A Disciple’s Revelation
With my commentary on the Book of Revelation finally being published by a premier global publisher, I have often been asked with genuine interest how and why I would write such a thing! Indeed it was an enriching spiritual endeavor, and I have been encouraged to share some of the personal backstory of Jesus leading me toward a personal revelation of Himself and into His prophetic Word. The Revelation of Jesus Christ: A Disciple’s Commentary (Resource Publications, 2022) is now available–in hardback, paperback, and ebook–and a trim version of the following testimony can be found in the Acknowledgments at the back of the book, yet herein shall rest an expanded telling.
I also must issue caution in that while the plethora of Scripturally sound extra-biblical resources–including commentaries–are superb tools for learning and are often necessary toward one’s educational awareness of Christian history, doctrine, theology, philosophy, ethic, and discipline, nothing could ever replace directly encountering God in His Living Word. Prayerfully reading, studying, and contemplating Scripture is where one gains first-hand revelation that reaches beyond second-hand inspiration. The Holy Spirit will indeed supplement our biblical immersion with the great works, productions, preaching, and teaching of others in the church. Yet our “first love” must always be Jesus Christ, who not only speaks to us through His Spirit in our hearts, but foremost through His written Word (John 5:39-40; Revelation 2:4-5). Our spiritual fruit and ministry must always direct souls toward the same.
Prologue
Compiling this “disciple’s commentary” has been an awesome and humbling experience. To begin anew would surely bring further wonders and an entirely different experience altogether, which has in fact been the case as the new publication is the third edition (or technically the fourth!).
The first edition was self-printed for a church Bible study in December 2000. The second edition was extensively reworked, expanded, and professionally printed (though not widely published) in May 2011. The third edition carries more expansive history, more cataloguing of biblical prophecy, a functional relational theology that satisfies an evident systematic theology, and revised formatting better suited for widespread publication–literally 22 years in the making! The “fourth edition” is explained below.
First Edition: Developing the Foundational Outline
In January 2000, after several years of prayerfully reading and studying the Bible and its prophetic literature, and responding to the Holy Spirit’s instruction and God’s opportunities to exhort and disciple others, I was invited to teach a class on prophecy and Revelation at Woodland United Methodist Church (now Woodland Community Church). This was a privilege for it had been my home church since birth and many were eager to learn more on the topic. For nine months, I and a group of 15-20 souls met weekly to pray and read the Book of Revelation together, enjoying lively discussion and encouragement from God’s Word and one another.
At the end of the studious sojourn (March-November 2000) most of those in the class had accumulated pages of notes but desired something more organized. I was asked to compile and simplify my own notes coupled with the group discussion log I had kept. The result was a 55-page detailed structural outline of the Book of Revelation with its historical, present, and future prophetic importance reinforced by the chapters and themes in Revelation, including extensive Old and New Testament cross-references. I finished the composition in December 2000 and presented bound copies to each class attendee. I was genuinely blessed to receive not only gratitude for the work but continuing dialogue with individuals who proceeded to study Bible prophecy and the Book of Revelation in depth. Of course, as I continued my own prayerful study of Scripture in general and Revelation in particular, I continued expanding the outline with further notes and biblical references as the Holy Spirit faithfully and wonderfully “testified of Christ,” effectively instructing me in the Christology of all Scripture! (John 15:26; Hebrews 8-10; Revelation 1:8)
For the next few years I would routinely get requests for additional copies of the Revelation outline to be given to loved ones, friends of friends, and church leaders interested in the topic (both inside and outside my home church). This opened many opportunities to teach and testify in churches interdenominationally, which in turn led to gaining many fruitful friendships with the leadership and laity of those churches and beyond. This is how Jesus Christ expanded His personal ministry of discipleship and a relational theology in and through my own life. The story of how He initially revealed Himself to me and set His revelation in my heart may someday be told in a later installment.
Second Edition: Systematic Composition and Development
By spring 2008 I was involved with various churches on various levels, most often filling in for pastor friends, leading small group Bible studies, teaching specialized Bible classes, and discipling small groups and individuals who were either unchurched or had no intensive discipleship or study group available at their home church.
