A Fresh Look at Revelation
Revelation is probably the most misunderstood and neglected New Testament Book. Phillips has some good introductory comments about the book gleaning from his translation work which can help frame the book and enhance the incredible message therein. Some excerpts:
From his Preface to his translation. The Book of Revelation:
"In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the Ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements".
"Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail.”
Describing his work of translating Revelation, from his autobiography The Price of Success:
"Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit:
(a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil.
(b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success.
(c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history
(d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.
(e) The glimpses of worship and adoration, constantly offered to God and the Lamb, are a kind of pattern of man's ultimate acknowledgment of the character of God when he sees him as he is."
It may be time for you to open Revelation again, in the JBP version or any other. May it be alive to you and enhance your understanding of the goodness of God!