ACC ~ Mark 13 v25b

THE COMING OF THE SON

TERTULLIAN: If you examine this whole passage of Scripture from the inquiry of the disciples down to the parable of the fig tree, [1] you will find that it makes sense at every point in connection with the coming of the Son of Man. He will bring both sorrow and joy. The Son of Man is coming in the midst of both calamities and promises, both the grief of nations and the longing of the saints. He is the common element in both. He who is common to both will end the one by inflicting judgment on the nations, and will commence the other by fulfilling the longings of the saints. AGAINST MARCION 4.39. [2]

[1] Mk 13:3-31.

[2] AEG 5:147-48**; Cetedoc 0014, 4.556.23; cf. ANF 3:416. The coming of the Son of Man stands at the juncture of historical catastrophe and intense joy, judging the nations and fulfilling the longings of the saints.

FLIGHT INTO DARKNESS

GREGORY THAUMATURGUS: The powers above—the angels guarding the universe—will be put into action in that storm and tumult of all things. Powerful men will stop. Laboring women will also stop and flee into the dark places of their houses. ON ECCLESIASTES 12. [1]

[1] TLG 2063.006, 1016.34-39; Gregory Thaumaturgus, Gregory’s Ecclesiastes, ed. J. Jarick (Atlanta, Ga.: Scholars Press, 1990), p. 291*.

THE PILLARS SHAKE

BEDE: What wonder is it, that human beings should be troubled at this judgment, the sight of which makes the very angelic powers tremble? What will the upper parts of the house do when the pillars underneath begin to shake? EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 4.13.25. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 1355, 4.13.211; GMI 338*.