Other than the core need of basic discipleship, I found that most Christian individuals’ interest (even if tinged with unfamiliarity, uncertainty, or fear) leaned toward Bible prophecy and the Book of Revelation. Certainly this was no coincidence for two reasons: 1) the times in which we live draws much of humanity (including unbelievers) to consider the end of the age, for better or worse; 2) the Holy Spirit orchestrates the relational proximity of Jesus’ disciples and their circumstances toward fulfilling His command to share His message and make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Indeed, the need for genuine discipleship to Christ and an appropriate eschatological (last days) hermeneutic will only increase; for although we are well into the “latter years” (Ezekiel 38:8) we have crossed the threshold into the “beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:3-8) which is swiftly converging toward the “labor pains” of global judgment that shall birth the Day of the Lord prior to His return (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3). Amen!
And though I had befriended many believers who carried high regard for the prophetic Word and who loved reading and hearing about the same, there was more of a general and/or pop culture aspect to their prophecy awareness. These individuals admittedly avoided directly engaging with Bible prophecy, opting to inform themselves via assorted media and discussion with anyone in their spheres of influence knowledgeable on the subject. In contrast, I had encountered only a few fellow disciples who truly delved into prophetic Holy Scripture with more prayer, passion, and calling than curiosity and fascination. Truth be told, we must ever glorify the God of prophecy over prophecy itself, lest we be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery and traditions of men, and by the craftiness of devils (Ephesians 4:14).
Not everyone is called into exhorting the prophetic severity of God’s Word for specific contexts; and not everyone is gifted by the Holy Spirit with the necessary spiritual gift-set to discern the gradations of Bible prophecy and to instruct according to His direction. That is the beauty of the Body of Christ, we are members of one body but each having different functions/giftings with which to serve our Savior King and fellow believers (Romans 12:4).
Therefore, having identified my own spiritual calling via specific personal commissioning by Jesus Christ (in May and November 1996; and May 1999), and continuing to be discipled directly by both Jesus and the Holy Spirit (Psalm 25:4-5; John 5:39-40; 16:13-14; 2 Peter 1:20-21), I discovered the magnetic truth that Jesus’ testimony is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). He showed me that my part in the Kingdom of Heaven would be defined by severe discipleship to Him, and through the prism of this discipleship He invited me to share the joys and wonderful burdens of His prophetic truth–specifically His Revelation.
By way of general observation and routine requests it became clear by 2008 that I should expand my previous Revelation outline into a more intentional study guide to read alongside the Bible, or even to utilize as a walking tour not only through Revelation but most of Scripture. I set to the task and drawing from my ongoing research, contemplation, discipleship experience, and prayer regarding several didactic pursuits, I restructured the 55-page topical outline into a 130-page light narrative commentary. I finished the bulk of the reboot in spring 2009, though due to increasing ministry involvement and additional writing projects, I spent another year sporadically tinkering with the format, numerous references, and polishing up the topic flow. As any writer/teacher can tell you, it is more difficult deciding what not to share from the reservoir of what one wants to share!
Additions and Appendices
Even as I reworked and refined the Revelation project, I prayed for a specific outlet beyond those individuals who awaited a copy of the new commentary. By late 2010 I had connected with the owner of a local printing company who was interested in both reading the work and printing as many copies as I needed. In early 2011 I had 50 commentaries professionally printed as paperback books. Swiftly they were all distributed. The succeeding months of positively profound and transformative feedback was indeed fortifying as Jesus glorified Himself in wondrous ways!
Interest steadily grew through organic relational connections. Occasionally, batches of 10 to 25 books were desired for small group studies. Additional print orders were placed and copies were given over the next several years, always to specific God-ordained requests and circumstances. Likewise, my teaching and discipling opportunities increased within churches, small groups, and with individuals. Peoples’ interest in Bible prophecy often opens the door for dialogue, then the personal impact follows as prophecy is expounded through the necessary biblical context of discipleship rather than the superficial context of spurious inquiry. I am elated when a soul suddenly realizes there are indeed solid biblical answers to their most challenging inquiries, and that they need not fear reading prophetic Scripture for themselves, therefore prayerfully trusting the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth in countless ways! I am fulfilled when I witness such newfound freedom in Christ illuminating the disciple who decides to actually “take up and read”[1] the written Word God has given us.
