A Bible School Manual: Studies in the Book of Revelation / An introduction, analysis, and notes, containing a concise interpretation according to the symbolic view, numerous references to authorities, and general mention of other interpretations, with the text of the American revised version edited in paragraphs, for the use of Bible students

by Stephen Alexander Hunter

Finally, with special emphasis it should be said, that it is of prime importance for those who would understand [pg 055] the Apocalypse in its proper relations to Biblical thought, that a careful study should be made of the prophecies of Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Isaiah, Amos, Joel, and Habakkuk, together with the Book of Psalms, in connection with the Revelation, in order to catch the inner thought of the book; also of some portion of the Apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Enoch,[63] the Apocalypse of Baruch, and the Fourth Book of Ezra, for these will furnish the atmosphere of Jewish thought in which the Apocalypse was conceived, and will provide substantial aid in understanding the peculiarities of its literary form and the general spirit of the work, as well as in freeing the mind from the trammels of traditional interpretation. But, above all, we should not forget that the book of Revelation is a properly recognized part of canonical Scripture in practically the universal judgment of the entire Christian world, and that notwithstanding its many and persistent difficulties of interpretation, it is yet entitled to our earnest study and attentive thought as containing a living and abiding message from Almighty God, through his Son Jesus Christ our Lord to John the last of the apostles, and through him to the sin-burdened souls of men the world over.

A few authorities are named below, which will be found sufficient to give most that is of value in interpretation for the general reader; others are referred to in the foot-notes. For a fuller list, especially of the older books, consult the Schaff-Herzog Encyclopaedia, or Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, art. “Revelation”; while for the later literature see Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible, and the Encyclopaedia Biblica.

For the English Reader.

Preterist View:—

Farrar, Early Days of Christianity;

Maurice, Lectures on the Apocalypse.

Futurist View:—

Faussett, in Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown's Commentary.

Seiss, Lectures on the Apocalypse.

Progressivist View:—