ACC ~ Revelation 21 v15

THE INCARNATE LORD IS THE MEASURE OF THE FAITH. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: The wall of fire surrounding it is the Lord, as we have already said. The golden measuring rod is the faith concerning the Lord’s incarnation, for on account of its purity and sinlessness his body is revealed to be clearer and more brilliant than any metal. He alone is the one through whom the measure of the faith and the integrity of the holy city is established, and he only is recognized as the measure of its gates and the height of its wall. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.15.

CHRIST IS THE WISDOM OF GOD. PRIMASIUS: Earlier John had said that a measuring rod was given to him, namely, the commission given to him to preach.Now he says that the angel speaking with him has a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. It is necessary, therefore, to understand this angel as Christ, who is the Wisdom of God and by his power extends from one end [of the earth] to the other and “orders all things well.” Therefore, we read, “Receive wisdom as gold.” Moreover, to Christ alone is it given to measure the city, for it is he who distributes to each one of the faithful the gifts of the spiritual graces, and who, as we read, “has ordered all things in number and measure and weight.” COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.15-16.

FOUNDED ON THE FAITH. CAESARIUS OF ARLES: In the golden rod he shows the members of the church, who, although weak in the flesh, are well founded in the golden faith. As the apostle says, “[We] have this treasure in earthen vessels.” EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.15, HOMILY 19.

THE SAINTS WILL BE PROTECTED BY CHRIST. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: The “golden measuring rod” indicates the excellence of the angel who measures, whom he saw in the form of a man. It indicates as well the excellence of the city that is being measured, whose wall we have interpreted to be Christ. The city is measured not by people but by an angel because of the purity and wisdom of its transcendent nature, to whom, as is probable, the greatness or the comely dignity of the city above is known. However, in this passage we think that the “wall” is suggestive of the divine covering and shelter by which the saints will be protected. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.15.

THE TEACHERS OF THE CHURCH EXAMINE THE MERITS OF EACH. BEDE: One could alsothink of the teachers of the church, who though weak in their bodies are heavenly in their mind and with wisdom examine the merits of each person. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.15.

Rev