Book Review
“Of making many books there is no end. . . “ Ecclesiastes 12:12 NRSV
Sessions with Revelation: The Last Days of Evil
by David Sapp (Macon, GA Smyth & Helwys, 2014
Reviewed by Bo Prosser
This is another informative and interactive study delivered from Series Editor, Michael McCullar of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Atlanta, and author and retired pastor, David Sapp. The book is not intended to be the “end all” scholarly word on Revelation. Instead, the author writes to instruct and to stimulate a curiosity about the Revelation that will lead to consistent study. These sessions unpacking Revelation bring a similar flavor of previous “Sessions” books, helping students engage in meaningful scholarship that leads to purposeful discipleship.
I have loved the Book of Revelation since my seminary days. For decades, the imagery and language have drawn me in as student, teacher, and preacher of the texts. This new contribution quickly engages the reader with a quick overview of the writing, authorship, date, and styles of writings found in the text. The author then moves into the 10 sessions examining the basic themes of Revelation. Each chapter is followed up with a set of discussion questions to facilitate personal reflection or small group interactions. An extensive bibliography follows the conclusion of the study, leading the learner to many of the classic texts for further reading.
At once Sapp acknowledges that many a believer has struggled with this writing. He points out that we struggle so because of our inadequate knowledge of the Old Testament, especially the prophets. He goes on to point out that our struggles may also be because Revelation is a work of art, a work written in dangerous times, and an intimate letter to seven particular churches. Even so, despite the struggles, the book of Revelation is as relevant to our churches today as it was to the churches of John of Patmos. This revelation of John has the power to change lives.
My opinion is that as small groups of Christians study this work together, pray over it together, and engage one another in conversation, individual and corporate relationships will be transformed. Having taught through this Revelation several times in my ministry, I can testify that the study is indeed difficult. Teacher and student can get lost in the seven churches, the seven seals, the seven trumpets and the seven bowls. In the battle for good and evil, the entanglements of code words, prayers, warnings, and drama might leave one frustrated enough to avoid a study all together. (This has been the case for many a Christian through the years.) The author has done an excellent job distilling the basic truths of a complicated set of scenarios.
Each chapter first gives pertinent insights into the complications of the text. Then, participants are invited into relevant reflection and discussions about THEIR personal context, THEIR personal faith, THEIR personal discipleship. Ultimately, this book (as in the book of Revelation) ends with a reassurance that a new creation is on the way. The Risen Christ will bring glory.
21st century believers and first century believers both crave the same thing — a blessing of grace and hope. Seven weeks in study of this book will lead participants to stronger confidence in the Risen Christ. Seven weeks in this study will offer to each of us a deeper blessing of grace. Whether one does this study for individual reflection or in a group interaction, the assurances will resound and the faithful will be affirmed. Until then, let us continue to pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.”.
