ACC ~ Revelation 21 v20a

JAMES WAS THE FIRST APOSTLE TO SUFFER MARTYRDOM. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: This stone, which has the color of a shining human fingernail, symbolizes the person of James. For before the others he received the bodily death of martyrdom for the sake of Christ, which the nail characterizes, for when cut it experiences no feelings. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.20.

IN THE HUMILITY OF THEIR MINDS, SAINTS EXAMINE THEMSELVES. BEDE: This stone has the luster of onyx yet shows the redness of carnelian, and therefore from both receives the name of sardonyx. There are many kinds of this stone. One has the likeness of red earth. Another has the appearance of two colors, as though it were blood shining through a human fingernail. Another consists of three colors, on the bottom is black, the middle is white, and the top is red. This stone represents those who are red in the passion of the body, white in the purity of the spirit, but in the humility of their mind examine themselves and say with the apostle, “Although our outer man is wasting away, our inner man is being renewed every day.” And again, “I am aware of nothing against myself, but in this I am not justified.”Similarly the psalmist says, “A man walks in the image of God,” that is, by the virtue of the mind, “however, in vain will he be disquieted,” that is, by the weakness of the flesh. … It is fitting that sardonyx is said to be the fifth foundation, since our bodies possess five senses. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.20.

Rev