Revelation 3:8 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Behold, I have set before thee an open door,— St. Paul uses this symbol to signify the free exercise and propagation of the gospel; Acts 14:27. 1 Corinthians 16:9 but at the same time this shews, that the liberty here used, is in a more limited degree than when other symbols are employed; and therefore it is said here, that this angel has but a little strength. See Revelation 4:1; Revelation 19:11. Thus this expression coincides with the allegory, which was begun with the key of David. One Demetrius is named in the Apostolical Constitutions, as ordained by St. John bishop of Philadelphia; and in Leviticus 1:12 one of that name is commended; but whether it be the same person is doubtful. And hast kept my word signifies "hast endured persecution for my sake, and kept the faith manfully." The word Λογος, in this book, has a peculiar reference to martyrdom. Vitringa and others give the following turn to this verse. "I know thy works, and, on that account, I, who have the keys of the kingdom of heaven, have taken care that a door for freely preaching the gospel should be opened before thee, and which I will take care that thy enemies shall not close upon thee, because thou hast but a little strength; notwithstanding which, thou hast kept my word," &c. See ch. Revelation 2:13.