Remarks on scholarly commentaries

The commentaries included in the category Scholarly commentaries are either scholarly (i.e., written for scholars and serious students) or written by scholars and with a specific, valuable view on Revelation or one of the topics discussed on Revelation Resources.

Although it is hardly possible to rank commentaries objectively, I would suggest that some commentaries should be consulted more unhesitatingly than others. Comments are welcome!

Of the most recent commentaries I would mention:

• David E. Aune, Revelation (3 volumes) (1997-1998)
• Gregory K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (1999)
• Robert H. Mounce, Revelation (1998)
• Leonard L. Thompson, Revelation (1998)
• Louis A. Brighton, Revelation (presentation forthcoming) (1999)

Two commentaries with a focus on the history of interpretation are recommended (in chronological order):

• Weinrich, Revelation (2006)
• Kovacs and Rowland, Revelation: The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ (2004)

I would also suggest the following commentaries (in chronological order):

• Peder Madsen, Johannes’ Aabenbaring (1894-1896)
• Henry Barclay Swete, The Apocalypse (1906)
• Wilhelm, Bousset, Die Offenbarung Johannis (1906)
• I. T. Beckwith, The Apocalypse of John (1919)
• R. H. Charles, Revelation (1920)
• Theodor Zahn, Die Offenbarung des Johannes (1924-1926)
• Ernst Lohmeyer, Die Offenbarung des Johannes (1926)
• William Hendriksen, More Than Conquerors (1940)
• Holger Mosbech, Johannes’ Aabenbaring (see also his history of interpretation) (1943; 1934)
• G. B. Caird, The Revelation of St. John the Divine (1966; 1983)
• Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 1-7; Revelation 8-22 (1992; 1995)
• Heinz Giesen, Die Offenbarung des Johannes (1997)
• Grant R. Osborne, Revelation (2002)

Many – especially German – scholars were and are Lutherans. Some seem to be more distinctively Lutheran than others. I would mention the following:

• R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation (1935; repr. 2001)
• Eduard Lohse, Die Offenbarung des Johannes (1960; 8th ed. 1993)
• Martin H. Franzmann, The Revelation to John (1968; 2nd. 1978; repr. 1986)
• Siegbert W. Becker, Revelation: The Distant Triumph Song (1985)
• Gerhard A. Krodel, Revelation (1989)
• Louis A. Brighton, Revelation (1999)

Any comments?