Metzger's book is a short commentary attempting to establish the basic flow of what Revelation is about. He accepts and defends the position that the book is written between 69-96, likely between 91-96, and involves a series of visions, many of which tell the same story, telling in apocalyptic imagery the "things that are" (Jesus' birth, establishment of His Kingdom, cruelty of Rome) and "the things that are to come" (Jesus' victory over Rome, the Judgment).

I would have liked some more detail in parts, and better explanations in many areas. Whenever he arrived at difficulties in synthesizing a various part of the picture with his story, he would either neglect it, do just a ground-level explanation and move on, or just provide various possibilities. I do not think that this negates any of Metzger's conclusions, but it certainly doesn't help in understanding Revelation. Overall, however, the book is quite good. ( )

I didn't find this book very useful. The title is misleading in that there really is no effort to "break a code".

The biggest problem I had with the book is that it failed to include critical references to other relevant scriptures. My position is that the book of Revelation really answers a number of questions that are raised earlier in the New Testament. I would be happy to provide examples if other members are interested. ( )