Revelation 1-11

by John MacArthur

Summary

John MacArthur’s commentary on Revelation 1–11, in the MacArthur New Testament Commentary series, offers a conservative, dispensational exposition of the opening half of the Apocalypse. Written for pastors, Bible teachers, and serious lay readers, it moves carefully through the text, explaining key phrases and images while keeping the big themes of judgment, worship, and the triumph of Christ in view. MacArthur assumes a futurist reading of Revelation and approaches the book with his characteristic insistence on the inerrancy and authority of Scripture.

The commentary is expository and pastoral rather than academic. There is some interaction with alternative interpretations, but the focus is on explaining the text clearly and drawing out doctrinal and practical implications. Greek is handled lightly and in an accessible way; technical debates are generally summarised rather than explored in depth. The tone is earnest and urgent, reflecting the seriousness of the book’s warnings and promises.

Readers who share MacArthur’s dispensational and futurist convictions will find his exposition both confirming and clarifying. Those from a more traditional Reformed, amillennial or historic premillennial position will disagree with some interpretive decisions, but can still benefit from his high view of Scripture, his Christ-focused application, and his insistence that Revelation must be preached to real congregations rather than left in the realm of speculation.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, this volume is valuable for its sustained insistence that Revelation is a pastoral book, not merely a prophetic puzzle. MacArthur repeatedly draws out the comfort and challenge Revelation brings to suffering believers: the sovereignty of Christ over history, the certainty of final judgment, and the hope of vindication for those who endure. This pastoral framing is especially helpful for preachers who might otherwise be reluctant to tackle Revelation from the pulpit.

Second, the commentary offers clear structure and organisation through a complex text. The outline of the book, the treatment of the seven churches, the throne-room scenes, and the early cycles of judgments are handled with a steady, step-by-step approach. For busy pastors preparing sermons, this clarity is a real strength; it helps them see how individual passages fit into the book’s larger argument about the victory of the Lamb.

Third, MacArthur’s dispensational futurism is presented in a careful, text-based way. Even if you do not share all of his eschatological conclusions, seeing how he connects specific details to his broader scheme can sharpen your own thinking. His handling of issues like the identity of the 24 elders, the sealed and trumpets judgments, and the role of Israel and the nations in God’s plan gives preachers concrete examples of how a consistent futurist reading works in practice.

At the same time, this is not a technical commentary. It does not offer exhaustive interaction with alternative scholarly views, nor does it linger over every textual or historical difficulty. For that reason, it is best used alongside a more detailed work from another tradition—especially if you are Reformed and want to test MacArthur’s conclusions against amillennial or historic premillennial readings. As a mid-level, expository, and homiletical resource, however, it serves its purpose very well.

Closing Recommendation

If you are a pastor or teacher who leans broadly evangelical, Baptist, and dispensational, this commentary on Revelation 1–11 will likely become a trusted companion. It offers clear exposition, serious pastoral application, and a strong emphasis on the glory and authority of Christ. Even where a Reformed reader may differ on the details of eschatology, the tone is reverent, the doctrinal core is orthodox, and the pastoral burden is evident.

I recommend this volume as a useful expository and homiletical tool, particularly when paired with a more technical commentary from a different eschatological perspective. It will not answer every question, but it will help you preach Revelation with conviction, clarity, and a Christ-centred focus that calls the church to endurance and hope.

🛒 Purchase here