Francis Gumerlock

Books and Articles on the Theology of Grace and Eschatology

Frank

Exegesis of the Apocalypse in the Tenth Century

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Interpretation of the Book of Revelation in the early Middle Ages has received much scholarly attention, especially the commentaries from the sixth through ninth centuries. Did you ever wonder how Christians in the tenth century interpreted Revelation? My essay, entitled “Exegesis of the Apocalypse in the Tenth Century,” was recently published as Chapter 8 in the Cambridge Companion to Apocalyptic Literature edited by Colin McAllister.

Early Latin Commentaries on the Apocalypse by Francis X. Gumerlock

The article examines three texts from the tenth century: the Commentary on the Apocalypse by Arethas of Caesarea, the Catechesis Celtica, and an anonymous Gloss on the Apocalypse of John. At this time none of these texts are available in English translation. The chapter explains the provenance and purpose of each text, provide summaries and details of their contents, along with excerpts from them in English. The chapter ends with a translation of the entire anonymous Gloss on the Apocalypse of John.

If you are interested in how the Book of Revelation has been interpreted in Christian history, or if you collect commentaries on the Book of Revelation from ancient and medieval writers, I encourage you to purchase a copy of this book, which is available in affordable paperback. Click here.

The Rapture in an Eleventh-Century Text

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New Article. An article written by me, entitled “The Rapture in an Eleventh-Century Text,” was published in the journal Bibliotheca Sacra 176 (Jan.-March 2019): 81-91. It discusses a Bulgarian writing from about the year 1070 called The Narration of the Holy Prophet Isaiah about the Years to Come and the Kings and the Antichrist. It describes the elect being lifted into the air six years before the Second Coming of Christ for the Last Judgment. The article is sure to be of interest to those who study the history of ideas related to pre-tribulationism. For a copy of it, go to the side bar on this website called Published Articles by the Author, then scroll to Eschatology, and you should find the entry. If it is not there now, it will be soon.

New Book Review. Also published recently was a book review by me of Guido Stucco’s The Doctrine of Predestination in Catholic Scholasticism. It was published in the Puritan Reformed Journal 12:1 (Jan 2020):228-230. For a copy of it, click the entry in the side bar on this website called Books Reviewed by the Author. If it is not there now, it will be soon.

Theodulf’s Commentary on Revelation. Since the “stay at home” order, my wife and I have been attending virtual church on Sundays. Last Sunday we sang the famous Palm Sunday hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.” I was reminded that Theodulf of Orleans wrote that hymn way back in the ninth century, and that I had translated his commentary on Revelation. If you would like to read his commentary on Revelation, it is in my book Carolingian Commentaries on the Apocalypse by Theodulf and Smaragdus. There is a link to it on this website. Some of the words of the beautiful hymn are as follows:

“The people of the Hebrews, with palms before Thee went; our praise and love and anthems, before Thee we present. To Thee before Thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise; to Thee now high exalted, our melody we raise.”

Books of Friends and Acquaintances. Finally, I would like to advertise some books by friends and acquaintances that have been published recently, and which you can find on amazon or elsewhere.

Daniel, Curt. History of Calvinism.

Fross, James. The Millennium Dawn.

Kettler, Jack. The Religion that Began in a Hat.

Long, Gary D. Original Sin. The Doctrine of Imputation Vital to the Christian Faith.

Shelton, Brian W. Quest for the Historical Apostles.

Smith, Kym. Redating the Revelation.

Blessings in Christ,

Frank

Latest Book Release: Carolingian Commentaries on the Apocalypse by Theodulf and Smaragdus

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I am happy to announce the release of the book Carolingian Commentaries on the Apocalypse by Theodulf and Smaragdus by Francis X. Gumerlock. It contains English translations of the commentary on the Book of Revelation by Theodulf of Orleans from the year 810 and of three homilies from the year 812 by Smaragdus of Saint-Mihiel on Rev 1:1-5; Rev 4:1-10; and Rev 14:1-5.

The introduction discusses the life and writings of these authors Theodulf and Smaragdus, summarizes the contents of the writings on the Book of Revelation, and examines the sources which they used. It also explains their place in early ninth-century biblical exegesis.

On the term “Carolingian,” the Latin word for “Charles” is “Carolus.” The term “Carolingian” refers to the very influential time and dynasty in the early middle ages, some of whose rulers were Charles Martel (aka: Charles the Hammer), Charlemagne, and Charles the Bald.

The book is available from Medieval Institute Publications at Western Michigan University (click here) and on Amazon. I hope that you secure a copy for yourself and perhaps additional copies as holiday gifts for friends. You can also recommend that your local or academic library purchase a copy for their stacks.

God bless you as you read these fascinating texts and may your Thanksgiving and Christmas be filled with joy, peace, and refreshment.