The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

A startling exploration of the history of the most controversial book of the Bible, by the bestselling author of Beyond Belief. Through the bestselling books of Elaine Pagels, thousands of readers have come to know and treasure the suppressed biblical texts known as the Gnostic Gospels. As one of the world's foremost religion scholars, she has been a pioneer in interpreting these books and illuminating their place in the early history of Christianity. Her new book, however, tackles a text that is firmly, dramatically within the New Testament canon: The Book of Revelation, the surreal apocalyptic vision of the end of the world . . . or is it? In this startling and timely book, Pagels returns The Book of Revelation to its historical origin, written as its author John of Patmos took aim at the Roman Empire after what is now known as "the Jewish War," in 66 CE. Militant Jews in Jerusalem, fired with religious fervor, waged an all-out war against Rome's occupation of Judea and their defeat resulted in the desecration of Jerusalem and its Great Temple. Pagels persuasively interprets Revelation as a scathing attack on the decadence of Rome. Soon after, however, a new sect known as "Christians" seized on John's text as a weapon against heresy and infidels of all kinds-Jews, even Christians who dissented from their increasingly rigid doctrines and hierarchies. In a time when global religious violence surges, Revelations explores how often those in power throughout history have sought to force "God's enemies" to submit or be killed. It is sure to appeal to Pagels's committed readers and bring her a whole new audience who want to understand the roots of dissent, violence, and division in the world's religions, and to appreciate the lasting appeal of this extraordinary text.

This commentary on Revelation is for those who are looking for an easy-to-read, biblically central, and Christologically focused commentary on one of the most intriguing books of the Bible. It is a shame that pastors and followers of Jesus avoid the book of Revelation because of the confusing theories they heard about in the past, or just too many movies! This commentary attempts to get away from the needless debate (though different views are presented) and focus the reader’s attention on the primary focus of the book, the Lamb of God. The Lamb holds history in his hand by virtue of his eternal authority and his invested authority because of the blood that he spilled and his testimony. Therein lies his victory, and therein lies the victory for those who follow him.

Over the course of six months during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Titus Chu shared twenty messages to the church in Cleveland on the topic of "Visions and Revelations." The messages were recorded and posted on the church website, allowing them to be enjoyed by other saints and local churches around the world. This sharing was meant not only to give spiritual supply and encouragement to the saints who were isolated and quarantined at home during this time, but also to be the core of the fellowship and spiritual pursuing of the church. Therefore, the context of these messages was not individual enjoyment alone, but a local church with saints pursuing the Lord together in fellowship. We editors feel this is also the best context for Jesus lovers and seekers enjoying these messages in the future. Though each message is quite high and heavenly, brother Chu's desire was that everything shared could be practically applied to our daily lives and today's need, in turn practically affecting our church life. The first eight messages of the series are presented in this volume as spoken, with only light edits to change them into readable form. We editors have done our best to maintain the flavor and character of the spoken sharing. Most direct references to the pandemic have been made more general for the benefit of future readers, although some specific examples have been kept for the sake of the point being made. We trust readers will find helpful applications in their own settings and environments.The messages in this volume cover the various visions God gave surrounding the birth of Jesus and the beginning of His ministry. At this time, the age of Law was turning to the age of grace, and God gave numerous visions to bring people into a realization of what He really desired. He is gracious, He longs to give grace and lead us and be with us in ways that are so much more intimate than the nation of Israel could experience under the Old Covenant. Consequently, these messages challenge us to leave our old ways, habits and old patterns, and call us to be brought into something new and fresh of God's heart through visions and revelations. By receiving fresh vision from God, we can follow Him more clearly, buoyantly, and with more reality than before.Visions and revelations demand a response from us. These stories from the New Testament demonstrate, on the one hand, the danger of a lack of proper response-seen in Zacharias's initial reaction and in the examples of the chief priests, the scribes, and even John the Baptist. On the other hand, they reveal the blessing to those who pay a price to gain the reality of their vision-seen in Zacharias's eventual realization and the examples of the shepherds, Mary, and the wise men. May these messages not only reveal more of God's heart to us, but also provide us with a supply of life and grace to respond and follow faithfully.We feel it is profitable to note not only the background and purpose of these messages, but also the man who gave them. Titus Chu is a man of vision, and his life and ministry have been marked by always fighting to see more and to labor accordingly. In this way, he follows in the pattern of the apostle Paul, whose Christian life began with a vision on the road to Damascus-a great vision of Christ and the church. Then, later in his life, Paul also wrote to the church in Corinth, "I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord" (2 Cor. 12:1b). The great heavenly vision had become, or produced, many more visions and revelations.

From the Preface: There are indeed few books in the Bible where the modern student does not need deft guidance if reading is to prove profitable. In the case of the Book of Revelation that need becomes absolutely essential. When the average student takes up this book, almost without exception the going is tough, the language baffling, the sense of profit minimal. This situation represents a curious reversal, for in earlier centuries no other part of Scripture so greatly intrigued the imagination of Christendom or so greatly fascinated its painters and musicians .... The book at hand is designed to restore the Apocalypse to its rightful place in Christian thinking. The title asserts a continuing conviction: John as a prophet actually saw a new earth. The ordinary ways of perceiving reality had been radically altered by his faith in Christ.... Even moderns., in their traffic with Òthe earth,Ó have accessible a greater diversity of visions than they suppose. The ancient prophet may still have power to enable us to see a new earth. Such at least is the premise that prompted the publication of this book.

In Visions, Visitations and the Voice of God, Lyn Packer demystifies the often-perplexing subject of revelation and experience with God. Drawing from both scripture and personal experience Lyn opens up the realm of supernatural revelation and makes it relevant to your daily life.