Westminster Bible Companion: Revelation

Few books of the Bible have had a reversal of fortune like that of Revelation. Written to offer comfort, to aid those trying to understand their faith, and to be read aloud in church, Revelation is viewed by many readers today as shrouded in mystery and rife with elusive symbolism. Yet, as Catherine and Justo Gonzalez point out, we are not as far from the situation about which John writes as we might think. Although we may not face daily challenges of life and death, injustice and idolatry are rampant in our society. And Revelation's dire warnings against those who would rather be comfortable or successful than faithful is of great relevance in our lives today.