Many of Gentry's arguments based on the text itself will be highlighted in the commentary which follows. A growing number of scholars are now arguing for a pre 70 A.D. authorship, which is the position supported in this commentary. Schools of Interpretation. Many commentators state that the Book of Revelation is the most difficult book of the bible to interpret, yet in spite of this difficulty it is the subject of many published commentaries and scholarly articles. One reason for this interest is undoubtedly the fact that the figurative language of the book readily lends itself to escapades of fertile imagination.
Interpretations generally fall into one of the following four schools.
Those who hold to the preterist point of view believe that the Book of Revelation was written to encourage Christians in the first century during a period of virulent persecution. Therefore, the events portrayed in this book were fulfilled in the past. Among those scholars who hold to a preterist or past interpretation there are two camps. Some believe that the book deals with the downfall of the Roman Empire. Others believe the book addresses the issues leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D. Historicist.