Strengths and weaknesses
A. Strengths
She writes some significant points in Greek language using Greek letters, which is very helpful for somebody who needs to go back into manuscripts. I recognize this as a strong strength in the book.
Archer is smart enough to find her theme ‘worship’ from anywhere. She analyzes the epilogue. The Apocalypse comes to a close with a brief benediction; “the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all” (Rev. 22:21 NIV). Archer says “the benediction serves as a conclusion to the entire worship setting of the Apocalypse, likely reflecting the benediction spoken as the conclusion to the worship services in the seven churches. The benediction upon all is communal, an open-ended offer of grace that is not limited to just the seven churches but to all who would hear and respond to the Lamb” (p.292- 293). Her ability of finding the theme has added a great value into her work.
Interestingly, I found that the word “Apocalypse” is not being used in the book of Revelation, and Archer mentions this (p. 121). May be this is a small fact, but I see this as a strength in her text; highlighting little, but important things.
According to Luz, “there is one true interpretation of a biblical text. This in itself is contrary to the stance of historical-critical interpretations which maintain that a text can only have one intended meaning”. (p. 55). This statement provides us a proof that the Bible is the Living Word for the day to day life. The message can be different from person to person, according to the situation and so on. I would appreciate if Archer gave some more clarification about this. However, mentioning this matter is also strength of the book, because it opens her readers’ understanding to be broad- minded. Some people, some denominations stuck in one interpretation of a particular Scripture and never think out of the box. It paves them to have conflicts and disagreements with other denominations or doctrines. The primary reason is lack of understanding. Archer brings up this point, which is really helpful. In addition, the author has clear understanding the message of the book of Revelation, John’s experience in the vision, the background of the whole book of Revelation, and also the basics of the Apocalypse. According to her study and research done, Archer says “The final element that pertains to worship is the fact that Jesus speaks to the hearers (16:15). Jesus’ words, with their close association to his words spoken in Rev. 2-3, continue to reveal the intimate connection between Jesus and his churches”. (p. 253). This broad and deep knowledge and understanding provides extra strength to her work. B. Weaknesses Truly, I am frustrated finding weaknesses in this wonderful text, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day”. This is a ‘well done’ piece of work. Yet, I would like to share my thought at one point. Demonstrating the Pentecostal theology of worship in light of the Apocalypse, the author provides sufficient information and evidence throughout the last chapter, chapter five. She expresses her belief that “the central message of the Apocalypse is worship” (p. 328). She gives us eight good reasons to prove her argument. “First, the Apocalypse is a narrative about worship. Second, the Apocalypse demonstrates the true worship takes place ‘in the Spirit’. Third, worship makes room for the prophetic voice of the Spirit. Fourth, the Apocalypse demonstrates that worship is the central purpose for all of creation, whether in heaven or on earth. Fifth, the Apocalypse …show more content…
They read and studied the Scriptures with reverence, and they found the golden commandment; “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NIV). The Holy Spirit enhanced the unconditional love between the people and Jesus, and also among each other in the spiritual brotherhood. They shared almost everything and encouraged each other. This team spirit made a platform for them to worship the Lord in the bottom of their hearts. The “worship” became everything for them; they loved it and received the blessings through worship. Melissa Archer was able to highlight every aspect of worship in the
A. Strengths
She writes some significant points in Greek language using Greek letters, which is very helpful for somebody who needs to go back into manuscripts. I recognize this as a strong strength in the book.
Archer is smart enough to find her theme ‘worship’ from anywhere. She analyzes the epilogue. The Apocalypse comes to a close with a brief benediction; “the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all” (Rev. 22:21 NIV). Archer says “the benediction serves as a conclusion to the entire worship setting of the Apocalypse, likely reflecting the benediction spoken as the conclusion to the worship services in the seven churches. The benediction upon all is communal, an open-ended offer of grace that is not limited to just the seven churches but to all who would hear and respond to the Lamb” (p.292- 293). Her ability of finding the theme has added a great value into her work.
Interestingly, I found that the word “Apocalypse” is not being used in the book of Revelation, and Archer mentions this (p. 121). May be this is a small fact, but I see this as a strength in her text; highlighting little, but important things.
According to Luz, “there is one true interpretation of a biblical text. This in itself is contrary to the stance of historical-critical interpretations which maintain that a text can only have one intended meaning”. (p. 55). This statement provides us a proof that the Bible is the Living Word for the day to day life. The message can be different from person to person, according to the situation and so on. I would appreciate if Archer gave some more clarification about this. However, mentioning this matter is also strength of the book, because it opens her readers’ understanding to be broad- minded. Some people, some denominations stuck in one interpretation of a particular Scripture and never think out of the box. It paves them to have conflicts and disagreements with other denominations or doctrines. The primary reason is lack of understanding. Archer brings up this point, which is really helpful. In addition, the author has clear understanding the message of the book of Revelation, John’s experience in the vision, the background of the whole book of Revelation, and also the basics of the Apocalypse. According to her study and research done, Archer says “The final element that pertains to worship is the fact that Jesus speaks to the hearers (16:15). Jesus’ words, with their close association to his words spoken in Rev. 2-3, continue to reveal the intimate connection between Jesus and his churches”. (p. 253). This broad and deep knowledge and understanding provides extra strength to her work. B. Weaknesses Truly, I am frustrated finding weaknesses in this wonderful text, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day”. This is a ‘well done’ piece of work. Yet, I would like to share my thought at one point. Demonstrating the Pentecostal theology of worship in light of the Apocalypse, the author provides sufficient information and evidence throughout the last chapter, chapter five. She expresses her belief that “the central message of the Apocalypse is worship” (p. 328). She gives us eight good reasons to prove her argument. “First, the Apocalypse is a narrative about worship. Second, the Apocalypse demonstrates the true worship takes place ‘in the Spirit’. Third, worship makes room for the prophetic voice of the Spirit. Fourth, the Apocalypse demonstrates that worship is the central purpose for all of creation, whether in heaven or on earth. Fifth, the Apocalypse …show more content…
They read and studied the Scriptures with reverence, and they found the golden commandment; “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NIV). The Holy Spirit enhanced the unconditional love between the people and Jesus, and also among each other in the spiritual brotherhood. They shared almost everything and encouraged each other. This team spirit made a platform for them to worship the Lord in the bottom of their hearts. The “worship” became everything for them; they loved it and received the blessings through worship. Melissa Archer was able to highlight every aspect of worship in the