Overview
A top New Testament scholar, preacher, and tour guide to the lands of the New Testament offers an informed commentary on this challenging portion of Scripture with an eye toward preaching the text. Jeffrey Weima explains the meaning of the seven "sermons" of Revelation 2-3 and provides sample sermons that show how these ancient messages, despite their subtle Old Testament allusions and perplexing images, are relevant for the church today. The book includes photos, maps, and charts and is of interest to preachers, students, teachers, and Bible study groups.
Media
The Sermons to the Seven Churches of Revelation reviewed in Interpretation
“[This commentary] fills a void for preachers and teachers who seek to bridge the gap between scholarly precision and practical application.”
The Sermons to the Seven Churches of Revelation reviewed in JETS
“… Weima's commentary is an excellent guide to Revelation 2-3 for the pastor or educated layperson.”
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamum
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea
Appendix: Grammatical Outlines
Indexes
Introduction
1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamum
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea
Appendix: Grammatical Outlines
Indexes
Endorsements
"This useful and well-researched book offers a persuasive and spiritually enriching reading of the messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. Weima first carefully sets each message within its first-century Roman context and then produces clear, engaging sermons on these ancient messages. The result is a model for the preparation and delivery of accurate and applicable expository sermons on any biblical passage. This book is not only a fascinating and compelling guide to Revelation 2-3 but a helpful textbook on expository preaching."
Frank Thielman, Presbyterian Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
"With his trademark care and judiciousness, Weima offers a particularly useful interpretive guide to the seven sermons of Revelation 2-3. He asks what Christ's message was to the original churches and what it is to the contemporary worldwide church. Weima provides engaging historical detail but also presents inviting contemporary sermon models based on the sermons of Revelation. Weima's evident faith and compassion make this book a great companion for teachers and pastors."
L. Ann Jervis, professor of New Testament, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
"Weima has provided an excellently detailed analysis of the seven sermons in Revelation 2-3, which he clearly demonstrates are not letters. He is fully conversant with the historical context of these sermons and shows both how a judicious analysis of that context illumines our understanding of the text in its original setting and how these homilies can be preached today. Further, he is right on target in saying that these sermons are exercises in truth-telling not in foretelling. Highly recommended."
Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
"With precision and potency, Weima provides an insightful corrective for some misunderstandings of Jesus's sermons to the seven churches in Asia Minor. This is one of the most comprehensive and helpful resources on Revelation 2 and 3, equipping preachers to interpret, communicate, and apply Jesus's timeless instructions for modern listeners. You will want to get your hands on this significant book."
Matthew D. Kim, George F. Bennett Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; author of Preaching with Cultural Intelligence and Preaching to People in Pain
"Weima has again written a detailed study of a New Testament text that is both comprehensive and a pleasure to read, both historically informed and theologically focused. He explains the truth of the gospel and assists pastors in their task of preaching the word of God. This is the best commentary on the messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 written in a long time."
Eckhard J. Schnabel, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Author
Jeffrey A. D. Weima
Jeffrey A. D. Weima (PhD, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) is professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has taught for more than twenty-five years. He is the author of Paul the Ancient Letter Writer and 1-2 Thessalonians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series. He is also the coauthor (with Stanley Porter) of An Annotated Bibliography of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Weima has taught courses all over the world, has written numerous scholarly articles, conducts preaching seminars for pastors, and leads biblical study tours to Greece, Turkey, Italy, Israel, and Jordan.