More than Conquerors - A Review

William Hendriksen. More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation  (75^th Anniversary Commemorative Edition). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2015. 240 pp. $17.00.

 

            William Hendriksen (1900-1982) was a scholar, pastor, professor, and author whose works still hold a valuable place in the lives of ministers everywhere. His series of new testament commentaries are a valuable part of a minister’s commentary library. Hendriksen’s writing is known for its clear presentation and skill in the biblical languages handled simply.

 

            In More Than Conquerors, Hendriksen offers an interpretation of the book of Revelation. This work is not a scholarly commentary. Rather, it is an easier-to-grasp treatment of one of the New Testament’s most difficult works. In this work, Hendriksen constantly sounds the theme of Christ’s victory and the hope of believers who are living in a persecuting world. And, in this work, the author avoids diving deep into controversies regarding eschatology.

 

            Readers of this work will find a well-written, God-honoring, Scripture-treasuring, hope-filled look at Revelation. The analysis of the book is full of important historical detail as well as biblical exegesis. The work also contains a wealth of personal and hopeful application. I found all of these particularly helpful as I read.

 

            Another aspect of the book that I found helpful was its lack of futuristic focus. Many books on Revelation are over-occupied with developing potential future timelines and spelling out expectations of how the end times might wrap up in our modern world. Hendriksen avoids this common tactic, and instead writes to encourage the church of any generation.

 

            What I just said I applaud in this book is also something that others will find to be a weakness. For those who are looking for a book to settle a millennial eschatological position, this will not be the work. Hendriksen writes from an amillennial view, believing that the thousand year reign of Christ in Revelation 20 is figurative of the progress of the church during the present church age. He views the different visions of the book of Revelation as different facets or presentations of the story of the church age rather than a progressive picture of intensifying judgments. And while these are very important interpretive decisions that Hendriksen makes, he makes them quickly and without a great deal of treating with other views.

 

            Regardless of one’s particular and personal eschatological position, this work is still a very helpful look at Revelation. Readers may or may not be convinced of Hendriksen’s interpretation of the four horsemen, of the trumpet and bowl judgments, or of the woman called Babylon. However, it is valuable for us to give thoughtful consideration to his views, as Hendriksen is no theological and historical lightweight. I am personally not convinced of all of his interpretations, but I am greatly encouraged by his overall handling of the book and his presentation of the hope that the church can cling to while living in a hostile world.

 

            This book would be an excellent addition to any pastor’s library. It is also the kind of book that any thoughtful lay person can read through and benefit from. For those who agree with Hendriksen’s eschatological view, this book will offer a well presented and helpful picture of that view. For those who disagree with Hendriksen, this book will offer a valuable look at a thoughtful presentation of an alternative view which cannot be simply shrugged away.

 

            Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.