ACC ~ Mark 15 v38

ALTERNATIVE INTERPRETATIONS

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: The curtain was torn. [This was] to show that [the Lord] had taken the kingdom away from them and had given it to others who would bear fruit. [1] An alternative interpretation is: By the analogy of the torn curtain, the temple would be destroyed because his Spirit had gone away from it. Since the high priest had wrongfully torn his robe, the Spirit tore the curtain to proclaim the audacity of the pride [of the Jews], by means of an action on the level of created beings. Because [the high priest] had torn his priesthood and had cast it from him, [the Spirit] also split the curtain apart. [2] Or [alternatively], just as the temple in which Judas had thrown down the gold [3] was dissolved and rejected, so too [the Lord] pulled down and rent asunder the curtain of the door through which [Judas] had entered. Or, [it was] because they had stripped him of his garments that he rent the curtain in two. For the heart of the rock was burst asunder, [4] but their own hearts did not repent. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON. [5]

[1] Cf. Mt 21:43.

[2] Cf. Mt 27:51.

[3] Cf. Mt 27:5.

[4] Cf. Mt 27:51.

[5] CSCO 137:314; JSSS 2:319*.

HIS DEATH AS AN UNVEILING

GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS: He surrenders his life, yet he has power to take it again. [1] Yes, the veil is torn, for things of heaven are being revealed, rocks split, and dead men have an earlier awakening. [2] ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20. [3]

[1] Cf. Jn 10:17-18.

[2] Cf. Mt 27:51-53.

[3] FGFR 260; TLG 2022.009, 20.29-31.