Revelations Books

`The Journey' is one of those few books that offers real guidance and solutions to people seeking better relationships, both at work and in their personal life. I found this book inspiring and engrossing; the story the author shares with his readers immediately captivates them because we all can relate to what he has experienced. The manner in which he reveals the steps to better understanding yourself will leave you nodding your head in agreement. It's short enough that it doesn't get preachy (like a lot of books about relationships tend to do) yet long enough to provide positive and thought-provoking examples of how we can respect and accept differences of those we work and live around.

The authors, Jed Selter and Gil Tumey, have emphasized the communication stumbling block in everyday interactions and how to overcome and defeat the obstacles that miscommunication deals us. `The Journey' is fascinating and insightful; I highly recommend it to everyone who has ever felt that there was more to life than the rat race we all feel we are caught up in.

The Journey is a powerful and motivating story, easily read and understood. It tells of the transformation that can occur as we understand and embrace the concepts that bring happiness and meaning to our lives. Such a simple, true, and hopeful message - one we MUST share with others!

The hour (or so) it takes to read this book is a very worthwhile investment. The book addresses how we each have at our disposal a mechanism to raise us above our current problems and concerns to achieve personal and professional happiness and fulfillment, a fulfillment based upon making a meaningful contribution to the lives of others. The book teaches that each of us are empowered to make a difference in not only our own lives -- raising us above our current circumstances -- but also in the lives of the people all around us, to the mutual betterment of all.

I have had the pleasure of attending seminars given by the authors and have experienced the teachings within "The Journey" first hand. They are not only applicable to today's business environment, but very timely as well. The messages and focused direction of the steps to developing better relationships (both professional and personal) are easy to understand and even easier to implement.

I've found that most people forget a great deal of what they learn in seminars unless the material is immediately applied and often re-visited. The authors have given us a book we can refer to and use to refresh our memories and re-energize our daily lives.

I've read many similar type books and I place "The Journey" at the top of my prefered list, alongside the "Celestine Prophecy" and "The Tenth Insight". They all capture our interest through (somewhat) fictional stories, hold our attention by using our curiosity and teach us about life through practical, common sense techniques and applications.

You will enjoy the ride (and the read).

This is a thorough and very readable account of the authorship of the books of the Bible. All the books of the Bible and the Apocrypha are discussed. He also briefly describes the historical background of the compilation of the Bible. The appendix includes a timeline, a glossary, and an index.

However, the book does have some flaws. Although some sources are cited in the text and footnoted, there is no bibliography. Also, not all the sources for his ideas are cited. For example, on page 257, he states that the author of Mark "made errors describing the geography of the area Jesus traveled, errors that strongly suggest the author had little familiarity with Judea and that his sources for information also had little familiarity with the area." However no source is cited for this statement, so it is difficult to evaluate its accuracy. Paul Barnett in Is the New Testament Reliable? A Look at the Historical Evidence disagrees and states that the author of Mark was familiar with the geography of Galilee and the surrounding areas.

Despite its flaws, this is a well-written, thought-provoking presentation of some controversial ideas.

This is an easy to read history of the writing of the Bible, as well as of the time periods when the writing took place. It's a great book for those of us who would like to know more about the Bible but are intimidated by the the overly scholarly or religious tomes covering the Bible. While it's not a suspense novel like Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, it has as many belief shaking suprises, that Trickler delivers in an objective and readable manner. While Trickler debunks many long held beliefs about who wrote the Bible, he does so without discrediting the importance of the Book, or those who may cling to the traditional views. This book gave me a better understanding of the who, the why, and the when, and I came away with a stronger curiosity in learning more about the Bible and the history of God.

For those that are curious about the source and orgins of the Christain Bible but are not dedicated Biblical scholars, here is a good laymen's summary of the current state of Biblical scholarship. There is much we do not know for certain and more than one speculative theory is often presented. C. Jack Trickler has done all the work and research for you, so with very little effort on your part, this book gets to the meat of the origins of the Bible. This is not a book for those that believe every word in the Bible was written by the hand of God (in English!). However, if you seek both God and knowledge too, this book will augment your study without telling you what to believe.

C. Jack Trickler did an excellent job of making a very complex subject readable. For anyone who has been overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused when attempting Bible study, this book is an excellent resource. The author puts the Biblical books in context and in history which gives a person more insight and understanding of the biblical text. This book also contains a helpful historical timeline of the historical highlights, a glossary and a summary of the biblical books history. I would recommend it for any person who takes a non-fundemental approach to Bible study.

