What Does Revelation 4:1 Mean?

(1) **After this **(better, *these things)* **I looked **(literally, *I saw;* not “I looked,” as though the prophet turned his gaze then towards it), **and, behold a door was opened **(or, *set open)* **in heaven.—**He did not look and see a door opening; he saw, and lo! the door stood open. There are differences as well as similarities between this vision and others where glimpses into heaven were given to prophets and saints. In Ezekiel’s vision, and in the scene of Matthew 3:16 (comp, also Acts 7:56; Acts 10:11) the heavens divide; in this a door stands open. The way into the presence of God lies open (Hebrews 10:19-20); all who have faith may enter; in the minds of such the thoughts of the heavenly will mingle with the sorrows of the earthly, and the calm of security will be theirs (Psalm 46:5). But the scenes of earth’s troubles will always be dispiriting to those who cannot reach the heavenly view-point. **And the first voice **(or, *behold, the first voice) ***which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me**; (even one) **which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee ***(the)* **things which must be hereafter.—**The *first* voice here spoken of is the voice which the Apostle had heard in the opening vision (Revelation 1:10); he heard, and recognised that trumpet-like voice again. It is strange that any should have maintained that this is not the voice of Christ. It is admitted that it must be the same as the voice of Revelation 1:10; but it is said that the voice of Christ is heard afterwards (Revelation 1:15), not as a trumpet, but as the voice of many waters. The answer is simple; the voice of Christ has many tones; and the voice like a trumpet said, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” (See Revelation 1:10-13.)