ACC ~ Revelation 22 v1

THE KINGSHIP OF THE TRINITY IS ONE. JEROME: We believe in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, that is true, and that they are a Trinity; nevertheless the kingship is one. “I saw a single throne set up, and I saw a single Lamb standing in the presence of the throne.” This refers to the incarnation of the Savior. Scripture says, “Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” “And there was a fountain of water coming forth from beneath the middle of the throne.” Notice that it is from the midst of the throne that there issues forth a river of graces. That river does not issue forth from the throne unless the Lamb is standing before it, for unless we believe in the incarnation of Christ, we do not receive those graces. HOMILIES ON THE PSALMS 1 (PS 1).

CHRIST IS THE LIVING WATER RECEIVED IN BAPTISM. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: The living water is the Lord Jesus Christ. Of this water he spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God and who it was who says to you, ‘give me to drink,’ you would rather ask from him, and he would give to you the living water.” [He was speaking of] the knowledge of his deity and the fullness of a holy faith. For concerning him it is said, “For with you is the fountain of life.” For they are buried [with him] through baptism, as the apostle says: “For we have been buried with him by baptism into death.” Therefore, the living water which is like crystal and is perfectly clear is the washing of the holy font and the resulting brightness of most blessed faith. It is said to flow from the throne of God and the Lamb because the cleansing is from him, life is from him, and all righteousness and holiness of baptism flows from and proceeds from him. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.1.

THE GRACE OF CHRIST IS LIKE A RIVER. OECUMENIUS: The “river of life” is the abundant and plenteous gifts of the grace of Christ that are everlastingly poured out upon the saints. These sweep and flow upon them much like a river. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.1-5.

ETERNAL LIFE IS THE FRUIT OF BAPTISM. PRIMASIUS: The river of life that flows in the midst of the city no longer signifies the administration of baptism. Rather, the fruit of that sacrament is here revealed. For we sow now in tears what we shall then reap in joy, and so now the church “sows to the Spirit so that it might reap eternal life.” COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.1.

THE FOUNTAIN OF BAPTISM. CAESARIUS OF ARLES: This passage shows the fountain of baptism flowing from God and from Christ in the midst of the church. For what kind of honor would there be for this city were the river to flow through the streets to the hindrance of the inhabitants? EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.1, HOMILY 19.

THE SPIRIT CLEANSES IN BAPTISM. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: The river that flows from the church in the present life indicates the baptism of regeneration that is made effective through the Spirit and makes those who are washed more clean than snow and crystal. But the river of God, filled up with waters, namely, the Holy Spirit, flows through the Jerusalem above, flowing from God the Father through the Son. And [this river flows] in the midst of the most excellent powers, which are named here the “throne of God,” making full the streets of the holy city, that is, the multitude of its inhabitants who are, according to the psalmist, “more in number than the sand.” COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.1-2.

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