Summary
David Aune’s third volume in the Word Biblical Commentary on Revelation brings his massive, scholarly investigation to its conclusion. Covering chapters 17–22, he traces the fall of Babylon, the final judgment, the triumph of the Lamb, and the glory of the new creation with the same rigorous historical and literary method that marks the whole set. This is a densely researched, academically oriented commentary intended for readers who want to understand Revelation within its ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman context.
We find here detailed discussions of symbolism, intertextual echoes, and first-century background material. Aune’s analysis is meticulous and often illuminating, even when we may differ at interpretive points. Pastors and teachers will not find devotional warmth or pastoral application, but they will find a treasure trove of data and historical insight.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
This volume stands out for its encyclopaedic scope. Aune’s command of ancient sources allows him to clarify images and terms that can otherwise feel opaque. His treatment of Babylon, the Beast, the New Jerusalem, and the consummation of all things is rich with historical detail, making this an invaluable resource for anyone preparing sermons or teaching series on Revelation.
We particularly appreciate the precision of his textual work. His interaction with the Greek text is careful, his footnotes are thorough, and his analysis of literary structure helps readers make sense of Revelation’s complex movement. For those who value deep background knowledge, this commentary consistently delivers.
Although it offers little in terms of pastoral direction, its academic strength makes it a useful supplement alongside more theological or pastoral treatments. When paired with Reformed or broadly evangelical expositions, Aune’s research can help preachers avoid anachronism and anchor their teaching in the first-century world.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this commentary for pastors, teachers, and students who want a serious academic companion to Revelation 17–22. It is not written from a Reformed or even explicitly evangelical perspective, but it remains one of the strongest historical-critical resources available.
If you already own volumes that offer theological clarity and pastoral warmth, Aune’s work will deepen your background understanding and strengthen your exposition when handled with discernment.
David E. Aune
David Edward Aune, born in 1939 in Minneapolis, is an American New Testament scholar of the late 20th and early 21st century, whose work aligns with a broadly evangelical and historic-Christian tradition.
Professor Aune has made his core contribution through detailed studies of early Christian literature, apocalyptic writing and the New Testament’s literary environment. His major works include The Cultic Setting of Realized Eschatology in Early Christianity (1972), Prophecy in Early Christianity and the Ancient Mediterranean World (1983), The New Testament in its Literary Environment (1987), and the three-volume commentary on the Book of Revelation published in the Word Biblical Commentary series (1998-99). He is widely recognised for mapping the Greco-Roman and Jewish backgrounds of New Testament texts, and for bringing rigorous linguistic and historical scholarship to bear on Scripture. The University of Notre Dame lists him as Emeritus Walter Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins.
What makes Aune’s writing endure is his combination of scholarly breadth, careful exegesis, and a meticulous attention to textual and historical detail—while never losing sight of the sacred character of Christian Scripture. His work may not always lean heavily into devotional commentary, but it offers a firm foundation for those who desire to build application and theology upon a solid exegesis of the text. Readers return to his volumes because they trust his faithfulness to the original languages, his comprehensive coverage of background matter, and his commitment to serious engagement with Scripture.
Recommended titles: Revelation 17-22 (Word Biblical Commentary), The New Testament in Its Literary Environment, Prophecy in Early Christianity and the Ancient Mediterranean World.