a. He would keep this Church from the "hour of trial that would fall upon the earth" (v10); and
b. He would keep their door open (v8).
What is the "open door?" There is much debate about this. "For Paul, open doors were opportunities for ministry (1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3)." [2] The context seems to lend itself to a "nearby text, Revelation 4:1, identifies another open door: “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.” Plainly this refers to entrance into heaven. This fits the current text much better." [3]
Beale combines both ideas where he argues that "though the “open door” primarily means the church’s “own assured entry into the New Jerusalem, it is also the way by which others are to be brought in.”203 Therefore, Jesus, who holds sway over the power of salvation and judgment, exerts this power through his followers (so Matt. 16:18)." [4] For Beale the "open door" swings both ways!
This Church is kept from the "hour of trial" and many would foresee the Great Tribulation here and even an allusion to the Rapture of the Church. It is certainly clear that this passage is speaking of a worldwide phenomenon but to assume the Church will be absent (from this text) is not certain. It may simply mean that the Church will be "kept" -- kept safe. "A great illustration was God’s protection of the Israelites from the devastation of the plagues on the Egyptians without removing them out of Egypt." [5] "This same protection in the midst of tribulation is discussed elsewhere through the metaphors of “sealing” (7:1ff.), “measuring” (11:1–2), and “nourishment and protection in the wilderness” (12:6, 14–17)." [6]
Prior to the Cross, Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (John 17:15–16, NIV). The Church enjoys the amazing grace of Christ's protection. The Apostle John, in his letters wrote in 1 John 5:18–19 (NIV),
"18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one."
Therefore we are to pray “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” (Matthew 6:13, NIV). Why? Because it is God's will. We can pray, "deliver us" because we "are delivered."
Father I thank you that the Church is loved by you. I thank you that You have made it clear that Your true people are those who have faith in Christ. I thank You that You have opened Heaven for those You call. I thank You that You have promised to protect and care for Your Church -- particularly You promised that those born of Your Spirit are delivered from Satan and Satan cannot harm them. You are so gracious and kind. Your mercy is amazing. Father, today I pray that I will not be led into temptation but be delivered from the Evil One -- through Christ.
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1. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (56–57). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2468). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
3. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (57). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Resvelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (287). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press
5. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (58). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
6. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (289). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Pres
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