Coffman Commentary - Revelation

James Burton Coffman is objective in his commentary. Where necessary he uses the comments of other writers to explain difficult passages. He does not hesitate to include opposing views, but is careful to explain logically where they cannot be supported. Where neither he nor other commentators are clear about the interpretation of a scripture, he is honest and admits it. Coffman is careful to give credit through footnotes for the sources of all commentaries not his own. Any Christian should be delighted to read this book. The book of Revelation consists of seven sections, running parallel, and spanning the whole dispensation between the first and second coming of Christ. Each ends in the judgment day. The seven churches addressed at the beginning constitute an overview of conditions in the church from Pentecost until Christ's return, and they suggest a sevenfold division of the whole prophecy. They are prophetic revelations regarding the seven successive ages of church history. The various conditions pointed out would continue to exist simultaneously throughout history, which they do, as a matter of fact. The same holds true for the 7 seals, trumpets, and bowls. They all relate to natural judgments upon man's physical environment. No time limit is set on these judgments. They occur again and again repeatedly throughout history. Their aim is the reformation of mankind, not their destruction.