Revelation 4:1. After these things denotes succession of visions, not of time; and the rest of the verse is preparatory to the vision rather than strictly speaking a part of it. The apostle must be understood to be still ‘in the spirit,' for that is the state in which at chap. Revelation 1:10 he hears the voice now again referred to. Two things are introduced to us by the word behold: (1) A door opened in heaven, not opening but open, so that there may be the freest intercourse between heaven and earth (comp. Ezekiel 1:1; John 1:51); and that we, seeing into heaven, may understand what is to happen upon earth. Faith is the condition of true wisdom. (2) The voice, identified with that spoken of in chap. Revelation 1:10 by being described in the same language. It is the same mysterious voice of judgment, therefore, as that heard there. The Seer is invited to ascend to the place whence the voice issued, and is told what will be shown him. The language describing what he is to see has already met us in chap. Revelation 1:1; Revelation 1:19; and it points to the fortunes of the Church throughout the whole period of her history down to the time of her glorification.

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Old Testament