The Book of Revelation: What the Spirit Says to the Churches in America instructs lay readers to understand the last book of the Bible as its earliest audiences would have. The book aims to stimulate and educate Christians who find Revelation to be unapproachable. It assists readers to responsibly apply Revelation's messages to their own settings once they understand what the Spirit said to the seven congregations in ancient settings. Only with the original audiences in mind, can modern American readers begin to discern what the Spirit says to them through the words of John's Apocalypse. Through an accessible description of Revelation's linguistic, literary, and historical contexts, readers can learn to approach the book as the seven churches of Asia Minor would have. Comparisons and contrasts between the Greco-Roman culture of Revelation and the United States of the twenty-first century assist readers to answer Revelation's predominant question for themselves: "Who do you worship?" Many of John's own writing techniques are utilized to treat this book as a conversation, so we can discover together "what the Spirit says to the churches in America."
Scott Storbakken is a PhD candidate at Columbia Biblical Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, where he currently resides. He has a diverse work and educational background including scholarly biblical studies, teaching, preaching, counseling, and music. These varied disciplines all come together in this book, similarly to how John’s multifaceted self-identity as a prophet, apocalyptic seer, and pastoral voice to multiple communities all unite in Revelation.
“Rather than focusing on the eschatological details of Revelation, Storbakken investigates the significance of John’s symbolism for the first-century churches of Asia Minor. He then explores implications for twenty-first-century churches in the United States. . . . This book will challenge you to think about how you should live as a follower of Jesus Christ.”
—John D. Harvey, Columbia Biblical Seminary, Columbia International University
“Revelation has been one of the most challenging and misunderstood books in the New Testament for many Christians. However, it offers rich theology and invites its audience into unceasing worship. Storbakken provides the right tools to understand the message of Revelation and shows its relevance in our time, helping the reader accept the invitation and experience the worship.”
—Kei Hiramatsu, Central Bible College, Tokyo
“Storbakken presents the book of Revelation not as frightening or incomprehensible, but as a gift offering a clearer picture of who God is and how Christians might live faithfully even in difficult times. This book offers accessible scholarship and challenging practical application. My own understanding and teaching have benefited greatly—even in places of disagreement, I have found rich food for thought from a learned and compassionate author.”
—Caleb Buddemeyer, Student Minister
“Storbakken’s book provides a much-needed approach that bridges the gap between biblical scholarship and how to apply the message of Revelation in our contemporary church context. . . . He offers principles that help enable believers to think critically about how the message of Revelation challenges how we think and to apply it to a range of social issues. While I may not agree with some of his conclusions, this book represents an excellent guide for the American church to think deeply and critically about the issues facing us today.”
—Alan Bandy, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary