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I. THE OPEN DOOR.

1. The place where the open door was seen: "In heaven." This implies several important things.

(1) The changed sphere of operation.

(a)  The "golden lampstands" represented Churches, not in heaven, but on earth.

(b)  The "seven stars" represented the pastors of those Churches.

(c)  Now the seer's attention is called from the condition of things on earth to a condition of things in heaven. This is fruitful of suggestion.

(2) That the door is represented as "open" is noticeable.

(a)  That now, for the first time, heaven is to be laid open to saints on earth.

(b)  That now these heavenly things, as here revealed, should be prayerfully pondered: an open door, ever inviting entrance.

(3) Though this is a vision of the heavenly world, the objects seen are symbols; the things symbolised are as real as heaven itself is real.

II. THE INVITATION: "Come up hither."

1. The authoritative character of the invitation. The speaker is no less than the risen Lord.

2. The distinguished honour of the invitation.

3. The gracious purpose of the invitation.

(1) These "things" contain the substance of the Divine purposes concerning the destiny both of the people and the enemies of God.

(2) These purposes had never been disclosed till now.

(3) They are purposes in which all God's people should take a lively interest.

III. THE SEER'S TRANSFORMATION.

1. Its suddenness.

2. Its significance.

IV. THE SUBLIME VISION. Practical lessons:

1. The great importance of the study of the laws of "prophetic symbols."

2. The symbols of this chapter are not only interesting as throwing light on the place this chapter occupies in the prophetic scheme of this book, but they are also full of practical value.

(1) They should impress us profoundly with the-awe-inspiring presentation of the majesty, sovereignty, and holiness of God, whose name we should revere.

(2) They should deeply impress us with the Divine activity, and the multiplicity of Divine agents in the bringing about the Divine purposes concerning the children of men.

(3) They should impress us with the faithfulness of God, and the sure reward of those who love and serve Him on earth.

(D. C. Hughes, M. A.)

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KJV: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

WEB: After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, "Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this."