Posted by Georg S. Adamsen on July 2, 2008
Waddell, Robert C. The Spirit of the Book of Revelation. Journal of Pentecostal Theology Supplement Series, 30. Blandford Forum: Deo Publishing, 2006. xii + 226 pp.
This book is the author’s revised Ph.D. thesis at the University of Sheffield, supervised by Professors L. C. A. Alexander and J. C. Thomas.
According to Jan A. du Rand’s review in Review of Biblical Literature (pdf), Waddell focuses on hermeneutical issues (”intertextuality” and the role of the reader, in the case of this author, the Pentecostal reader). This is the subject of Chapters 2ff.
Chapter 1 deals with history of research (modern period), while the last chapter analyses Revelation 11:1-13, which, according to Waddell’s understanding of the structure of the book, “sits at the center of the book literarily and … theologically and forms the
intertextual center of the role of the Spirit in the Apocalypse” (cited by du Rand; no page number).
According to Waddell, there is no longer need to acquiesce to the evangelical doctrine sola Scriptura because the revelation of God is transmitted by the work of the Holy Spirit to new generations. The doctrine solus Spiritus would be more appropriate. This emphasis by some exegetes about the role of particularly Pentecostal receivers in the process of interpretation may be heavily debated by others, when it comes to the issues of exclusivity and the role of the Spirit in doing theology. (Jan du Rand)
See du Rand’s review for a more systematic presentation!
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Posted by Georg S. Adamsen on January 10, 2008
Trench, Richard Chenevix. Commentary on the Epistles to the Seven Churches in Asia, Revelation II.III. 1st ed. London: Parker, Son, & Bourn, 1861. xi + 225 pp. At least six editions were published in the UK and the USA in the 19th century. Reprint. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 1997. 249 pp.
Richard Trench, Doctor of Divinity, and archbishop of Dublin 1864-1884, was also the author of the well-known Synonyms of the New Testament.
This commentary, which despite the title includes a commentary on 1:4-20, was written while Trench was Dean of Westminster. It is based on the lectures he gave three times to the theological students at King’s College London.
In the introduction Trench comments on the many exegetical problems as well as on “the entire originality of these seven Epistles” (p. 8; cited from the pdf-edition mentioned below). “While the analogy of faith is perfectly preserved, while there is no difficulty in harmonizing what is here said of Christ’s person and offices with what is taught elsewhere, yet how wholly new a series of titles are these” (ibid.).
Trench emphasises that “there is enough in these two chapters alone to render Arianism entirely untenable by any one who, admitting their authority, should consent to be bound in their interpretation by the ordinary rules of fairness and truth” (p. 9). But Trench did not only value the theological substance of Revelation.
“And, finally, the practical interest of these Epistles in their bearing on the whole pastoral and ministerial work is extreme” (p. 10). The seven messages “are full of teaching, of the most solemn warning, of the strongest encouragement” (ibid.). Indeed, “We learn from these Epistles the extent to which the spiritual condition of a Church is dependent upon that of its pastors; the guilt, not merely of teaching, but of allowing error …” (ibid.).
Trench laments that Revelation 2-3 is never heard in the Anglican Churches, and that private reading among the people is scant (p. 11). These are “chapters so rich in doctrine, in exhortation, in reproof, and promises …” (ibid.).
Authorship and recipients
Trench argues that the author is John the Apostle. The alternative is that John is a falsarius. (p. 14). He was banished to Patmos for his steadfastness in the faith of Christ Rev 1:9); he was only released at the accession of Nerva (see p. 37), and “The whole book breathes the very air of martyrdom” (p. 37).
Trench argues that ‘in (the) Spirit’ means “a condition in which there is a suspension of all the motions and faculties of the natural life” (p. 38). However, according to Rev 10:4, John was about to write, so some faculties were retained.
The Epistle – for, according to Trench, the Apocalypse is indeed an ‘epistle’ – is written to the seven church and the Church, they represent “in their mystic unity” (p. 16; cf. pp. 42-45).
Trench comments on the salutation, but does not explain what grace and peace really mean (p. 17). Perhaps he simply assumes that his readers know.
Key-note to the whole book
Commenting on ho erchomenos in Rev 1:4, Trench identifies the key-note to the whole book as “I come quickly.” “It is Christ’s word of comfort, or, where they need it, of warning, to his friends; of terror to his foes” (p. 19). This must be the meaning of ho erchomenos here as well. I agree. With Origen, Trench asserts that Rev 1:4 yields evidence for “the equal divinity of the Son with the Father” (ibid.).
Trench interprets the clouds that accompany Christ’s second coming in Rev 1:7 as “symbols of wrath” (p. 31). However, in the light of Daniel 7 this seems to me to be too one-sided. Trench also turns Zechariah 12:10 on its head (ibid.). ‘The Lord’s Day’ is Sunday (p. 40-41).
