Perspectives on Revelation are everywhere. One affirms that its events reflect happenings contemporary to John’s life. An alternate view sees Revelation as a prophetic summary of church history. Yet another presents the account as a perfect forecast of the end times. However, as J. Ramsey Michaels argues, these positions nullify Revelation’s meaning to Christians through the ages.

What John saw must be taken seriously if Revelation is to have significance for Christians in any time. Michaels reminds readers of Revelation’s genre: prophetic testimony—one as important for today’s church as it was for John’s original audience.