A Comprehensive Commentary on the Book of Revelation: A Review by Dave Mathewson

Gregory K. Beale’s long-awaited commentary on the book of Revelation has finally been released, providing a fresh and comprehensive analysis of this complex biblical text. Beale’s lifetime of research and scholarship is evident in this detailed work, which is aimed at students familiar with NT Greek but can also be useful to pastors and theological students.

One of the key strengths of Beale’s commentary is his focus on the theological message of Revelation. He traces the argument of the book and examines each section in light of its broader setting, offering a nuanced idealist approach to interpreting the symbols found in the text. Beale also devotes significant attention to the influence of Old Testament allusions on Revelation, demonstrating how a knowledge of the OT background is essential for interpretation.

Pastors and teachers will appreciate the interpretative summaries provided in the section headings of the commentary, which can help in summarizing the overall meaning of each section of Revelation. While readers may find conclusions to disagree with and the sheer volume of details in the work may be overwhelming, Beale’s commentary is sure to become a standard reference for scholars, pastors, and students alike.

Overall, Beale’s commentary on Revelation is a valuable addition to the field and well worth the wait. Scholars and students alike will benefit from his careful analysis and insightful interpretations of this important biblical text.