Reverend Deborah L. Johnson brings us messages from Spirit that talk to our hearts, minds, and souls to help us embrace our inherent wholeness. This book is a practical tool to use daily as a reminder of who we are and how to live in the world as "spiritual beings having a human experience." The letters are organized in sections to help us easily choose a topic for our current need or interest. Iyanla Vanzant recommended this book in her June 2004 column in Essence magazine. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in finding wisdom to live by and inspiration for daily life. If you liked Neale Donald Walsh's Conversations With God books, you'll love this one, too.

God spoke to Rev. Deborah Johnson in the form of letters. Here she shares this "correspondence," which she has organized and edited brilliantly. Every page and virtually every paragraph shimmer with revelations and wisdom, easily accessible and at the same time loving, profound and life-altering. I wish I could give this book to everyone on our planet. It would be a happier world. How fortunate we are that this book is the first of a series planned by the author.

I was fed up with religious dogma. I wanted to find a basis for spirituality that applied to the present as well as the past. "Letters from the Infinite" provides that basis and goes on to explain how to apply that spirituality to my everyday life by using its 'Tools for Living'. These are practical steps that anyone can take to open themselves to their God. It explains that God is good, all of the time and that we are perfect, whole, and complete right now. Then it explains why we can't stay that way. Why we must continue to open ourselves to more fully enjoy our selves, our relationships, and our lives.
I highly recommend this book. I believe that anyone who has a desire to find the higher meaning of life must read this book, regardless of where they are on their spiritual path.

The message this book delivers resonates totally with my belief system. While it supports that Jesus lived and brought a powerful message to mankind, it puts spirituality, religion and the church in proper perspective. Is also provides insight into the true meaning of life and the individual's relationship to the infinite...to God. I challenge other spiritually minded people to read this book and not be affected by the message. I cherish this book will keep it as a resource.

This book has merely changed my life.

After reading it I started to understand all the things I did wrong & how to deal with my fears and desires.

I would recommend this book to anyone, who is in search for god or just a better life, health, happiness or practicing esoteric arts as Daoism or Yoga, for it reveals the real path to one's self cultivation.

I have been suffering from chronic back pain for 10 years. After reading the book "Mafia against God" and practicing the healing exercises, the back pain is completely gone and I am able to go on with my life. I never thought it would be so easy to heal without seeing a doctor. Thank you Galina, you have saved me.

I have been suffering from chronic back pain for 10 years. After reading the book "Mafia against God" and practicing the healing exercises, the back pain is completely gone and I am able to go on with my life. I never thought it would be so easy to heal without seeing a doctor. Thank you Galina, you have saved me.

I have been suffering from chronic back pain for 10 years. After reading the book "Mafia against God" and practicing the healing exercises, the back pain is completely gone and I am able to go on with my life. I never thought it would be so easy to heal without seeing a doctor. Thank you Galina, you have saved me.

It is not what you see in this commentary that is so remarkable. It is what you cannot see.

As shrouded as the meanings of the Book of Revelation, so is Patterson's illumination of the text to the prospective reader. The reality of his words must ever give way to the invisible pictures conjured in the mind as one meditates upon the depths of the Book of Revelation and upon the years, even decades Patterson has invested in the commentary's production.

As any commentary is forever a work in progress, this commentary is no exception. Only in the imagination of the consumer and Bible student does this work take full flight. Some would say that what we now see is as nothing at all by comparison. I would differ.

What we now see is what we now have. And what we have may be all that there is.

When that is said of a commentary, what more could be said?

Five stars.

It is not what you see in this commentary that is so remarkable. It is what you cannot see.

As shrouded as the meanings of the Book of Revelation, so is Patterson's illumination of the text to the prospective reader. The reality of his words must ever give way to the invisible pictures conjured in the mind as one meditates upon the depths of the Book of Revelation and upon the years, even decades Patterson has invested in the commentary's production.

As any commentary is forever a work in progress, this commentary is no exception. Only in the imagination of the consumer and Bible student does this work take full flight. Some would say that what we now see is as nothing at all by comparison. I would differ.

What we now see is what we now have. And what we have may be all that there is.

When that is said of a commentary, what more could be said?

Five stars.

