Why does God communicate through symbolism in the book of Revelation? Is Revelation to be understood primarily as literal or symbolic? Beale argues that the popular approach to Revelation—interpret literally unless you are forced to interpret symbolically—should be overturned.

How can severe calamity exist in a world governed by a good God? The author reads Revelation 6:1-8 as an answer to the question whether suffering is merely part of a chaotic world.