ACC ~ Revelation 21 v19 - 20

THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM IS A SPIRITUAL EDIFICE. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: Tradition assures us that the heavenly Jerusalem that is above is built up of holy gems, and we know that the twelve gates of the heavenly city, which signify the wonderful beauty of the apostolic teaching, are compared with precious jewels. These priceless stones are described as possessing certain colors that are themselves precious, while the rest is left of an earthly substance. To say that the city of the saints is built of such jewels, even though it is a spiritual edifice, is a cogent symbol indeed. By the incomparable brilliance of the gems is understood the spotless and holy brilliance of the substance of the spirit. CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2.12.118.

THE HOLY SPIRIT SHINES WITHIN EACH OF THE APOSTLES. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: These foundations of the city are understood to be the apostolic faith and the preaching of the apostles, upon which our Lord Jesus Christ constructs his city. For he who is the Foundation of foundations is himself the builder who upon the faith in his own most blessed name builds the holy church, which consists of those who were the very first and of those who follow after them until the end of the world, which is unknown to us. The various precious stones signify the apostles because in each of them shine the gifts and miracles that belong to the Holy Spirit. Moreover, that the brightness of the unified light is seen within them indicates that what shines outward from them never ceases to exist within. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.19.

DECORATED WITH EVERY VIRTUE OF THE SPIRIT. PRIMASIUS: In the song of Tobit we read, “All your walls will be precious stones,” and also in Isaiah, “Behold, I will set your stones in order and lay your foundations with sapphires, and I will place jasper for your buttresses, and I will put your gates in formed stones, and all your borders will be in precious stones.” And as though explaining what he had said, lest you think materially of an earthly edifice, he added, “All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and there shall be great peace for your children.”The blessed Paul also concurs with these thoughts: “Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” … Having said that the foundation was from every precious stone, he now names them in turn. … By the images of all these stones the beauty and support of the virtues are signified by which each one of the saints is spiritually decorated. Moreover, the entire city itself is described as adorned with these same stones, both in their strength and in the elegance of their variety. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.18-20.

THE APOSTLES POSSESSED THE VARIOUS GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. CAESARIUS OF ARLES: He mentions the names of the various gems in the foundations so that he might show the various gifts of grace that have been given to the apostles, as was spoken concerning the Holy Spirit, “who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.19, HOMILY 19.

THE NEW COVENANT AND THE OLD. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: The twelve “foundations” were twelve precious stones, eight of which were worn in ancient times on the breastplate of the high priest, and four have been added to show the agreement of the new [covenant] with the old [covenant] and the superiority of the things brought to light in it. And so, the apostles are decorated with every virtue, which is made clear through the precious stones. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.19.

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