ACC ~ Revelation 21 v19b

PAUL’S CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: The sapphire stone is like the heavenly body, from which also the color azure comes, and symbolizes the blessed Paul. For he was caught up into the third heaven and drew there those who were persuaded by him, and there in the heavens he has his citizenship. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.19.

THE SAINTS ARE DAILY RENEWED BY RAYS OF DIVINE LIGHT. BEDE: Moses explains both the color and the significance of this stone when he describes the dwelling of God: “Under his feet was a work of sapphire stone, clear as the sky.” Ezekiel also says that the place where the throne of God is has the appearance of sapphire and that the glory of the Lord, who bears the image of highest heaven, consists of that color. Therefore, whoever is such a person is able to declare with the apostle: “Our commonwealth is in heaven.” As if struck by the rays of the sun, sapphire glows in itself with burning brightness. So also the thoughts of the saints are always occupied with heavenly things, and so they are daily renewed by the rays of divine light. Therefore, they continually and ardently, in whatever way, search after eternal things and urge others as well towards those things for which they ought to seek. For what happened in the Red Sea is said to occur again when through the passion of the Lord and through the laver of holy baptism, the minds of mortals are raised high to taste beforehand heavenly things. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.19.

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