Holy Spirit
The ’seven spirits’ is the Holy Ghost, Trench argues (p. 20f). Again, I agree with Trench’s conclusion as well as his arguments. Trench cites Richard of St. Victor, as regards the interpretation of ‘the faithful witness’ in Rev 1:5. Today, most will interpret it in the light of the OT or in the light of Jesus’ actual testimony before Pilate. Trench/Richard interprets it theologically.
Grammatical departures
As to the many departures from ordinary grammar, Trench asserts that “the doctrinal interest here overbears the grammatical” (p. 23). For other explanations, see Laughlin, Solecisms and Beale, Use of the OT.
Other glimpses
Trench makes use of the Old Testament as well as the rest of Revelation. ‘The prince of the kings of the arth’ is “A manifest reference to Ps. ii 2″ (p. 26). Naturally, Trench’s text-critical remarks are outdated. Yet they are not without interest (see pp. 28, 29).
On Rev 1:6, Trench states that “The royal priesthood of the redeemed (see Exod. xix. 6; 1 Pet. ii. 9) flows out of the royal priesthood of the Redeemer, a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek (Ps. cx. 4; Zech. vi. 13).” (p. 29).
The ‘angels’ of the seven churches
Of the many well-made observations, I must restrict myself to mention that Trench identifies the ‘angels’ of the seven churches as the bishop (p. 78). Trench reminds us that there were many elders of the Ephesian Church already at Paul’s time (Act 20:17, 25). “And yet now, with this large of numbers of presbyters, there is only one Angel in each of these Churches. What can he be but a bishop? – a bishop too with the prerogatives which we ascribe to one” (p. 79). One may (and should) discuss the details of Trench’s argument, but I think he has made a strong case for the “human” (as opposed to “angelic”) interpretation of these ‘angels.’ I would suggest that this issue is a good topic for a paper (or, perhaps, a thesis).
A worthwhile commentary
I believe that these sample quotes and summaries are enough to show that Trench’s opus is worthwhile to study. Repeatedly, Trench cites other commentators, not only in English and German, but in Latin and, occasionally, Greek as well. Undoubtedly, it makes the commentary more difficult to read for many, but Trench’s opus seems to me to be worth the effort needed to study it.
Historico-prophetical interpretation rejected
In a lengthy excursus, added as a sort of appendix (pp. 291-312), Trench discusses “the historico-prophetical interpretation of the epistles to the seven churches of Asia” (p. 291). Trench notes that all the interpreters were agreed that Revelation 2-3 “were also written for the edification of the Universal Church” (p. 293), that the seven churches “in some sort represent the Universal Church” and therefore offer moral and spiritual guidance to all Christians (p. 293). Trench summarises what we can learn from each church (pp. 294f).
The “Periodists” claim that “we have in them [the seven messages] … a prophetic outline of seven successive periods of the Church’s history” (p. 296). Trench cites Joseph Mede and Vitringa. Trench asserts – correctly – that the Church Fathers were not periodists. The first were the “Spiritualists, or extreme Franciscans,” not Augustine or Chrysostom (pp. 299f). They took their lead from Joachim of Fiore (p. 301). The The “Spiritualists” used this type of interpretation “for the assault of the dominant Church and hierarchy of Rome” (p. 300).
Their interpretation was modified chronologically and dogmatically after the Reformation, which “was easily effected.” “The whole thing was a subjective fancy of men’s minds, not an objective truth of God’s Word, and would therefore oppose no serious resistance” (p. 301). The periodist – or church-historical – interpretation assumed importance, primarily in the Reformed Churches of Holland from about 1650 and into the next century. Cocceius (1603-1669) was the primary promoter (pp. 303ff). Cocceius divided the Church’s history into seven periods before Christ’s coming and seven after. Cocceius did not deny a historical element in the seven messages, but others did (e.g., Floerke, Lehre vom tausendjährigen Reiche. Marburg, 1859, pp. 59ff; see Trench, p. 305 n. 1).
As modern interpreters agree, the prophetico-historical interpretation lacks Scriptural foundation. Trench notes that it also lacks the seal of history (p. 308). And the periodists do not agree (p. 309).
Well, I have summarised enough of what Trench himself call “the arbitrary artificial character of all the attempted adaptations of Church history to these Epistles” (p. 312). A final quote, though: “The multitude of dissertations, essays, books, which have been written, and still are being written, in support of this scheme of interpretation, must remain a singular monument of wasted ingenuity and misapplied toil; of the disappointment which must result from a futile looking into Scripture for that which is not to be found there … ” (p. 312).
The 312 page 1862-edition of Trench’s commentary, published by Charles Scribner in New York, is available in an electronic edition at The Digital Christian Library (direct link to pdf-format here).
