Description
The books of Genesis and Revelation hold unique placements in God’s story: the prologue and the epilogue. In other words, Genesis sets the stage for how the story of God unfolds through the Bible, and Revelation draws it to a close. Through in-depth Bible study, William H. Griffith demonstrates how key theological themes that carry throughout the whole Bible unfold in the book of Genesis and how Revelation reflects back on what has happened. This book invites you on a deep dive into these two crucial texts, examining where connections happen between Bible stories, and providing questions for group or individual study and reflection. If you have questions about the books of Genesis and Revelation, this Bible study is for you!
Reviews
“Alpha and Omega,” “beginning and end”—these sound so absolute. Yet I hope, like me, you’re drawn to the more open-ended notions of “Prologue” and “Epilogue.” This study promises a fresh lens on the bookends of the greatest story ever told—not just as a reminder of God’s plan for this world and our relationship with Him, but also as a gentle suggestion: perhaps our own end stories are really just prequels to what lies ahead.” —JEFF CALDWELL A lay leader of the First Baptist Church, Columbus, IN congregation for over 40 years, and a participant in the Men of Faith Bible studies over the last 14 years that Dr Griffith wrote and co-taught. Jeff is a Retired Executive Director, Cummins, Inc. Columbus, IN
“Great Book! During this luminous time for congregations and leaders, this is a perfect text for embracing beginnings and endings in your life and ministry. As you contemplate what God is calling you to next, jump into these pages to discover insights that will help you form your own next chapter.” —C. JEFF WOODS Ph.D. from Indiana University is currently serving as Associate General Secretary for Regional Ministry for the American Baptist Churches USA. Previous roles include serving a term as General Secretary and serving as the Executive Minister for ABC of Ohio.
"When it's time to explore new territory, it's great to have a map. But a guide is even better. Bill Griffith walks alongside his readers as they journey from the Bible's first book to the last, pointing out the oft-overlooked trail-markers that reveal Scripture's underlying storyline. Prepare to experience some spiritual ah-ha's." —REV. GLENN MCDONALD, Presbyterian pastor and author of ten books on spiritual formation, including "The Disciple Making Church" And Host of podcast “Morning Reflections” Host of the Podcast “Morning Reflections.
“In From Chaos to Hope: How Genesis and Revelation Tell God’s Story William Griffith offers readers the rare gift of pastoral insight woven with deep biblical scholarship. Drawing on decades of congregational ministry and the compassion of a hospice chaplain, Griffith invites us to see Genesis and Revelation not as distant bookends of Scripture, but as vital parts of one seamless story of God’s relentless love and redemption. Dr. Griffith helps readers rediscover familiar stories—from the creation narrative to the visions of John—with fresh eyes. His writing is both accessible and profound, making this book an ideal resource for pastors, Bible study groups, and individual seekers longing to understand Scripture’s larger narrative arc. This is not merely a commentary; it is a journey into the heart of God’s story. Griffith gently guides readers into seeing how the prologue of Genesis anticipates themes of grace, covenant, and renewal, while Revelation as epilogue invites us to hope in the restoration of all things. In a time when many approach this final biblical book with fear or confusion, Griffith offers a refreshing devotional, “back to the future” perspective on Revelation, connecting it to the themes that begin in Genesis.
“The Bible is richly diverse: many authors and many types of literature. But, as William Griffith shows us, it is in all of this diversity the unified Story of God. And we understand that unity best by grasping the intentions of the divine Storyteller by paying careful attention to both his Prologue (Genesis) and his Epilogue (Revelation). I found Griffith's book to be wonderfully refreshing!” —RICHARD J. MOUW, PhD, President Emeritus Fuller Theological Seminary
"This book offers a truly original approach to two of the most important and most challenging books of the Bible for 21st century readers who want to take God's revelation in the Scriptures as a serious guide to faith and life. Contemporary readers have little to no background to the Near-Eastern cultural context into which Genesis was originally written, nor do they have an understanding of the genre of Jewish Apocalyptic literature that shapes the categories of the book of Revelation. Dr. Griffith invites readers to look with new eyes at these books as critical elements of the much larger story of God's persistent and loving plans and purposes for His Creation. In doing so, he frees readers from the all-too-common tendency to read Genesis and Revelation through the much-limited outlook of our 21st century modern scientific mindset.
"The book will be a gift to both individuals in their personal study of the Scripture as well as to small group Bible Studies and congregations who can relish the book together."—SHIRLEY A. MULLEN, President Emerita and Professor of History Houghton University, Ph.D. UNIVERSITY OF WALES: Philosophy. Ph.D. UNIVERSITY OF
Author Bio
William H. Griffith is a retired hospice chaplain having been on the staff at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, and Hospice of South Central Indiana. A 35 year veteran of pastoral ministry, he holds both Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees. His studies have focused on grief recovery, pastoral counseling, and preaching. Dr. Griffith is also the author of the Judson Press book More Than a Parting Prayer: Lessons in Care-Giving for the Dying. He is available for conferences, seminars, or workshops to address the issues of grief and care-giving for the dying. Visit his website at www.wmgriffithbooks.com and contact him at wmgriffith@aol.com.