I plead with readers of Revelation to begin reading it in chapters seventeen and eighteen. I know beginning there is against the rule of reading a book from the beginning. But we’re not 1st Century Western Asia Minor believers. The Roman empire is not our context. Which is why our assumptions need to tumble, and I know no better way than to begin in chapter seventeen. We get a sketch, dramatic and overblown no doubt, of Babylon, or Rome. Once we set out its themes, we get a sketch of what the churches of Asia Minor were facing. Then we can begin better in reading the Book of Revelation. Give it a try. See what happens. (That’s one of the reading principles Cody Matchett and I work out in
So, first, Romans in a wonderful new light by reading it backwards! Now, Revelation! Thank you your freedom to not simply stand on a tall place to get a better view, but then, you use the new perspective to journey through the territory to look up close! I will be using this!
Received your new book on the day it released and to say I have enjoyed it is an understatement. After reading the beginning, I skipped over to Chapter 8, How Then Shall We Live in Babylon. In the quiet of my home, I was shouting out, Yes! Yes! Yes! It perfectly describes where we are and why I have been so uncomfortable with the word "evangelical". I am a Christian Methodist with strong Anglican leanings (we have no Anglican church here). I thank you and Cody for compiling such a strong explanation of Revelation and our nation's predicament. It seems our beautiful faith story has been overshadowed by politics. God bless you and yours.
Excellent!!! Thank you, Scot and Cody!
So, first, Romans in a wonderful new light by reading it backwards! Now, Revelation! Thank you your freedom to not simply stand on a tall place to get a better view, but then, you use the new perspective to journey through the territory to look up close! I will be using this!
Looking forward to reading this especially starting at Chp 17
This was so helpful to me this morning! Thank you!
It sounds like Revelation is more relevant for us than I’d ever thought before. I can’t wait to understand more.
Received your new book on the day it released and to say I have enjoyed it is an understatement. After reading the beginning, I skipped over to Chapter 8, How Then Shall We Live in Babylon. In the quiet of my home, I was shouting out, Yes! Yes! Yes! It perfectly describes where we are and why I have been so uncomfortable with the word "evangelical". I am a Christian Methodist with strong Anglican leanings (we have no Anglican church here). I thank you and Cody for compiling such a strong explanation of Revelation and our nation's predicament. It seems our beautiful faith story has been overshadowed by politics. God bless you and yours.
(I am now going to read this latest article)