A review of Letters From Jesus, by Dr Rolan Monje.
Why Revelation Makes More Sense Than You Think
For many of us, the book of Revelation feels mysterious, even intimidating. Strange images, dramatic symbols, and plenty of ‘confident’ opinions about what it all means. But what if the key to understanding Revelation isn’t decoding the future, but remembering the past?
In his excellent book on Revelation, my friend Rolan Monje points out something we easily forget: John and his first readers were steeped in the Old Testament. Revelation is full of echoes—over two-thirds of the book alludes to the Old Testament, with hundreds of references woven in from Exodus, Psalms, Daniel, Isaiah, and more. John doesn’t quote the Old Testament directly; instead, he assumes his readers will recognise it—rather like catching a movie reference or getting the punchline of a familiar joke.
Rolan shows how Revelation retells Israel’s story for a new moment. Rome looks a lot like Pharaoh. The church echoes Israel. And Jesus is revealed as the greater Moses. The Lamb of Passover, the thunder and cloud of Sinai, the plagues, the wilderness journey—they all reappear, now centred on Christ and his victory.
He also helps readers see Revelation as part of a wider Jewish apocalyptic tradition, alongside books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and even intertestamental writings such as 4 Ezra and Enoch. Once you grasp that world, the book becomes far less frightening and far more faith-building.
Rolan’s big idea is simple but strong: you can’t really appreciate Revelation without knowing its Old Testament backstory. When you do, the book comes alive—not as a puzzle to fear, but as a message of hope, worship, and confidence in the risen Jesus.
If you’ve ever wanted Revelation to feel clearer and more encouraging, I highly recommend this book.
You can order a copy here: https://ipibooks.com/products/letters-from-jesus-to-the-seven-churches-of-revelation.
Let me know your thoughts.
Your brother, Malcolm