Posted by Georg S. Adamsen on January 8, 2008
Jenkins, Ferrell. The Old Testament in the Book of Revelation. Foreword by Homer Hailey. Marion, Indiana: Cogdill Foundation Publications, 1972. Reprint. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1976. Reprint. Temple Terrace, Florida : Florida College Bookstore, 1984. 151 pp. Still in print (see below).
This volume was originally presented as the author’s thesis (M.A.) at Harding Graduate School of Religion. It includes a bibliography (pp. 133-141) and two indices. One of the first studies on the topic, and (as far as I remember) on a not-too-technical level. As its publication history shows, there was a need for this book.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword / Homer Hailey
Preface
The Old Testament background of the Book of Revelation
The number and analysis of Old Testament quotations
The text used in the Old Testament allusions
The purpose of the Old Testament allusions
The place of the Book of Revelation in Apocalyptic Literature
The times in which apocalyptic grew
Apocalyptic – a re-interpretation of prophecy
Apocalyptic literature distinct
The Book of Revelation
Illustrations from the Book of Revelation
The four horsemen
The sealing of the servants of God
The great harvesting
The overthrow of Babylon
An examination of Old Testament books most frequently used in the Book of Revelation
Daniel
Ezekiel
Jeremiah
Isaiah
Zechariah
Psalms
Exodus
The description of Christ in the Book of Revelation, chapter one
The description in verses 4-7
The vision of Jesus on Patmos (verses 10-20)
Titles of Deity from the Old Testament
Creator
He Who is and Who Was and Who is to Come
The Almighty
The God of Heaven
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
The Root of David
The Lamb
The Bright Morning star
The Holy One
The Key of David
The beginning of God’s Creation
Old Testament imagery used in the Book of Revelation
Place-names from the Old Testament
Jerusalem
The River Euphrates
Armageddon
Objects from the Old Testament
The Tabernacle and the Temple
The altar
The ark
Old Testament characters
Balaam
Jezebel
Summary and conclusion
Selected bibliography
General index
Index of Scripture references.
Still in print
Dr. Jenkins has informed me that this volume is still in print: “Because the current publisher of the book does not have a marketing strategy many people think the book is out of print. You may secure a copy from the Florida College Bookstore. I wasn’t able to locate the book on the website, but you can send an Email to bookstore [at] floridacollege [dot] edu for information. I think the book now sells for $4.95. I saw a used copy on Amazon recently for $59.96!” (See “Resources on the Book of Revelation” for more.)
Posted by Georg S. Adamsen on
Bøe, Sverre. Gog and Magog: Ezekiel 38-39 as Pre-text for Revelation 19:17-21 and 20:7-10. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament, 2nd Series, 135. Tübingen: J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck), 2001. XVI + 449 pp.
This dissertation is a rev. ed. of a dissertation submitted to The Norwegian Lutheran School of Theology (Det teologiske Menighetsfakultet) Oslo, Norway and published in the series Studiebibliotek for Bibel og Misjon, 5 (Oslo: Biblia/Fjellhaug Skoler, 1999). It was defended for the major doctorate (dr.theol.) at September 25th, 1999 at the Norwegian Lutheran School of Theology.
The book consists of five chapters. The first defines the task, surveys the history of research, discusses methodological issues, and, finally, some introductory issues as regards Revelation.
Chapters 2 and 3 analyse the Gog and Magog traditions in the OT outside of Ezekiel and in Ezekiel 38–39, respectively.
Chapter 4 surveys references to Gog and Magog in other primarily ancient literature from before c. AD 100. Later literature is treated in three excursuses.
Chapter 5 analyses John’s use of the Gog and Magog-traditions in Revelation 19:11–21:8.
A summary, bibliography and indices concludes the dissertation.
The most original part of the thesis is Chapter 4, while Chapter 5 is disappointingly weak on theological discussions as regards the relevance of his study for the overall interpretation of Revelation and for the understanding of Rev 20:1-10. There are, nevertheless, many useful observations in this thesis.
Reviews (more here):
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Posted by Georg S. Adamsen on January 6, 2008
Farrer, Austin: The Revelation of St. John the Divine: Commentary on the English Text. Oxford: Clarendon, 1964. Reprint. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2005. 242 pp.
Farrer interprets John as a rabbinic preacher seeking “new inspiration by drawing old texts into fresh combinations” (p. 30) and thinks that OT was authoritative for John. If the meaning of words and images cannot be found in Revelation, they must be found in the OT.
“Another of St. John’s formal procedures is the exegetical. His whole apocalypse is a visualized meditation on sacred texts” (p. 57).
Caird was heavily influenced by the work of Farrer.
See also Farrer, Rebirth of Images.
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Waddell, Robert C. The Spirit of the Book of Revelation. Journal of Pentecostal Theology Supplement Series, 30. Blandford Forum: Deo Publishing, 2006. xii + 226 pp.
