As an Episcopalian who has been working through their Bible for the past year, I finally came to Revelation with much trepidation. I wanted to better understand the rich symbolism and complex messages in the book; however, I felt ill-equipped to tackle the task on my own. I purchased this guide looking for a text that would guide me through Revelation and also offer study questions to inspire my personal reflections while reading. This book hit the mark on both counts and is highly recommended.Schmidt starts with an overview of biblical interpretations of Revelation. Readers will find he acknowledges the role of "Left-Behind"-style interpretations in the evolution of Christian thought, but he turns away from this mode of interpretation for his own reading of Revelation. What Schmidt does do is closely read through each section of Revelation, providing historical context, literary background notes, and possible interpretations for the modern reader. Literalists will be sorely disappointed, but those of an Anglican mindset or those looking for fresh interpretations will be rewarded. Schmidt is an Anglican priest, so his interpretation is that of a faithful reader, not a dry or distanced academic. The book itself is a quick read (only 144 pages), so it is by no means an in-depth commentary on every detail of Revelation. However, it's just the right length for the average reader who is trying to make sense of the mystical symbols in the last book of the Bible without getting overwhelmed. The study questions at the end of the book are optional, but helpful for small groups or individuals who want to engage more with the text and its place in their personal faith.Best for: Christians looking for a short faith-affirming, but non literalistic, guide to the symbolism and importance of Revelation within Christian scripture.Not for: Literalist Christians, academics, those seeking an in-depth and lengthy commentary