Chapter 20

Expanding The Kingdom

Christian - Devotion/Study
252 Pages
Reviewed on 12/19/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Chapter Twenty: Expanding the Kingdom by James Hale offers a systematic reading of Revelation set within redemptive history. Hale recounts how early assumptions shaped by home and church gave way to reassessment through sustained study, leading him to situate the millennium within the Bible’s account of redemption fulfilled in Christ. Old Testament prophecy is read through this Christ-centered lens, and the major millennial views—premillennial, postmillennial, and amillennial—are surveyed. Hale presents amillennialism as the conviction that the thousand years describe Christ’s present reign. Hebrews supplies the interpretive anchor, affirming the completed work of sacrifice and priesthood, as well as the unity of God’s people by faith. Revelation functions as a symbolic proclamation: Satan’s binding defines the present age, enables gospel advancement, marks the first resurrection as regeneration, and anticipates rebellion.

Chapter Twenty: Expanding the Kingdom by James Hale is the first accessible treatment of Revelation 20 that I have ever read, and Hale speaks to readers across various theological backgrounds. He addresses a passage long debated within Christian teaching by explaining why differing readings exist and by showing how close, sustained attention to Scripture can reshape long-held conclusions. His explanation of Revelation’s symbolic language is presented in plain terms, helping readers recognize how repeated images function consistently throughout the book. I appreciate how Christ’s reign is placed firmly in the present era, with support drawn from Daniel, the ministry of Jesus, and apostolic teaching. Hale’s writing is easy to understand while demonstrating wide biblical literacy, making the guide rewarding for careful students and thoughtful lay readers. Very highly recommended.

Leonard Smuts

The book of Revelation remains an enigma to many Christians. The symbols, riddles, and dire warnings are open to contradictory interpretations. James Hale provides new options with Chapter 20: Expanding the Kingdom, in which he analyzes this important chapter and brings new substance to any study of it. He points out that Revelation chapter 20, while being pivotal, should be viewed in the context of the entire Bible. There are many supporting passages which add background, such as are to be found in the books of Daniel and Hebrews. The author cross-references his interpretations with the opinions of biblical scholars and texts from both the Old and New Testaments to provide a much wider view. He questions whether interpretations should be literal or figurative, noting that changes in culture, grammar, symbolism, and our concept of time influence our understanding. The concept of millennialism (the 1,000-year reign of Christ) is discussed, along with their differing interpretations. The book also explores other popularly held views. The nature of the new kingdom is debated, as well as the possible fate of the Jewish nation. Other topics include the tribulation, rapture, second coming, and judgment, as well as the various covenants with God and their fulfillment.

James Hale draws on the entire Bible to present a comprehensive review of both the End Times and the Christian faith as a whole, suggesting that we need to re-evaluate our beliefs. Chapter 20 describes a final battle in which good ultimately triumphs over evil, despite the bleak scenario that it presents. The author presents a logical chronology of events that will guide readers to a deeper understanding, advising them to allow Spirit to speak to them when reading Revelation, while keeping an open heart and mind. Revelation should be more about hope than fear. The prophecies outlined have assumed increasing relevance as many believe that we are already experiencing the End Times. While the final battle is likely to be spiritual rather than physical, this book is a timely reminder for readers to put their houses in order. They should also beware of false prophets. The book is meticulously researched and supported by appendices and a comprehensive index. The writing style is concise, with the author’s conclusions presented clearly, providing food for thought for Christians and End Times researchers alike. It is highly recommended.

Alija Turkovic

In Chapter 20: Expanding the Kingdom, James Hale studies Revelation Chapter 20 and the ways Christians have understood the “millennium.” The book presents four main views—Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, Amillennialism, and Dispensationalism—breaking down their ideas, assumptions, and differences in a straightforward way. Hale goes over the binding of Satan, the resurrection, and the final judgment, showing how each approach influences our understanding of God’s plan. He also looks closely at how Israel and the Church are connected, pointing out problems with views that separate them. The book focuses on Christ’s reign, showing the millennium as a spiritual truth, not a literal kingdom. By the end, it gives readers a moment to think and leaves them with hope in God’s plan for humanity.

James Hale writes in a clear, friendly way, guiding readers through complex topics without confusion. The book explains crucial terms and ways to interpret them, making it easy to follow. It blends careful study with a reflective style, useful for reading alone or with others. By showing the different millennial views, Hale encourages readers to think carefully about Scripture while keeping Christ central. He explains redemptive history and covenant themes in a way that links Old and New Testament promises, showing how God’s plan develops over time. The book respects different perspectives while clearly presenting Amillennialism as a strong option. It provides both clarity and insight, making this Christian devotional helpful and meaningful. Readers studying the Bible, theology, or end-times topics will find Chapter 20: Expanding the Kingdom engaging and valuable. Very highly recommended.

Christian Sia

Chapter 20: Expanding the Kingdom by James Hale is a comprehensive discussion of Chapter 20 of the Book of Revelation. The author offers a broader understanding of theological and biblical frameworks with a succinct summary of the chapter, underlining Christ’s victory, the binding of Satan, Jesus’ resurrection, and the establishment of God’s kingdom. The author uses biblical hermeneutics to analyze the symbolism. This chapter can only be fully understood if interpreted in light of redemptive history and the unity of the scripture. Hale criticizes schools of thought that adopt a literal interpretation, such as a future earthly kingdom, a literal thousand years, and many other assumptions.

What I loved about Chapter 20 is that James Hale offers a covenant-centered interpretation and shows the place of Jesus. I understood the religious symbolism; in fact, the author left me with the assurance that time doesn’t exist with God. He operates through time and has redeemed humanity by stepping into time through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. This book examines the different eschatological views and grounds the arguments in the fact that God continues His promises to Israel, now fulfilled in Christ and extended to all who believe in Him. I enjoyed Hale's take on an Israel that is not physical, and his argument that Christ's coming in glory will not be a physical event but a spiritual one. This book is thoughtful, offering an aspect of theological discourse that will make you rethink a lot of what you hear, especially from Pentecostal preachers.

Romuald Dzemo

James A. Hale's Chapter 20: Expanding the Kingdom is a theological discussion focused on Chapter 20 of the book of Revelation. The author says that this important chapter is often misunderstood, especially by certain theological schools of thought. The author underlines God's sovereign plan to expand His kingdom through Christ's victorious reign. This chapter is filled with symbolism, and the author explains how different theological schools have misinterpreted it, assigning literal meanings that rob the book of its hidden import. This event already fulfilled the prophecy in the scriptures, so events like the rapture and many of the things some preachers tell their followers can be hugely misleading. The symbolic nature of this chapter does not allow for specific timelines regarding the second coming, for instance.

Chapter 20 is written in accessible language, except for a few theological terms, which are also explained. Anyone can easily understand this book. I enjoyed the author’s meticulous examination of the imagery in Revelation, which offers a fresh understanding of the thousand-year reign, the binding of Satan, and the final judgement, situating these events within the framework of redemptive history. James A. Hale invites readers to adopt a figurative understanding of the millennium. He argues that God’s promises are fulfilled in the New Creation and that Jesus reigns spiritually in the hearts of those He has redeemed through his passion, death, and resurrection. You will understand from Hale's book that it is misleading to think of the events narrated in chapter 20 of Revelation as physical. They are symbolic and can only be understood through the history of redemption in the entire Bible. This book is spiritually nourishing, offering a discussion that Christians should read.