Abstract
I. Biblical studies
Discovering Revelation: Content, Interpretation, Reception by David A. DeSilva is an excellent and accessible introduction to the book of Revelation. Its subtitle promises not only a discussion of the content and interpretation of the text, but also its reception history. The book delivers all three in a clear and well-structured manner, making it a wonderful companion to any reader of Revelation. DeSilva, the Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary, has produced a superb introduction that builds on his previous work on the New Testament and particularly his concern for the rhetoric of Revelation. Although very little is “new” in this volume (at least in terms of academic biblical scholarship), it is nevertheless a great compendium of recent research in an engaging format put to the use of aiding a better understanding of the New Testament’s most difficult work.
The introduction begins with an overview of the structure of Revelation, before exploring strategies for reading Revelation in a way that is grounded in its blended genre of apocalyptic, letter, and prophecy (Chapter 2). DeSilva adroitly handles questions of the text of Revelation, including its origin and transmission (Chapter 3), before painting a robust picture of the setting of Revelation in the religious, economic, and military context of imperial Rome (Chapter 4). The remaining chapters (Chapters 5–11) treat the unfolding flow of Revelation sequentially in an almost narrative-like commentary before DeSilva concludes with remarks on questions of theological interpretation. The major exception to this narrative treatment is his condensing treatment of the seals, trumpets, and plagues into a single chapter, as DeSilva argues for a certain sort of recapitulation present in the text (pp. 106–108).
As an introduction to Revelation, the volume provides an overview of the main interpretive issues, including forays into the reception history of Revelation, as well as a sound attention to the argument of the text itself with just the right number of parallels and historical examples. DeSilva helpfully guides readers to see many of the pitfalls of contemporary dispensational and “rapture” readings, without mocking or jeering those readings. He is thus a generous and understanding guide for those who seek to interpret Revelation amid the confusions produced by contemporary US Christianity. Readers will not be overwhelmed with footnotes or Greek words, but are introduced to a range of key ideas with numerous suggestions for further exploration from the bibliography. While DeSilva’s interpretation of the book utilizes historical-critical information, especially in depicting the ancient historical context of imperial Rome, it is at its best in its focus on the rhetorical strategies of Revelation. What is this biblical book trying to get the readers to do? DeSilva hones in on the topics of faithful witness and endurance as a key thrust of the book that is grounded in the vision of God’s throne and the coming reign in Jesus. DeSilva calls for the reader to see in Revelation an invitation for analysis and analogy. Revelation functions for the church as “a model for how to arrive at and how to communicate a scripturally informed analysis, discernment and critique of modern social, religious, economic, and other power structures” (p. 195).
To that end, DeSilva unsurprisingly calls the reader back to the ways Revelation can function for marginalized groups, with numerous contemporary examples such as Allan Boesak’s reading of the text in apartheid South Africa. DeSilva is also aware of the contemporary debates that push against a liberative reading of Revelation, including its treatment of women (pp. 152–154), use of violent imagery despite its non-violent stance (p. 144), and its tension of final salvation and judgment (p. 188). DeSilva provides his own opinions on these matters that often tend toward the defense of Revelation, but his presentation is even-handed and allows the reader to understand the terms of the debates and see the variety of responses. But such modern concerns do not overwhelm the book, as DeSilva introduces insights from patristic and medieval interpretations of the text alongside pressing issues of post-colonial and feminist readings. The book is thus a great first step into not only the content and interpretation of Revelation but (as the subtitle suggests) its reception as well. This material is paired nicely with the opening chapter’s overview of history of interpretations.
Overall, this excellent work serves as an accessible introduction for lay readers and a refresher for scholars alike. It could easily be used as a key text for a Sunday school class or an undergraduate classroom. I know I look forward to using it in upcoming semesters.