The timely requests for copies and occasions to share them recurrently affirmed the Holy Spirit’s captivating ministry, enticing me to remain as in-step with Him as possible. An early lesson I continued to see unfold was that our personal ministries are to consist of our obediently joining with Jesus in His mission, rather than trying to do things for Him. Jesus desires to be actively involved with us. His Holy Spirit abides in us to empower and direct us toward the fuller truth Jesus would have us know and intimately experience; He is not simply present to observe or be our conscience (John 14:16, 26; 15:4-8). Thus the Spirit began to impress upon me an understanding that His Revelation would determine and define my entire future, from personal discipleship to ministry outreach of every context. This settled nicely in my mind and heart in that I had been steadily discerning how Jesus had long been drawing me into His truth and establishing in me a biblical worldview as recorded by the writings of John the Apostle–the Gospel of John; 1, 2, 3 John; and Revelation.
Third Edition: A Relational Theology
In 2017, another Spirit-driven season of frequent and vibrant personal conversation concerning Bible prophecy and the Book of Revelation commenced. Complete strangers in various settings would ask unprovoked, “So what is your take on Bible prophecy?” Echoing the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:27-32, this always led to refreshing discussion and opportunities to evangelize and encourage deeper discipleship. The Holy Spirit prompted me to revisit specific prophecies and world developments regarding current events, the state of the church, and the rise of evil. With greater urgency than ever, I saw the global stage being set for a prophetic firestorm. Meanwhile, much of the western church languished in hedonistic and devilish deficiency no different from the world. I also noticed an urgency in fellow believers’ yearning for prophetic wisdom concerning the end of the age. Conversations and invitations to teach the prophetic Word continued to surge as I wholly embraced the primary aim for my “living sacrifice and reasonable service” to Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2).
Although it was never a definitive plan on my part, the Holy Spirit prompted me to develop my commentary still further. This began as a slow process; however, the Covid 19 pandemic granted a season of extended time and focus. Thus I reconstructed the 130-page second edition into a proper narrative commentary, finishing with 300+ pages of richer historical, current, and future contexts of biblical prophecy anchored by a discipleship-driven relational theology. My goal was to provide an engaging primer for approaching the entire Word of God in a vitally personal way (as God desires) rather than in an impersonal and legalistic way. In January 2021, I independently published the full commentary on Amazon.com’s publishing service (KDP) under my former personal imprint Signet Ring. With minimal advertising, I then prayed for Jesus to glorify Himself through this developing Revelation project.
In February of 2021, and with no knowledge of my new publication, a pastor friend (Larry Davis[2]) invited me to assist with a 19-week message series on the Book of Revelation. God’s timing was sublime. After excitedly agreeing to join my friend and his pastoral team in their Revelation endeavor, I informed him of my recently published commentary. He (and many other church congregants) quickly purchased copies and expressed gracious gratitude for the Christ-centric focus, Scriptural saturation, and clarity of my writing approach. I humbly welcomed the sincere affirmation and received it as godly confirmation. Yet in no way intending to exploit an opportunity just to promote my book, I emphasized that Scripture and a Christological approach to the Book of Revelation must be what is edified as we glorify Jesus. In wholehearted agreement, Larry, his colleagues, and myself set to regularly meeting and preparing for an extended season of preaching/teaching Revelation. Accompanying the Sunday messages (April-August 2021), I facilitated a weekly discussion group to field the multitude of questions that would arise and to teach the foundational aspects of biblical prophecy and discipleship, but also to provide an opportunity for individuals to share their personal revelation and joy that inevitably develops amidst long-term expositional studies–specifically with the Book of Revelation!
Fourth Edition: Fulfillment!
