The NIV Application Commentary: Revelation [Hardcover]

Craig S. Keener (Author)

Book Description

Series: NIV Application Commentary, The | Publication Date: January 1, 2000

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. In other words, they focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable -- but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps us with both halves of the interpretive task. This new and unique series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into a modern context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it can speak powerfully today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The NIV Application Commentary Series helps pastors and other Bible teachers with one of the most neglected elements in good preachingaccurate, useful application. -- Dr. James Montgomery Boice, Tenth Presbyterian Church

The NIV Application Commentary Series is not only biblically trustworthy, but also contemporary in its application. I use it and recommend it. -- Charles F. Stanley, First Baptist Church of Atlanta

The NIV Application Commentary is an outstanding resource for pastors and anyone else who is serious about developing "doers of the Word." -- Rick Warren, Saddleback Valley Community Church

From the Publisher

As we move into the next millennium, the book of Revelation takes on renewed interest. What are the implications of its symbolism--the seven seals, the seven thunders, the seven trumpets, the seven woes, and other vivid images--for Christians today? How are such things to be understood? From the lofty, awe-inspiring events and often cryptic language of Revelation, this commentary draws fresh insight and practical applications for living our faith in this present time.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 576 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; 1ST edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310231922
• ISBN-13: 978-0310231929
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Craig Keener is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky. Three of his many books have won national awards, and his background commentary has sold over half a million copies (including electronic copies and translations). Craig is married to Dr. Medine Moussounga Keener, who holds a Ph.D. from University of Paris 7. She was a refugee for 18 months in her nation of Congo, and together Craig and Médine work for ethnic reconciliation in the U.S. and Africa.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for pastors and teachers., June 28, 2000

By 

rossuk (London, UK) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The NIV Application Commentary: Revelation (Hardcover)

There are plenty of commentaries on Revelation. The scholar has Beale and Aune, the student has got the less detailed but scholarly Mounce, and the layman has the rightly popular Hendriksen. There are a lot of other good commentaries out there, but it is hard to find one that stands out from the crowd.

This one by Professor Craig S Keener fills a need in that it is designed to apply the lessons of Revelation to contemporary life. Keener is no academic lightweight, he has already written a 1061 page commentary on Matthew, but he is no stodgy academic either, he is also actively involved in contemporary church life.

In the commentary he covers short sections of Revelation by first discussing the original meaning of the text, which he does reasonably well. Although I think more care is needed to bring out the meaning of the symbolism of Revelation. The layout could also be improved to make clearer which verse he is talking about. After the section on the original meaning there is a section which builds a bridge between the world of the bible and the world of today. Finally there is a longer section which applies the passage to contemporary western life. The pastor or teacher who has to teach Revelation will find this commentary very useful and it will help to answer the question. "Well what has all that Roman persecution got to do with us?" Craig Keener knows the Western church well enough to be suitably challenging in his application. He will also help to enlarge the horizon of an inward looking church. Because he applies Revelation to contemporary life a new edition will be required five to ten years hence.

The 576 page commentary is sufficiently detailed to answer the main questions posed by the text but it is not over detailed. The busy pastor will still need to supply some more analysis. The book has quite extensive footnotes, which can usually be ignored, and four indexes. Pastors and teachers will benefit from this book as well as students who want more than just an academic interest in Revelation. Good job Craig, look forward to the next edition.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Addition, February 27, 2006

By 

K. Watts "pneumageneration" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The NIV Application Commentary: Revelation (Hardcover)

As always, Keener comes through with first-rate material. This volume contains enough scholarship to empower the user for in-depth teaching, but is also user friendly enough to breathe fresh life into your study of Revelation. Revelation can easily be misinterpreted and misapplied. Keener helps you avoid both pitfalls.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "One of the two best books answering 'so what?' from Revelation", December 31, 2005

By 

C. Garrett, NBCT (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The NIV Application Commentary: Revelation (Hardcover)

If you are reading this, you are well aware that the commentaries on Revelation which include application are few and far between. Most are exegetical (or expository at best), and leave us with a 'so what' question which is seldom answered.

This work takes a major step forward in bringing the Book of Revelation into our daily lives. I will not rehash what previous reviewers have said, but rather, add my kudos to Keener, et al, for a job well done.

If I was disappointed in any aspect of this book, it might have been in the way it was organized. One must read through large 'chunks' of exposition to glean the principles to be learned. However, the major question 'what does this mean to us?' (in a historical context) is addressed much better than in any other such commentary I've read--including the 'Application Bible'.

Honestly, although not nearly as exhaustive, and written more for teenagers and novice Christians, I would recommend another book which made application more PERSONAL. Instead of 'what does this mean to us?', "Dragons, Grasshoppers & Frogs!" (ISBN: 0595366686) answers: 'what does this mean to ME?'. It is a back pocket handbook organized in bite-sized portions of highly nutritious application, relevancy, and exposition. It's easy to tell it was written by a teacher.

One caveat. You would not want to use this book (or 'Dragons') as your sole commentary on Revelation. But as supplements providing 'so what' application , these books are rare finds, and well worth the purchase for those who want Revelation integrated into daily life.