The Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation
by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Introduction | Study Guides | Issues | Questions | Bibliography

[This page is still under construction.]

Introduction to the Book of Revelation:

Various Study Guides for the Book of Revelation:

Definition of "Apocalypse" and Related Words
Some Outlines of the Book of Revelation
The Purpose of the Book of Revelation
Sets of Seven in the Book of Revelation
Number Symbolism in the Book of Revelation
The Number of the Beast: Some Fun with 666
Art, Images and Materials related to the Book of Revelation
Map of the Seven Churches/Cities of Revelation
PPT: The Book of Revelation: The Biblical Grande Finale - access restricted to current students, due to the use of copyrighted images

Some Issues with the Book of Revelation:

(coming soon)

Questions for Review and Discussion:

What is an “apocalypse” (as a literary genre)? What are some of the main features of ancient apocalypses? What is the overall purpose of such writings?
Who were some of the early Christian leaders named John? What are some of the main arguments as to whether the Book of Revelation was, or was not, written by the same person who wrote the three Epistles and/or the Gospel according to John?
What do we know about the social and historical context of this book? What was going on in Asia Minor in the late first century, when this book was most likely written?
What do the letters in Rev 2–3 tell us about the early Christian churches in Asia Minor?
As you read the entire Book of Revelation, which verses or passages surprised you, disturbed you, or inspired you the most? Why?
How is the Book of Revelation comparable to modern science-fiction books or movies? Make a list of similarities and differences in content, purpose, style, symbolism, etc.
How are the teachings of the Book of Revelation still applicable for people who live fairly comfortable and secure lives today, without experiencing much religious persecution?

For Further Reading and Study:

Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament. New York: Doubleday, 1997. - "The Book of Revelation (The Apocalypse)" (pp. 773-813).
FOURTEEN Recent COMMENTARIES:
- Resseguie, James L. The Revelation of John: A Narrative Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009.
- Cory, Catherine A. The Book of Revelation. NCBC 12. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2006.
- Metzger, Bruce Manning. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993; 2006.
- Weinrich, William C., ed. Revelation. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT 12. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005.
- Koester, Craig R. Revelation and the End of All Things. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
- Malina, Bruce J. and John J. Pilch. Social-Science Commentary on the Book of Revelation. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2000.
- Smith, Robert H. Apocalypse: A Commentary on Revelation in Words and Images. Illustrations by Albrecht Dürer. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000.
- Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
- Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
- Murphy, Frederick James. Fallen is Babylon: The Revelation to John. New Testament in Context. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 1998.
- Chapman, Jr., Charles T. The Message of the Book of Revelation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1995.
- Richard, Pablo. Apocalypse: A People's Commentary on the Book of Revelation. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1995.
- Talbert, Charles H. The Apocalypse: A Reading of the Revelation of John. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox, 1994.
- Harrington, Wilfrid J. Revelation. Sacra Pagina 16. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1993.
TWELVE Recent STUDIES:
- Mathews, Susan Fournier. The Book of Revelation: Question by Question. New York: Paulist, 2009.
- Isaac, Gordon L. Left Behind or Left Befuddled: The Subtle Dangers of Popularizing the End Times. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2008.
- Braaten, Mark. Come, Lord Jesus: A Study of Revelation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2007.
- Doyle, Stephen C. Apocalypse: A Catholic Perspective on the Book of Revelation. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005.
- Lewis, Scott M., S.J. What Are They Saying about New Testament Apocalyptic? New York: Paulist, 2004.
- Barr, David L., ed. Reading the Book of Revelation: A Resource for Students. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2003.
- Wenig, Laurin J. The Challenge of the Apocalypse: Embracing the Book of Revelation with Hope and Faith. New York: Paulist, 2002.
- Faley, Roland J. Apocalypse Then and Now: A Companion to the Book of Revelation. New York: Paulist, 1999.
- González, Justo L. For the Healing of the Nations: The Book of Revelation in an Age of Cultural Conflict. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1999.
- Hahn, Scott. The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth. New York: Doubleday, 1999.
- Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. New Testament Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
- Kealy, Sean P. The Apocalypse of John. Message of Biblical Spirituality, NT 15. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1987.
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Apocalyptic and Millennial Websites - a collection of links on the Book of Revelation and Apocalyptic literature