helpful for preparing group Bible studies, and for personal encouragement.
November 11, 2025
4.75/5 ⭐️
April 26, 2024
Revelation is far and away the most requested book for sermon series. We are equal parts fascinated and confused by it. Nancy Guthrie’s “Blessed” is my new go-to book for any small group or individual wanting a clear and faithful understanding of John’s apocalyptic letter.
Guthrie writes with simple language to draw us back to John’s purpose in writing Revelation: to remind the church that Christ has won and be faithful to him no matter the circumstances.
Guthrie writes with simple language to draw us back to John’s purpose in writing Revelation: to remind the church that Christ has won and be faithful to him no matter the circumstances.
April 14, 2025
Very good overview of the book of Revelation, which has always been an intimidating one for me. Guthrie stays away from trying to guess how things might map onto current events or other disagreed upon points of interpretation, and sticks more with main themes and points of warning and of hope.
September 12, 2023
'[Revelation] causes us to open ourselves up to someone bigger and grander and more captivating and commanding than we've ever seen before.' (p. 60)
Thoughts:
- Didn't finish it as early as I'd originally planned, but I found this quite useful for helping to think through the topic of eschatology. Revelation is a notoriously challenging part of the Bible, and some Christians are hesitant to read it for themselves due to the perception that it's too hard to understand, feeling put off by too much poor teaching and controversy surrounding it, or just not seeing how it's possibly relevant for present day believers. Nancy does a great job addressing these concerns, and helpfully unpacks historical and biblical context, as well as literary features such as symbolism, repetition, imagery, and structure.
- Before reading this, I hadn't really considered how the original hearers would have felt (Revelation would have been circulated to the original churches in Asia Minor and read aloud to congregations). Very sobering when put into perspective.
- Definitely a resource I'll return to again. Theologically robust, but approachable and concise.
Thoughts:
- Didn't finish it as early as I'd originally planned, but I found this quite useful for helping to think through the topic of eschatology. Revelation is a notoriously challenging part of the Bible, and some Christians are hesitant to read it for themselves due to the perception that it's too hard to understand, feeling put off by too much poor teaching and controversy surrounding it, or just not seeing how it's possibly relevant for present day believers. Nancy does a great job addressing these concerns, and helpfully unpacks historical and biblical context, as well as literary features such as symbolism, repetition, imagery, and structure.
- Before reading this, I hadn't really considered how the original hearers would have felt (Revelation would have been circulated to the original churches in Asia Minor and read aloud to congregations). Very sobering when put into perspective.
- Definitely a resource I'll return to again. Theologically robust, but approachable and concise.
May 6, 2024
This was such a good read!! It broke down so many parts of Revelation that I found confusing. I gained a huge insight and knowledge from the book!!
May 28, 2023
Oh, that I could give more than 5 stars! While not agreeing with every interpretive decision along the way, I can wholeheartedly affirm that Nancy Guthrie has provided a clear and straightforward guide through the book of Revelation. It is refreshing how she doesn't get bogged down arguing for every interpretive decision she's made, and it is delightful to read an author expressing her understanding with a calm and humble confidence, not weighed down by the burden of laying out all the options at every turn. Guthrie clearly and convincingly (to this reader) highlights the relevance of Revelation for churches and Christians today. Her instruction for response and application is appropriately challenging and rightly drawn from her understanding of the text.
May 22, 2022
I love how Nancy Guthrie focuses on Revelation's application to our lives right now and what it teaches us about God instead of focusing on how and when specific events will take place. It reminded me how love of the world won't last. However, Christ will always be by our side loving us and caring for us throughout our lives.
"The dwelling with man is what God has always wanted. And if you think about it, that's really quite amazing, isn't it, that God desires to dwell with us? He does. And clearly he wants to draw close, so close that he will be able to wipe away tears from our eyes, all the tears we have shed over suffering and losses of this life."
"The dwelling with man is what God has always wanted. And if you think about it, that's really quite amazing, isn't it, that God desires to dwell with us? He does. And clearly he wants to draw close, so close that he will be able to wipe away tears from our eyes, all the tears we have shed over suffering and losses of this life."
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