‏ Revelation of John 3:8

 I have set ( δεδωκα ). Perfect active indicative of  διδωμ, "I have given" (a gift of Christ, this open door). See Lu 12:51 for a like use of  διδωμ.

 A door opened ( θυραν ηνεωιγμενην ). Perfect (triple reduplication) passive predicate participle of  ανοιγω (verse 7) accusative feminine singular. The metaphor of the open door was a common one (Joh 10:7-9; Ac 14:27; 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col 4:3; Re 3:20; 4:1). Probably it means here a good opportunity for missionary effort in spite of the Jewish hostility.

 Which ( ην--αυτην ). Pleonastic vernacular and Hebrew repetition of the personal pronoun  αυτην (it) after the relative  ην (which). Direct reference to the statement in verse 7.

 That ( οτ ). This conjunction resumes the construction of  οιδα σου τα εργα (I know thy works) after the parenthesis ( ιδου--αυτην, Behold--shut).

 A little power ( μικραν δυναμιν ). Probably "little power," little influence or weight in Philadelphia, the members probably from the lower classes (1Co 1:26f.).

 And didst keep ( κα ετηρησας ). "And yet (adversative use of  κα ) didst keep" (first aorist active indicative of  τηρεω ) my word in some crisis of trial. See Joh 17:6 for the phrase "keeping the word."

 Didst not deny ( ουκ ηρνησω ). First aorist middle indicative second person singular of  αρνεομα. The issue was probably forced by the Jews (cf. 2:9), but they stood true.

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