The "Apocalypse of Jesus Christ" are the first words of the book. Revelation is a book written to "reveal, not conceal." With that in mind, the author Christopher A. David did a thorough job of explaining the cultural background of the seven churches to whom the letter was written. Before getting my hands on this commentary, I was very hesitant to do any in depth study or teach the book of Revelation, but after going through this commentary - Revelation not only made sense, but became a book of comfort. Instead of asking when will Christ return, it focuses rather the question of how shall we live because Christ will return. Three highlights of the author's positions are the following:
1. The imagery and symbolism can be explained by the culture that the seven churches would be familiar with.
2. The period of the tribulation is the time from Christ's ascension until He consummates his kingdom.
3. The explanations for the visions also fit with what the culture (Roman and Jewish Christians) would understand.
Revelation was timely for the seven churches and timely for today.
Another great resource is "Revelation's Rhapsody" by Robert Lowery.
