This commentary set on the Book of Revelation is one of the finest on the market today. Although it originally came out in 2004, it has been updated as recently as 2006. Garland holds degrees from Louisiana Baptist University and Tyndale Seminary. He administers the website SpiritAndTruth.org. There is an online course which corresponds to the set.
The work opens with a 145-page Introduction containing a huge amount of significant information. It covers topics such as Audience and Purpose, Theme, Genre, Authorship, Date, Systems of Interpretation, and Acceptance into the Canon, among others. For Revelation in particular this information is especially helpful.
Garland than launches into a verse-by-verse and phrase-by-phrase examination of the Apocalypse. The books are somewhat technical but one does not have to be a master of Greek in order to benefit from them. The average Christian will be able to glean much from the two volumes.
Some specifics will follow. The author comes to the conclusion that the 'angel of the church' (Rev. 1:20, etc.) is a human leader or messenger of the churches in that region. The 'overcomers' (2:7, etc.) are not special Christians but true Christians among all those claiming to be the church (p. 2:345). Revelation 4:1 cannot be unquestionably a reference to the Rapture but it very likely is a type of it (p. 1:285-86). The two witnesses may be Moses and Elijah yet other suggestions are described.
This set is very useful because of its various features. As just noted, different viewpoints are explained and evaluated. It is liberally sprinkled with charts and black-and-white pictures. In addition to the information presented in the introduction, the second volume concludes with nineteen appendices (the Beast, the Book of Life, Armageddon, Marriage of the Lamb, the Nicolaitans, etc.). Best of all, Garland writes from a premillennial, pretribulational point of view. A Testimony of Jesus Christ should be found on the bookshelf of every believer.
-- Journal of Dispensational Theology, December 2007
One of best literal, conservative commentaries I have ever read on Revelation (Libronix) or (Web).
-- Anonymous
A Testimony of Jesus Christ ... is a verse by verse commentary on the book of the Revelation from a conservative, futuristic, literal viewpoint. [The] work is one of the best resources available anywhere on the often controversial book of the Revelation. His straightforward approach will help reveal the Revelation which was God's intended purpose for writing it.
[Tony] has also produced more than 20 hours of superb audio teaching in his verse by verse commentary on the Revelation (in depth transcripts also available) which will unravel (in a way you did not think was possible considering the divergent interpretations) God's final message of the triumph and return of the our Lord Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords! Maranatha!
-- Texas, USA
I have studied many different commentaries on Revelation through the years but your work stands above them.
-- California, USA
Thank you so much for collecting the invaluable amount of knowledge (and perspective) about the revelation of Christ. In our bible study-group we started on Revelation. I have 'the honour' to do the introduction. I used the commentary of the first chapter while preparing my lecture. Never ever saw the riches of this first chapter. I considered the first chapter as an introductory scene to the astonishing scenes described in the chapters thereafter. Especially the note ... 'The challenge the book of Revelation makes to every person is to be ready for His return.' This gave the light I needed: this book is all about Christ and not (in the first place) the timetable of what is going to happen at 'bus station earth.' Also the warning on the danger of a 'dual hermeneutic' gave a clear view on the thoughts I already had on this subject. We have indeed some people around which shift gear all the time, frequently trying to connect CNN to a certain chapter or verse. Again many many thanks for digging and collecting!
-- Holland
An almost exhaustive commentary on Revelation...
This is perhaps the finest theological commentary on Revelation to date. It combines the best qualities of a comprehensive revelation commentary and a Bible prophecy dictionary. If that wasn't enough, both volumes (about 1200 pages) are free to download in many formats (documents, e-Sword, Libronix, MP3). Thank you Tony Garland!
Thank you for your wonderful work. I have been using the commentary on Revelation, it is excellent scholarship and very well done!
-- Ohio, USA
Your E-Sword Testimony of Jesus Christ is the first truly comprehensive, point by point guide for understanding Revelation I have ever encountered.
-- USA
I LOVE your Revelation commentary. Not only is the material excellent, but the way everything is cross-referenced makes study very nice. I hope you'll make many more modules for e-Sword. How about the NT?
-- e-Sword user in Florida, USA
I just want you to know that I listened to every one of your audio's on the Book of Revelation and was greatly encouraged by your exposition - especially how you warn us about many false and incorrect interpretations. Its refreshing to hear a gifted teacher accurately exposit God's Word.
-- Kansas, USA
I do want to tell you that your commentary on Revelation is right on and a great blessing. I was listing to the audio yesterday on Rev. 3 and had to stop what I was doing, go up stairs and repent and get my heart right with the Lord. Thank you so much for your labor of love.
-- USA
I read your entire commentary and notes through my blackberry over several weeks. I learned much and appreciate your work.
-- USA
I greatly appreciated the Revelation Notes.... THANK YOU FOR THE HARD WORK! Your thorough research outlining and refuting the various ideas and concepts of "Non-Pre-trib" as well as a concise commentary on the verses made it a very enjoyable and useful study resource. I believe that the resurfacing of the Preterist doctrine along with replacement theology are doing much to destroy the credibility of God's Word. I have recommended your site to several of my pastor friends. We appreciate your dedication.
-- Pennsylvania, USA
I have just finished teaching a 30 hour course on Revelation and found your commentary to be a tremendous aid in preparing these lessons.
-- South Carolina, USA