A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land:The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority,and my people love it this way.But what will you do in the end? Jeremiah 5:30f

The End: A Readers' Guide to Revelation

Most writers approach Revelation from one of the traditional eschatological positions. These writers begin with the assumptions that correspond to their particular position. As they discuss their interpretation of sections in Revelation, their views reflect more of a defense of their pre-existing position than an objective interpretation derived from a carefully thought out approach to interpreting Revelation. In many cases interpretations are presented that come from a “this looks just like…” approach to understanding imagery in Revelation. From this method comes Halley’s explanation that the image of horses with fire coming from mouth and tail in Revelation represent helicopter gunships. Those who take this approach to interpreting imagery in Revelation find that their views change as culture and technology change.

The End: A Readers' Guide to Revelation has gone in a different direction. The book interprets the imagery in Revelation by using a Scripture interprets Scripture methodology. When Jesus interpreted the parables he did not say what the parables meant, he identified who the characters in the parable were. A reader is able to understand a parable by knowing what the images represent. Believing that Revelation is similar to the parables in that the images intend to hide the meaning of the book from those not familiar with Scripture, A.D. Bauer suggests the Bible is the primary source for interpreting the images in Revelation. Definitions for many of the images can be found within Revelation. Other images are found elsewhere in Scripture and their meaning in that context is carried over to Revelation.

In The End, Bauer has presented a useful tool for the interpretation of Revelation by showing the origin and meaning of the images from Revelation. The book consists of three sections. The first chapter presents background material that is necessary for one to understand before reading Revelation. The second chapter is a brief overview of Bauer’s interpretation of Revelation. The third chapter is a glossary that discusses where an image is found in Revelation, where that image is found outside of Revelation and what the meaning is based on how it is defined in the biblical text. The intent of the book is not to have everyone agree completely with Bauer’s interpretation of Revelation. Rather, it is a tool designed to help people read Revelation with some measure of understanding. We have found that the glossary is helpful to anyone who is interested in studying Revelation.

We recommend ordering this title through Hearts and Minds.

Following are several short papers from this book:
Definitions
Extreme Language
Ezekiel 38, 39
Revelation 17

"Anyone interested in the careful study of the Book of Revelation will find Alan Bauer's book both a helpful guide and a stimulating interpretation. His effort to integrate this difficult book with the rest of Holy Scripture is laudable. His writing style is clear and succinct, and his approach to the study of Revelation is unique. Alan Bauer's book takes full account both of the contemporary significance of Revelation as well as its ongoing importance to the Church in all ages. Read this book slowly, carefully, and you will find a rich banquet of insight and understanding."-T. M. Moore, President of Chesapeake Theological Seminary

"Rev. Bauer presents us with an interesting and insightful approach to the last book of the New Testament. The author has done several very helpful things in this volume-writing out Bible references in full and including a glossary of terminology and imagery. I commend this book to diligent students of the Word of God."-Bishop Daniel Cox, Reformed Episcopal Church

"Not a commentary in the strictest sense of the word, The End is precisely what it claims to be, a guide to reading the last book in the New Testament. It begins giving principles for interpreting Revelation, which includes a wealth of historical and Biblical background information on the contents of the book. Section 2 provides a helpful overview of the book as a whole, including brief summaries of the letters to the seven churches and helpful synopses of the various signs and symbols that occur through the book. The last section examines in more detail the mysterious and elusive imagery and terminology of John's Revelation.

Alan Bauer spares us much of the speculative application that tends to show up in popular commentaries on John's Apocalypse. His goal is much more modest, that to equip us to read and study the book for ourselves. In this, he has succeeded handsomely. The End will be a helpful addition to the library of any serious Bible student." -Report Magazine from Chesapeake Theological Seminary

After exploring the Square Halo website, read more about taking Scriptures seriously by visiting A.D. Bauer's blog.