ACC ~ Revelation 21 v14

CHRIST RESTS ON THE PREACHING OF THE APOSTLES. OECUMENIUS: “The wall of the city,” it says, “had twelve foundations.” Christ, whom we consider to be the wall, rests upon the preaching of the apostles, and he is placed upon them as “a precious cornerstone,” as it is written. On them, that is, upon the foundations, are the “twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” He has clearly revealed the symbol, saying explicitly that the apostles are the gates and the foundations of the holy city, the church. “Avoiding the profane chatter of what is falsely called knowledge” by the heretics, may we all remain in their teaching by the grace of Christ, our Guide and chief Shepherd, to whom be glory forever. Amen. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.9-14.

IN CHRIST, THE ONE FOUNDATION. PRIMASIUS: Having mentioned the patriarchs, he now mentions the apostles. Although we know that the church has but a single foundation, that is, Christ, it is not surprising that here it is said to have twelve [foundations]. In Christ the apostles have merited to be foundations of the church, and of [Christ] the apostle said, “No other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus.”In Christ the apostles are also said to be “light,” as he said to them, “You are the light of the world,” although Christ alone is “the true light that enlightens every person coming into this world.” Therefore, Christ is the Light that enlightens, while the apostles are a light that is enlightened. The Holy Scripture often suggests many similar ideas. … Therefore, in this passage we ought to recognize the twelve foundations to be the apostles, although as those called to be in the one Foundation, which is Jesus Christ. … Therefore, the apostles are foundations, but in the one foundation, Jesus. Moreover, Jesus alone, even without the apostles, is rightly called “foundation,” while the apostles are without Christ in no way said to be foundations of the church. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.14.

THE CHURCH IS FOUNDED ON THE APOSTLES. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: The foundations of the wall are the blessed apostles, upon whom the church of Christ has been established. Their names have been inscribed upon them, as upon a public placard, for the easy instruction of those who read them. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.14.

FOUNDED ON THE PATRIARCHS, APOSTLES, TEACHERS AND VIRTUES. BEDE: By “foundations” the patriarchs can be designated, for in themselves, that is, by way of figure they entail the persons of the apostles. This city was founded through [the patriarchs], although it is through the apostles, as though through gates more wide, that the city is open to the nations that are going to believe. It should also be noted that when “foundation” is used in the plural, it means either the teachers of the church or its virtues. However, when “foundation” is used in the singular, it signifies the Lord himself, who is the foundation of foundations. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.14.

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