Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination

Written by Eugene Peterson

Narrated by Arthur Morey

The book of Revelation made accessible by one of today’s most trusted theological minds: Eugene Peterson. 

If you are daunted by Revelation’s complexity or confused by its claims, Reversed Thunder brings one of the most difficult-to-understand texts in the Bible into clear view. Eugene Peterson’s eloquent meditation takes a Jesus-centered lens to Saint John’s futuristic vision, in a grounded reading that engages the spiritual imagination, awakens hope for the future, and interprets the truth of these last words on scripture, Christ, church, worship, evil, prayer, salvation, and heaven.  

Peterson writes not as an end-times speculator but as a pastor-poet, translating Revelation’s sometimes abstract imagery and symbols of eschatology into fresh insights for all believers. This commentary reveals itself to be a definitive resource on the topics of end times theology, apocalypse, eschatology, and faithful living today. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 27, 2025
• ISBN: 9780063021075

Eugene Peterson

Eugene H. Peterson (1932-2018) was a pastor, theologian, professor, poet, and author of over thirty books, including his bestselling translation of the Bible, The Message, and his memoir, The Pastor. In 1963, he founded the Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland, where he served as pastor for nearly three decades before retiring in Montana with his wife, Jan.

Reviews for Reversed Thunder

[jordanf150 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Of course Peterson is always wonderful – all at once earthy and brilliantly worshipful. Following John's tack, he refuses to allow the Christian to get so sidetracked with fantasy and curiosity that the Revelation becomes nothing more than an interesting beard-scratcher. He enters the Revelation in the way it was meant to be read, as a wake up call, engaging the imagination in the awesome wonder that is the every day experience of God. He's highly practical, and he makes sense of the Revelation in a way that few have. I will say that his writing did not flow as easily for me as some of his later writings have, though I'm not sure whether it was the writer or the reader that was faltering.

[tehoese-269157 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good devotional commentary. Gets a little slow near the end.

[langley_presbyterian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A clearly outlined commentary and interpretation of the Book of Revelation from an inslpired point of view.

[teamredd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Eugene Peterson's short work on the Apocalypse was both interesting and enjoyable. It is not an exegetical commentary, nor does it address many of the usual questions that stem from reading Revelation (i.e., what's the deal with "666," what about the Rapture, what is the nature of the millennium, etc). Rather, Peterson provides a series of meditations on the "last words" that John gives on topics including worship, the church, evil, judgment, salvation and heaven, with particular emphasis on the pastoral implications that the vision has for each. I was particularly impressed by Peterson's ability to tie the Revelation's various themes and symbols back into the rest of the canon. Even those not interested in the minutiae of eschatology will likely find this book edifying and stimulating.