Revelation--a word that strikes terror into the hearts of its hearers. Great minds like Calvin and Luther have skated past the aisle of the apocalypse, passed up a second helping of Great Dragon in a Lake of Fire, and cancelled flights on Air Revelation. But not Patterson. In this timeless wonder of a book Patterson sees this plate of mystery and says, "Yummy." Patterson's revelation is so concise with a kind of scholarly brevity that one wonders, "how did he do it?!" One reads with stupefied wonder, the words "I just can't believe he actually wrote it" going through one's mind. The excellence of the Summa Nihilo cannot be put into words. As Alison Krauss so astutely remarked, "You say it best when you say nothing at all." Throughout his exposition of the depths and mystery of the Revelation, Patterson has ingeniously found a way to retain these mysteries from cover to cover. Still, the profound scholarship herein causes the reader to often ask, "What is he saying?" just before realizing, the true genius is in what he is not saying. His utter humility in acknowledging the vast mystery of the book of the revelation causes the pages to virtually turn themselves. It is almost as if you are through with the book before you even start reading it. The only fitting words with which I may conclude are those of the author himself:

This volume reminds me of Chrysostom's commentary on Romans. Patterson, like all great exegetes, does not tell us what to believe; he simply gives the student the information he needs to make up his own mind about this book. Regarding the great mysteries of the Revelation, Patterson does not pretend to have the answers, he does not give us what he thinks, he just gives us what he thinks we need. A true wordsmith; the words leap off the page. You will likely never read a negitive review on this commentary, Patterson has seen to that. My only regret is that it is currently unavailable; I seem to have misplaced my copy.

The New Interpreter's Bible is a twelve-volume series, updating the popular Interpreter's Bible from a few decades ago. There are several key features common to all of the volumes of this series. First, each includes a two-column, double translation of the Biblical text (NIV - New International Version, and NRSV - New Revised Standard Version) arranged by topical unit or story. Then, they provide commentaries that look at the passages as a whole, as well as verse-by-verse. Third, interesting Reflection pieces that relate the passages to each other, to history, and to current concerns occur at the conclusion of each passage. Fourth, introductory articles for each book are provided that discuss transmission, historical background, cultural setting, literary concerns, and current scholarship. Finally, there are general articles about the Bible, each Testament, and various types of literature (Narrative, Gospel, Wisdom Literature, etc.) are provided to give general placement and knowledge about the text overall.

The list of contributors, editors, and consultants on the project is a veritable Who's Who of biblical and theological scholarship, representing all major traditions and schools of thought liberal and conservative. Leander Keck, of the Yale Divinity School, is the primary editor of the series.

The volumes were published individually, and can be purchased individually, which is a good thing, given that they are a bit expensive. But for any serious biblical scholar, preacher, student, or enthusiast, they are invaluable.

--Volume XII--

The twelfth volume of the New Interpreter's Bible is the volume that completes the the New Testament and the series, containing the non-Pauline letters and the Revelation.

Fred Craddock, emeritus of Candler and perhaps the greatest living Disciples preacher, addresses the intriguing letter to the Hebrews. This makes sense, as Hebrews is essentially a sermon, in sophisticated language making arguments intricate and subtle.

Luke Timothy Johnson (a professor of mine from undergraduate days), also of Candler, looks at the letter of James. Johnson also wrote the Anchor series text on James, looking at it from various standpoints as ethical and wisdom literature.

David Bartlett of Yale writes about 1 Peter, a letter addressed to all churches generally (as opposed to specific churches, such as Paul's letters). Bartlett looks at social background, linguistic issues, and theological content.

Duane Watson of Malone College looks at 2 Peter and Jude. Most scholars do not attribute 2 Peter to Peter, but rather someone writing as Peter. Jude is the shortest book in the Christian Bible, remarkably complex for a mere 25 verses. Again, the authorship is unknown.

C. Clifton Black of Southern Methodist University studies the three Johannine letters. Black explores the relationship of these letters to the gospel of John and the Revelation, other texts traditionally ascribed to John, as well as theological content, linguistic issues and historical information.

Christopher Rowland of Oxford completes the volume with the Revelation. Like Luther (who found writing commentary on Revelation next to impossible), Rowland provides interesting images in colour plates (a rarity in this series). In addition to looking at the content of the book, Rowland also explores the history of interpretation of the Revelation, one of the most controversial and enigmatic of canonical texts.

High praise goes to the general editorial staff for working with such strong authors/scholars, that their work fits together well as part of this set while retaining their individual characteristics (much like the writers of the Bible itself!).

--Other volumes available--

The following is a list of each volume in this twelve-volume set, and the contents of each.

