ACC ~ Revelation 18 v20

HEAVEN REJOICES AT THE VINDICATION OF THE MARTYRS. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: That is, rejoice, because all of the blood of the martyrs which she poured out unto her damnation has been vindicated, and they see the avenging of the saints whom she persecuted. For, indeed, to show that the blood of the saints is to be requited, and to demonstrate the image of her ruin, there follows [the report of the mighty angel for] … the coming time of perdition is likened to a stone which is thrown with force. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 18.20-21.

THE SOULS OF THE RIGHTEOUS REJOICE. OECUMENIUS: While the merchants and the kings of the earth and all with whom the city did commerce while she yet stood and was prosperous will weep bitterly for her, the heavens will rejoice, that is, the angels in heaven and the souls of the righteous. The souls will rejoice because their vindication from God has happened, while the angels will rejoice as those who are glad for the vindicated. Moreover, through the description of the behavior [of the kings and merchants] in the narrative, the suffering of the spiritual Babylon is highlighted. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 18.20-24.

THOSE WHO CONVERT ARE MADE GLAD. PRIMASIUS: This refers to those who have converted, for they rejoice and are made glad because “God has given judgment for you against her.” COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 18.20.

BABYLON IS EVERYWHERE IN EVIL PEOPLE. CAESARIUS OF ARLES: Is Babylon the only city in all the world that persecutes or has persecuted the saints of God, so that when she is destroyed all of them are avenged? Babylon is throughout the whole world in evil people, and throughout the world persecutes those who are good. EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 18.20, HOMILY 17.

THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS REJOICE. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: By “heaven” he means either the angels or the saints who make their dwelling in heaven. The apostles and the prophets are urged to rejoice with these, and so to avenge those who were maltreated by [the city]. Their rejoicing would also avenge those who often were dishonored through transgressions of the divine laws while they vainly entreated the inhabitants of that city, or those who were forcibly scattered throughout the earth and were slaughtered for the sake of God and because they were servants of his words. In this way, the prophets were killed by the Jews, and the apostles by the Gentiles, to whom they especially preached the word. They rejoice for the coming of these chastisements, not because they rejoice in hardships but because they ardently desire a cessation to sin. And perhaps those who have been slaves to sin might obtain a milder punishment in the age to come because they were tormented to some extent here. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 18.20.

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD. BEDE: According to the Gospel, when the Lord was foretelling the destruction of the world, he added, “Now when you see these things taking place, look up and raise your heads,” that is, make your hearts glad. … This is that judgment that the souls of the saints sought for with a loud cry, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, before you will judge and avenge our blood?” EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 18.20.

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