The Apocalypse: A Reading of the Revelation of John

by Charles H. Talbert

In this concise and clearly written commentary, Charles H. Talbert brings to mainline Christians a fresh reading of the book of Revelation, demonstrating that it is not only accessible but relevant for the modern-day Christian. According to Talbert, the primary causes of the marginalized status of the book of Revelation by mainline Christians are threefold--the apparent inaccessibility of its meaning, the seeming impossibility of its pastoral application, and its demonstrated susceptibility to abuse. Talbert ably demonstrates that the book of Revelation was written to help the early Christians avoid assimilation into the larger pagan culture. Talbert also gives full attention to the literature of the Greco-Roman, early Christian, and early Jewish worlds as he examines the more mystical components of the narrative.

136 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Chris McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary on and interpretation of Revelation is remarkable on three counts: It is superb, concise, and accessible. That is a feat rarely achieved in academic writing. I found it immeasurably helpful as a teaching resource for a Revelation Bible Study.

Talbert places Revelation in its historical and literary context and does not give in to the temptation to apply it to current events. This gives the book a timeless quality, allows Revelation to speak for itself, and leaves room for the reader to easily discern contemporary applications from Scripture.

Talbert's "The Apocalypse" joins Richard Bauckham's "The Theology of the Book of Revelation" as my primary resources for Revelation. For a deeper dive, I've found G.K. Beale's "The Book of Revelation" in The New International Greek Testament Commentary series helpful, though I haven't spent as much time with it.

[Steve Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and uninspiring, but has some helpful background and perspective.

[Richard Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more attention.