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A Companion to the Book of Revelation
Cascade Companions
Imprint: Cascade Books
This book is meant to be a companion and guide through what many deem to be the most perplexing book of the New Testament. As such, it introduces the reader to the kind of literature Revelation is, how to interpret its pervasive symbolism, and sees it as a response to the unique circumstances of seven historical churches in first-century Asia Minor living under the shadow of the Roman Empire. This companion pays special attention to the literary context and flow of argument of John's unique book, while also giving attention to the effect the visions would have had on the first churches. It also pays attention to the more perplexing details of the text. Revelation was primarily a book that called the churches to maintain their faithful witness in the face of a hostile environment. It also continues to speak to the church today, though perhaps not in the way we often think.
David L. Mathewson is Associate Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Colorado. He is the author of Revelation: A Handbook on the Greek Text (2016).
“David Mathewson provides a solid and straightforward guide to reading Revelation as if John’s churches mattered, asking how they would have understood the book’s message and challenges. He helps us think about the landscape that those early Christians inhabited and how Revelation casts a new and piercing light upon it and upon living out a distinctively Christian witness in that landscape. . . . This is a very helpful first companion to reading a challenging book.”
—David A. deSilva, Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Ashland Theological Seminary
“Dave Mathewson is a wise and trustworthy navigator through the mysterious and controversial book of Revelation. His Companion to the Book of Revelation is exactly what most people need to negotiate this apocalyptic wilderness successfully. He offers substantive, up-to-date scholarship in clear, understandable language and covers all the essential areas: historical background, interpretive issues, theological concerns, and contemporary application. If you are drawn to study the book of Revelation, I can think of no better guide than Mathewson’s Companion.”
—J. Scott Duvall, Professor of New Testament, Ouachita Baptist University
“David Mathewson has given us a clear, concise, and reliable guide through the distinctive challenges that Revelation poses for modern readers. Users of this volume will discover not only that Revelation can be understood by readers today, but also that it carries a profound and sober message that needs to be heard in our times. Prepare yourself for many ‘Aha!’ moments as you read Revelation with this trustworthy Companion.”
—Martin Culy, Former Professor of New Testament and Greek, Briercrest Seminary
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