In this lively and accessible introduction, respected New Testament scholar J. Nelson Kraybill shows how the book of Revelation was understood by its original readers and how John’s apocalypse is relevant to the spiritual life of believers today. Kraybill places Revelation in its first-century historical context, opening a window into the political, economic, and social realities of the early church. When placed in this context, Revelation comes into focus as a summons to follow Jesus: just as Christians in the first century had to decide whether their loyalty was with Babylon/Rome or the New Jerusalem, followers of Jesus today must make costly choices of allegiance and behavior when kingdoms come into conflict.

Apocalypse and Allegiance offers a fresh interpretation of Revelation that highlights its liturgical structure. The book includes questions and illustrations that turn readers’ attentions to twenty-first-century issues of empire, worship, and allegiance. It is illustrated throughout with images of ancient sites, artwork from the catacombs, and Roman coins and with stories of modern Christians who live out John’s radical vision of a New Jerusalem. The book also includes maps, timelines, a glossary, and discussion questions that invite further personal or group reflection.