ACC ~ Revelation 21 v13

THE WHOLE WORLD HAS ACCEPTED THE TRINITY. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: It says that the gates are divided into four groups: “on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.” This signifies that the four parts of the world have accepted the mystery of the Trinity. That the names of the patriarchs are inscribed demonstrates that the ancient faith has been fulfilled. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.13.

THE APOSTLES PROCLAIMED THE CONSUBSTANTIAL TRINITY. OECUMENIUS: It says that there were three gates on each of the four corners of the world. For the holy apostles conceived all things [in threes], proclaiming the consubstantial Trinity to the nations and “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.9-14.

THE TRINITY IS PREACHED IN THE CHURCH. CAESARIUS OF ARLES: The city that is described is the church, which is extended throughout the whole world. There are groups of three gates on each of the four sides because throughout the four quarters of the world the mystery of the Trinity is preached in the church. EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.13, HOMILY 19.

THE SPIRITUAL SEA OF BAPTISM. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: The four-sided form of the gates and their threefold entries signifies the understanding of the one who worships the Trinity. This understanding is throughout the four-cornered universe, and we have received it through the life-giving cross. For the cruciform shape of the position of the gates is according to the form of the twelve oxen that bore the Sea erected by Solomon. These oxen signify the threefold grouping of the apostles by fours, the herald of the Holy Trinity and the extension of the four Gospels into the four corners of the earth. Through this is symbolized the spiritual sea of baptism that cleanses the world from its sins and that was instituted by the spiritual Solomon. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.13.

FAITH IN THE TRINITY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. BEDE: In my opinion this skillful description of the gates intends to indicate the mystery of the number twelve. It can therefore suggest either the whole number of the apostles or the perfection of the church, for through her the faith in the holy Trinity is made known to the four corners of the earth. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.13.

Rev