8. I have set (Sédwxa). Lit. J have given. For a similar phrase see Luke xii. 51.
An open door (Svpav dvewypévnv). Rev., more literally, a door opened. This is variously explained. Some refer it to the entrance into the joy of the Lord; others to the initiation into the meaning of scripture; others again to the opportunity for the mission-work of the Church. In this last sense the phrase is often used by Paul. See 1 Cor. xvi. 9; 2 Cor. ii. 12; Col. iv. 3. Compare Acts xiv. 27.* Ihave given is appropri- ate, since all opportunities of service are gifts of God. See on chit
For thou hast (6ru éyes). Some texts make behold—shut parenthetical, and render érz that, defining thy works, etc. So Rev.
A little strength (uixpav Sdvaytv). This would mean, thou hast some power, though small. Many, however, omit the in- definite article in translating, and render thou hast little strength, iLe., thou art poor in numbers and worldly resources. So Al- ford, Trench, and Diisterdieck.
And («ai). John’s single copula instead of a particle of logical connection. See on Johni. 10; vi. 46; 1 Johni. 5; John viii. 20.
Hast kept my word (érypnods ou Tov déyov). Rev., ren- dering the aorist more strictly, didst keep. For the phrase, see John xvii. 6, 8.
9. I will make (6/6o). Rev., rightly, Z give. See on ver. 8. The sense is broken off there and resumed here.
Of the synagogue (é« T7s cvvaywyjs). Certain ones of the synagogue. Most interpreters refer to the Jews. Others ex-
* This is the explanation of Trench, Plumptre, Diisterdieck, and Alford, and seems, on the whole, to be the preferable one. Professor Milligan argues at length for the second explanation, which is Bengel’s,
Vou. II,—30