The Revelation to John

by The Very Revd Stephen S. Smalley

The Revelation to John by Stephen Smalley is a magisterial interpretation of John's Apocalypse as a grand drama, which can only be properly understood in light of John's Gospel and letters and in the context of the Johannine community. As such, it offers the reader a significantly different approach to this enigmatic text than that offered by most contemporary commentaries. Working directly from the Greek text, Smalley offers a masterful analysis of the critical and literary dimensions of the Apocalypse for students and scholars alike.Contents includean in-depth, critical analysis of the Greek text of Revelationa wealth of scholarly interaction with other commentaries and interpretations of Revelationa canonical assessment of Revelation in light of other Johannine textsa historical understanding of Revelation in the context of the Johannine communityan interpretation of Revelation as cosmic dramaHere is a fresh contribution to the scholarly study of this captivating but often perplexing book of the Bible. Smalley demonstrates that the Apocalypse speaks directly to any situation in any age and offers a portrait of God's loving justice that is relevant to our own society.

Genres: Biblical Studies

600 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2005

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow, I missed this large work on Revelation. Stephen Smalley was familiar to me particularly in his WBC commentary on the Epistles of John. As the subtitle suggests, this commentary is aimed at the Greek text. Revelation has been the subject of such approaches more so than some books of the Bible. There were Charles and Swete of another generation as well as Beale and Aune of recent times. Smalley is up to the task of being mentioned in their rank. Still, English readers can work around the Greek and follow the flow of the argument. In most cases, the English and Greek are side by side.

The Introduction begins by examining the text. He explains his approach as “literary and theological, rather than simply critical and historical. Though critical to some degree, he sees a “basic unity” in the book and accepts the authorship of John. He traces what he sees as the situation behind the book. As many scholars love to do, he takes a stab at constructing the “Johannine Community”. Genre is probed as well. He surveys John’s use of the OT before slowing down for theology. He rightfully sees the role of Christology in the book. When he turns to symbolism and interpretation, we learn his view is that of a “modified idealist”. His section on structure needs expansion.

There are almost 600 pages loaded with exegesis. If you lay aside your prophetic outlook and come here just for exegesis, you won’t be disappointed. I get more from the trees than the forest with this one. Not being part of a series may cause this one to be overlooked, but it stands in the major exegetical category.

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.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smalley's commentary is far from scintillating, but he is consistent. Unlike many commentaries, I read this entire one cover-to-cover for a glass. The strengths of the commentary:
1) He analyzes every single Greek word phrase, every single time. This makes it terribly boring to read through BUT very helpful if you are preaching on one passage b/c he gives you the same information every single time.
2) Smalley's commentary was published just after several important commentaries. He often includes their views as he states his. This is helpful b/c you don't have to buy all the other commentaries.

That being said, Smalley is all about "balance," and this gets ridiculous at times.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with Dr. Smalley on an early date for the writing of Revelation but beyond that I found the commentary wanting. He sees the apocalypse as written in the form of a Greek drama, which is strange given that early Christians boycotted the theater. Regardless, Dr. Smalley is a talented writer, which, is unfortunately rare for an academic.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long but thorough treatment of greek, various views up to date, and lots of notes. Smalley has a minority view that the book of revelation was written much earlier than most commentators would place it.

[Fred Kohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary on Revelation. The textual notes were especially comprehensive.