ACC ~ Revelation 21 v24

CHRIST ENLIGHTENS THE WHOLE. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: By the light, the Lamb is clearly shown to be the [city’s] lamp, and the kings and the nations will walk in his light. The prophet knew this and said, “In your light we shall see light.” The apostle also spoke concerning this light: “The night is far gone, the day is at hand.”The Evangelist also writes in a similar way: “The life was the light of men, and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” This is to say, what the nature of our weakness had concealed and what the shadow of our humanity had rendered dark was made clear by the assumption of the Lord’s body. And while God, who is light, inhabits the lot of our flesh, he enlightens the whole by the greatness of his glory. For this reason the honor and the glory of the kings and the nations are given to him, because all have been made glorious through him, and the darkness of night shall not overcome his faithful, whom the presence of the Lamb and the Word of the ineffable, unbegotten Father illuminate. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.24-26.

THE SAINTS WILL BRING THEIR VIRTUE INTO THE CITY. OECUMENIUS: [By the nations] it speaks not only of the Gentiles but also of the saints from Israel who came to faith. For since the saints from the Gentiles are more numerous by far, it indicates also those [from Israel] in speaking of those who are more numerous. … By “kings of the earth” he means all the saints, of whom it is written, “When the heavenly One scatters kings upon it, they shall be made white as snow in Selmon.” … Therefore, since these possess a certain glory and honor—he speaks of that honor that comes from virtue—they shall carry it into that holy city. This is as though he said, the blessings arising from virtue shall dwell with the saints. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.23-25.

THE STRENGTH OF SPIRITUAL KINGS. PRIMASIUS: With these words it is to be understood that the Lamb himself who then will be the life of the citizens [of the heavenly city] is the way for those who are underway [toward the heavenly city]. For it is necessary that whatever dignity they will have received is attributed through praise to the honor of him who was the giver. Here [the passage] is speaking of spiritual kings of whom we read, “He is powerful and gives strength to our kings and has exalted the horn of his Christ.” COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.24.

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