ACC ~ Revelation 21 v9

THE BLISS OF THE SAINTS WILL BE IN GOD AND WITH GOD. OECUMENIUS: The angel intends to show the church of the “firstborn who are enrolled in heaven,” which he also calls the “heavenly Jerusalem.” Paul spoke to the Hebrews of this church, writing, “For you have not come to a mountain that may be touched, to a blazing fire, darkness and gloom, and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers entreat that no further message be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, ‘If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.’ Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that he said, ‘I tremble with fear.’ But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven and to a judge who is God of all.” In the gathering or the assembly of all the saints into one, that is, by the image of the heavenly Jerusalem, the passage depicts the blessedness of the saints and the life that they will have in God and with God. As we indicated, he adorns it with physical and magnificent imagery in order to guide our mind to some extent from its depiction to its spiritual glory and splendor. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.9-14.

CHRIST BETROTHED THE CHURCH WITH HIS BLOOD. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: Through this passage it is shown that the angels not only induce the worst plagues but also act as physicians, at one time cutting and at another time applying healing medications. For he who once brought on a plague to those who deserved it, now shows to the saint the beatitude of the church. And fittingly does he call the bride the “wife” of the Lamb. For when Christ was slaughtered as a lamb, he at that time betrothed [the church] with his own blood. For just as when Adam was sleeping, the woman was formed through the taking of the rib, so also the church, formed through the shedding of blood from the side of Christ as he was sleeping voluntarily on the cross through death, was united with him who suffered for us. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.9.

THE CHURCH GIVES BIRTH TO SPIRITUAL SONS FOR GOD. BEDE: He calls the church “bride” and “wife,” for while remaining herself pure and immaculate, she is always giving birth to spiritual sons for God. Or, [she is called “bride” and “wife”] because although she is now betrothed to God, she will at that time be led to the neverending wedding feast. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.9.

Rev