Some Suggested Commentaries on the Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation is not an easy book to interpret.  It was one of the books that was controversial even in the period of the early church.  However, in 1948 with the statehood of Israel, and later in the 70's with the book "The Late Great Planet Earth", a new interest in interpreting the book of revelation from a pre-millennial, literal interpretation sparked even more speculation and controversy over current events and prophetic fulfillment.  Numerous novel interpretations have only added fuel to the fire.  Prophecy conferences abound where speakers claim to have new insight into current events and biblical prophecy and the "Left Behind" series has been made into several movies.  These interpretation are not only novel, but are a serious departure from the churches traditional interpretation of the book of Revelation.  It is important to remember that this letter was written to real first century churches in a historical context of the persecution of the church under Nero and under Domitian and other Roman Emperors.  The message of the book, the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of God,and a call for Christians to remaining faithful to Christ in times of persecution is often lost under a myriad of strange fictional and bizarre interpretation.  Finding books that help Christians interpret the book can be difficult.  I provide the following recommendations for anyone looking to delve into a study of the book of Revelation further.  

Revelation.  "The Word Biblical Commentary" by David E. Aune, (professor at the University of Notre Dame)

Revelation, The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary, Christopher C Rowland (Professor at University of Oxford)

Revelation, Revelation for Everyone.  N.T.Wright, (Bishop of Durham, author, writer)

Revelation, The Anchor Bible Commentary;  J Massyngberde Ford (Professor of New Testament at University of Notre Dame)

The Meaning of the Millennium: Four View: Anthony A Hoekema; (A-millennialism)  Loraine Better (post-millennialism) George E Ladd (historic pre-millennialism) Herman Hoyt (dispensational millennialism).