Volume I: General Articles on the Bible; General Articles on the Old Testament; Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus

Volume II: Numbers; Deuteronomy; Introduction to Narrative Literature; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; I & II Samuel

Volume III: I & II Kings; I & II Chronicles; Ezra, Nehemiah; Esther; Additions to Esther; Tobit; Judith

Volume IV: I & II Maccabees; Introduction to Hebrew Poetry; Job; Psalms

Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Book of Wisdom; Sirach

Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Baruch; Letter of Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel

Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature; Daniel; Additions to Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Johan; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi

Volume VIII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark

Volume IX: Luke; John

Volume X: Acts; Introduction to Epistolary Literature; Romans, I Corinthians

Volume XI: II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I & II Thessalonians; I & II Timothy; Titus; Philemon

Volume XII: Hebrews; James; I & II Peter; I, II & III John; Jude; Revelation

I can't believe that no one has written an online review of this book yet! The NIB is the best Bible commentary written. If you are serious about scholarly study of the Bible, you need to buy the entire series. It is expensive to buy 12 volumes at $60-70 each, even if you save 30% through amazon.com like I did ;). In that case, check with your church or library. As a fall-back try Harper's or Jerome's for single volume commentaries. If at all possible, buy the NIB. Forget the earlier version of the IB.

The NIB is the definitive standard for serious Bible scholarship.

Make no mistake, this is a good serious commentary but I will caution against it for 2 reasons (both of which can be overcome): As the other reviewers no doubt notice, it is horrendously overpriced. Find some way to get around the price. The other fault is practical: Anytime a commentary volume devotes more than 2 books per volume, then the books are not give then expository justice they deserve, there simply isn't enough room.
Nevertheless, I will get specific on the pros and cons of the Johannine letters and the book of Revelation in the commentary.

Johannine Literature. Although the exposition is limited in these volumes, Dr. Black does draw out important truths from the letters, particularly good are the "Reflections." The downside of his scholarship is the uncertainty in which he deals with the practical appliactions. He notes the failures of the mainline church but wonders why they are there when the text is right before his eyes!On the other hand, this is a very detailed commentary, despite its limited expositional space. What makes the NIB interesting are the reflections, allowing the author to challenge the reader without being preachy. If the expositor's bible commentary had the reflections that NIB had, evangelicals would have a standard commentary.
Revelation: This is another flawed gem. Dr. Balckman's introduciton is rather lenghty, which is always good. His reflections are nicely done. His excurses are masterful. However, he has this annoying habit of depending on English poet William Blake for interpreting the book as opposed to godly biblical scholars. Aside from this minor faux pas, he does a fine job. I really wanted to give this commentary 4 1/2 stars
Bottom Line: if you can get this commentary cheap--get it. If not, do not lose any sleep over it.

Most people understand that the study of Scripture is an enormous task; and that there is a considerable theological heritage to even the most benign of passages. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to translate that understanding into a willingness to genuinely delve into the vast pool of material out there. In addition, it's hard to know whom to trust.

You can trust the New Interpreter's Bible series. All of the scholars who contributed are the best in their field. In addition, the layout (which includes two complete translations - the NIV and the NRSV) is conducive to both scholarly and spiritual study of the texts.

Each text is broken down into discrete units followed by general commentary on the passage, verse by vers analysis of key issues, and then an overview of study questions. The commentators address issues of authorship, historical setting, translation, theological history, and personal application. In addition, they graciously point to excellent sources for further reading.

Speaking as a pastor, it is my strong opinion that every English-speaking Christian who is serious about Bible study should own the complete set.

Zafrulla Khan groups verses together by their relation to each other, which makes for an almost story book read. The introduction is profound and the index is incredibly helpful.

Aan elegant translation of an elegant script. Although it is difficult to transfer the full sense of arabic to any other language because of depth and breadth of the language, author has done an excellent job. Good for English readers who want to know the sense of Quran. A must have.

This translation of the Koran is done by an international diplomat with a great deal of life experience. His life wisdom has helped him render the Koran into very direct, polished and meaningful English prose for those of us who cannot read the Arabic written on the other half of the pages. I really enjoy Zafrulla Khan's work, since his style is one admirable and worthy of emulation in one's own communications, rather than (like many other translations) a brutal attempt to hack English into Arabic-sized and shaped bits. Khan has written in paragraphs rather than verses, making it all very easy to follow, and lucidly clear.
It is no shame not to be able to read the Koran in the original Arabic, since the vast majority of Muslims cannot do so themselves, but it is certainly meaningful to have the Arabic next to the English. By having it there, it makes the book THE Koran, rather than ONLY a translation into English of it.
As Khan writes in his preface, there are a great deal of things to be learned from the Koran, and the book is a highly educational read, even if at the bare minimum we are only interested in its rhetorical techniques or its historical importance. Parts of it read like great mythology and others like stirring speeches. It is easy to see why this book was at the heart of such a great and wealthy civilization, inheritor of the classical civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia. It has also had a great impact on Western culture even if primarily indirectly, due to the massive influences of the culturally and technically advanced Islamic empires on Europe through the medieval centuries. Khan has done an excellent job of making this book available for us. I highly recommend this translation for your enjoyment and study.

