ACC ~ Revelation 21 v20h

MATTHIAS WAS WORTHY OF THE DIVINE FIRE. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: It seems to me that through the amethyst, which is somewhat like fire in appearance, Matthias is indicated. He was accounted worthy of the divine fire at the distribution of the tongues and he filled the place of him who had fallen away, for by a fiery desire he wished to please him who elected him. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.20.

THE WINE OF SUFFERING AND THE WINE THAT GLADDENS THE HEART. BEDE: Amethyst is purple, a mixture of violet and the luster as of a rose, and it gently gives off little sparks. But it has a certain glow that is not purple through and through, but rather it appears like the red of a wine. The beauty of purple suggests the deportment of the heavenly kingdom, while the rosy violet indicates the humble modesty and the precious death of the saints. For to be sure, their minds are chiefly concerned with things on high, and although externally they must endure misery, they remember among these adversities the Lord’s promise, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” These persons do not extend the fire of love only toward one another but also toward their very persecutors, imploring on bended knee, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Moreover, along with the wine of suffering that they must drink, by a continuous recollection they drink even more of that wine that gladdens the heart … and that the Lord promised that he would drink new with his disciples in the kingdom of the Father. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.20.

Rev