Dr. Becker here presents a fluid, concise, thorough, and Scripturally valid analysis of the book of Revelation, using the text of the original Greek as his basis. The meaning of and purpose for the vision of St. John are presented with great lucidity. Becker cites numerous passages in Scripture, both Old and New Testament, supporting the realities behind the supernatural visions. His inclusion of the original Greek text, along with the accompanying English translation, provides a solid reference, and matters of interpretation among the King James, New International, and other Bible translations are addressed within the context of the original language. It does, however, very heavily rely on the mechanics of linguistics in explaining the translation, and I found myself skipping over some of the explanations of translation (such as the differences between dative, genitive, nomnitive cases). However, differences between specific Greek words are explained in the context of their usage quite clearly (e.g., the Greek "bios" meaning physical life vs. "Zoe" meaning spiritual life).Dr. Becker's commentary dispels myths about Revelation, specifically millenialism, and explains the book to be the history of the Church during the entire New Testament period. His two main points are that the church (that is, the whole body of believers) will undergo much trial and tribulation, and God will preserve his Church even under the most trying of times, until the end when the final victory is won. In this way, Revelation is consistent with the entire rest of Scripture, and, as Dr. Becker points out, brings the story of the Fall in Genesis 2 full circle. The mysteries, misinterpretations, and speculation about The Revelation are so prevalent, and they can often be somewhat frightening. I found this book to be a great source of comfort and hope. Even for those who may not believe all of Becker's commentary, it clarifies and describes what is, undoubtedly, the most misunderstood and one of the least read books of the Bible, and shows it to be in perfect harmony with the rest of the Bible.It is a relatively easy read, the aforementioned linguistic machinations notwithstanding, and is an invaluable reference source. I highly recommend it, not only for Lutherans, but people of all religions and not only for seminarians and scholors, but the layman as well.

Dr. Seigbert Becker proveides his readers with an excellent amillenial commentary on one of the most confusing books of the Bible: Revelation. Working from the origianl Greek, Becker reproduces the Greek, provides a translation, and gives his analysis of the text. Intended for seminary students, but written so fluidly that it was far from being "over my head," Becker points out which terms are to be taken literally, figuratively, and why. He often comes back to these explanations to refresh the reader's memory (as keeping the symbolism from reality can often be confusing).This was truly and enjoyable read for me and reading it before Louis Brighton's commentary on Revelation would have greatly benefited me. While I respect the scholarship in Becker's commentary, there are points that I tend to disagree with. Examples of this are his association with various plagues and symbolic figures as stemming from imporoper use of the Sacraments (Holy Communion and Baptism) and from the evils of false doctrine. While the sacrament argument is plausable, I think Dr. Becker might be reading his own biases into the text as it relates to false doctrine. While correct doctrine is important, I don't believe that warnings against it are necessarily personified by symbolic characters in RevelationIn all, an excellent, highly recommended read, especially for millenialists/Left-Behindites. I think it'll cause you to look at Revelation in a different light.

This is a great book for today. It explains the book of Revelation the way it is to be interrupted from the Greek into today's language. This is also a n excellent commentary on the book of Revelation. This gives great insight into what is happening today. The prophecies of the end times are being fulfilled today.

Best book on Revelations!

This is an excellent commentary on a book of the Bible that because of all the symbolism is not always easy to understand. In the Bible study class I attend every week we use several commentaries as we try to put it all together.I would recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in Revelation.