The spiritual warfare that has accompanied the divine call to teach and testify of Jesus’ Revelation has been epic. Any follower of Christ who genuinely follows Him into their unique missions will likewise attest to all manner of such warfare. In autumn of 2021, barely a month after finishing the Revelation series with pastor Larry, a garishly long season of spiritual conflict erupted into unprecedented darkness seeking to repudiate and destroy my character and spirit via false witness and personal betrayal. Despite having been divinely warned of the depth and eventual endgame of this hostility, it did not diminish the spiritual and moral damage I endured. Yet mercifully proven was that my identity has ever been in Jesus Christ alone, from whom I did not waver. All else–reputation, works, relationships, my life itself–is naught. Thus refusing to reactively engage the mania of flesh and devils set against me, and waging warfare by worship, I rigorously revisited an early practice of prayerful lament that Jesus and the Spirit had taught me decades ago. The Lord said, “You need only stand still; I will fight for you” (Exodus 14:14). I walked and grieved through many Psalms and the cogent books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Amos, and Habakkuk. The Prince of Peace faithfully upheld and preserved my spirit and I gained an unforetold serenity and eventual insight for the remainder of my days. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit encouraged me to seek a prime Christian publisher to take the Revelation project to a new level. Indeed, when we seek the Lord’s table even amidst appalling discord and injustice, He eagerly offers anointing, revelation, and direction (Psalm 23:5).
After praying through the 2021 holiday season, what I expected to be a lengthy and tedious process was supernaturally sudden! I have long held favored publishers whose works I admire and routinely read. Thus in February 2022 I began with the top of my list: Wipf and Stock Publishers, foremost an academic publisher but heralding several varying imprints (for fiction; nonfiction; inspirational; etc). Upon visiting the website I noticed a tab for submitting book proposals and/or manuscripts (a comprehensive application procedure that trims mere ideas from actual substance to be submitted!). After tendering my proposal with the attached full manuscript I had published the previous year, I prayed and prepared to wait six to eight weeks for a response. One week later I received notification that Wipf and Stock (W&S) had reviewed my work and would love to publish my commentary under their academic imprint: Resource Publications. In March 2022 I was contracted to W&S and gave myself three months to update, expand, finalize, and convert the new manuscript (MS) to the new publisher’s “house style” of body/citation formatting (thus a fourth edition!). On June 1st, 2022, I submitted my MS. The next few months entailed the necessary typesetting, correcting, proofing, and production. The Revelation of Jesus Christ: A Disciple’s Commentary was officially released in September 2022 and is available worldwide via all major publishing venues and distributors. Marketing is handled by the publisher; and being an academic work it is also marketed to universities, seminaries, and campus churches. The W&S team has been superb and are interested in my current and future projects. To God be all glory! Click here for a direct link to the Wipf & Stock book entry.
In keeping with my life mission and the Lord God directing my path (Proverbs 3:6), another pastor friend (Mark Thomas[3]) invited me to partner with him and his church family for what became a 22-week message series on Revelation (April-October 2022). And though the expositional season and discussion group emphasis on Revelation has concluded, my sense is that it will not entirely end in that a hunger for God’s Word and Jesus’ heart yet lingers within many souls of this particular assembly. And Jesus’ Revelation has stirred and primed those souls for so much more of Himself. I too am drawn to this assembly unlike any other in past decades. I see Almighty God moving and I anticipate the awesome thing He is establishing (Exodus 34:1-10).
Epilogue
I have been asked why I would choose to write a commentary on a biblical book as mysterious and “controversial” as Revelation. In truth, as I have explained above, I was compelled by the Spirit to write such in stages as I grew in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and continued to hunger for His truth (2 Peter 3:18). As my relationship with God deepened and upon receiving greater revelation, I would respond to the Holy Spirit’s direction and obediently follow His lead into specific truths proportional to the ventures at hand (John 16:13; Ephesians 4:15-16). And while there will always remain some unattainable mystery within the Book of Revelation, the key to unlocking what has been revealed is intimately knowing God’s Word from beginning to end, and equally knowing the God of the Word (Jeremiah 33:3).
Attempts to interpret and understand the Revelation of Jesus Christ whilst ignorant of the rest of Scripture–particularly Old Testament prophetic literature–will only grant one frustration and confusion, and thus controversy. This is proven by most of humanity’s presumptive and contradictory traditional views on prophetic (and non-prophetic) Scripture. No one, save God Himself, has all the answers or a perfect hermeneutic. Yet, in Christ, we can truly know the Author of the Word; therefore we can know His view (1 Corinthians 2:16).
If only more disciples would truly hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches (Revelation 3:22). That is my ever-ascending prayer.
Notes:
1. Tolle Lege is Latin for “take up and read,” often refers to Augustine’s conversion to Christianity.
2. Larry Davis is lead pastor of Grace Church in Seaford, DE.
3. Mark Thomas is lead pastor of Compass Church in Salisbury, MD.
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