Revelation is full of symbolic sevens—seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls—but what do they mean? In this episode, we explore how Revelation’s structure isn’t random, but carefully designed to shape its message. We also break down the first eight verses (Revelation 1:1-8) to see how they set the stage for the entire book. Plus, we unpack how Revelation blends three different writing styles, making it one of the more unique books in the Bible.
Books to aid your Revelation journey:
Start Here:
Richard Bauckham, "The Climax of Prophecy"
Richard Bauckham, "Theology of the Book of Revelation (New Testament Theology)"
John Collins, "The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature"
N.T. Wright, "History and Eschatology: Jesus and the Promise of Natural Theology"
N.T. Wright, "Revelation for Everyone (The New Testament for Everyone)"
Craig S. Keener, "The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament"
Also Helpful:
Steve Gregg, "Revelation: Four Views, A Parallel Commentary, Revised & Updated Edition"
Eugene Peterson, "Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination"
Marcus Bockmuehl, "Revelation and Mystery in Ancient Judaism and Pauline Christianity"
Michael Heiser, "The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible"
The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel's Scripture
Amazon Link J. Richard Middleton, "A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology"
Timothy Beal, "The Book of Revelation: A Biography (Lives of Great Religious Books)"
Miroslav Volf, "The Home of God: A Brief Story of Everything (Theology for the Life of the World)"