Good points: The translation is a running translation so those who are foreign to Islam or Quran and Arabic idiom, should buy this one. Zafarulla Khan has done a fabulous job at translation and brining Quran to western readers. The translation has a brief introduction to the beliefs of Islam as supported from the Quran. This is what I like the best, especially for giving to my non-muslim friends, since in one book you can give them a synopsis of the teachings of Islam as well as its Sacred Text. The translation has a good index, for easy reference.

Other Considerations: The translation is in line with the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam and the beliefs expressed therein are the more recent interpretations of the Sacred Text. Some people (especially those who dislike the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam) may not like that! But I believe that for these times, a modern interpretation is more important than classical ones, which obviously were more appropriate for the "classical" times. Zafrulla Khan's command on Arabic and English Language, as well as religion, is proven beyond doubt, so you can be certain that whatever he is writing does have its support in the language and faith.

Would not recommend for research purposes. The English translation goes paragraph by paragraph, so delineation between exact verse numbers is not so clear. This has been done (as explained in the preface as well) to better address the non-arabic western audience, so that they do not get lost in the technicalities of translation.

It is a rare book that can communicate the beauty of physics to those not proficient in the mathematics behind the subject. But this book achieves that and goes even further. The author clearly takes great joy in particle physics and imparts this onto the reader. You cannot help but have fun reading this book as you are taken on a tour of special relativity, quantum mechanics and the standard model of particle physics.

For those who enjoy this book I'd also recommend The Quantum Quark by Andrew Watson.

It is not often that one can find a book dealing with a technical subject that is a pure delight to read, but the "Remnants of the Fall" is just such a book. The technical subject is elementary particle physics (which is written at a level for the non-expert). Liberally sprinkled throughout the book are poems about the subject matter being discussed - a style that is certainly unique and delightful.

Wow! What beauty and clarity too! Now I know the underlying ideas of particle physics and can appreciate their beauty. The delightful poetry fits so seamlessly with the explanations that I was completely charmed as I read and learned.

I am not a scientist. It has been over 40 years since I took my last science class; highschool Biology. I certainly avoided taking any science classes in college, because I was more than afraid of the grade I would get. I have been rewarded for opening my mind and trying to read this book, because it is both artistic in style and interesting in content. I never felt I would be able to understand a subject as difficult as Physics, and I am not pretending to have understood this entire book. I am saying I understood most of it. The author has written poetry that not only helps to explain many of the concepts, but is joyfull and fun to read. He clearly expresses his own love for the subject through his style of writing. It is a book well worth reading.

This is very well writen with real characters that you genuinely care about. Time flies while you read this book and you won't want to put it down.

This is very well writen with real characters that you genuinely care about. Time flies while you read this book and you won't want to put it down.

You won't be able to put this book down!

I read the book in about 2 days, it was hard to put down. The book is well written. The characters are easy to relate to, and once you read the book you'll never forget them. Get this book now, you'll not be disapointed.

Dr. Donald Gray Barnhouse is an excellent Bible teacher. His work is very deep and thought-provoking, but also very enlightening and easy to understand. We are now living in the most interesting time in all history. It's important that we all study our Bibles diligently. This is a must read! God bless you all.

Revelation: An Expository Commentary, 'God's Last Word'


This is perhaps the best and most logical work on the Book of Revelation. Barnhouse approaches it from the viewpoint of Dispensational Theology, a clear and concise and reverent respect for the scriptures. It is a work that stands the test of time and eschews guess work. He respects the scripture, I respect his work!

Steven Budlong
Producer/Director/Writer & Bible Teacher

There are several commentaries I have read on the book of Revelation. However, none of them is as clear and thorough as this. Dr. Barnhouse has handled a difficult and often misunderstood book, in such manner that his exposition is welcomed by students, scholars and lay persons alike.

As an M.Div. student, it is necessary for me to read a great deal of material, much of which is written in technical language. It was a welcome relief to approach a book which is clear, concise, and for which the reader need not be accompanied by a dictionary in order to gain understanding. Dr. Barnhouse employs a format which removes all apprehension and misgivings one might bring to a study of Revelation. All angst is lost as one reads this clear, scholarly, and thought provoking exposition of Revelation.

Thank you Dr. Barnhouse for providing us with an excellent approach to the study of Revelation.

If a special blessing is bestowed upon those who read the Bible Book of Revelation, how much more to those who study God's final Word to mankind. This Expositional Commentary is so full of detailed, eye-opening truth, it is impossible to do it justice by a review...you will have to read it for yourself!!!