Of all the books in the Bible, the book of Revelation is arguably the most exciting book to study and the least understood. The language, imagery, and future events make it interesting, yet complicated. While at points invoking a sense of fear and angst, there is a greater sense of peace and comfort to be found in the fact that Jesus Christ will deal with this world in a way that honors the Father. There is no shortage of books, commentaries, and movies that deal with how the events of Revelation will unfold. Recently, I finished reading one such commentary. Pastor Tony Kessinger has written a commentary entitled, “Things That Must Take Place; a Commentary on Revelation Chapter 4-22”.

Kessinger, in his introduction, front loads a great deal of information that will help the reader as the book moves along. Kessinger begins with chapter four of Revelation which marks, as Kessinger states, “a break in the narrative” moving from the things that have been to the “things that must take place after these things.” It is also in chapter four that we find the church having been raptured out of the world. Kessinger speaks of methods of interpretation. He suggests that many scholars interpret the Bible literally until they get to Revelation and then shift to symbolic interpretation. He gives fifteen reasons why Revelation should be interpreted literally. Kessinger also describes the different millennial views of the Second Coming of Christ. The author holds to, and writes from, the premillennial viewpoint. Also, Kessinger explains the significance of certain numbers used throughout the book that cast a helpful light in many places.

The remainder of the book flows like most commentaries. Each chapter of Kessinger’s book deals with one chapter of Revelation. In these chapters, Kessinger offers a verse-by-verse exposition and giving appropriate attention to the weightier portions. He brings other prophetic scriptures (Daniel, Ezekiel) into this commentary for a balanced biblical exposition of end-times prophecy. What is unique and very helpful about this commentary is that Kessinger offers background information (word studies, historical people/places, etc.) that seem to pull everything together. For example, in the chapter covering Revelation 15, Kessinger offers what he calls a “Comparison of the Plagues of Egypt and the Revelation Judgments”. At the end of a majority of the chapters are two helpful features. There is a Sequence of Events that quickly gives a recap of the order of the previously described events. There is also an Application section. It is here that Kessinger answers the question, “What does this mean for me today?” This is a great book. I really enjoyed the work and will use it without a doubt.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”