ACC ~ Revelation 22 v7

THE QUICKNESS OF THE END. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: By the messenger of truth the Lord himself reveals directly “to his servants what must soon take place.” And unless anyone be in doubt about the expectation of the end, he indicates that what is to happen will happen quickly and that he is blessed who keeps the words of the prophets. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.6-7.

THOSE WHO LIVE A GOD-PLEASING LIFE. OECUMENIUS: Those who keep these words are [blessed, because they are] eager by a God-pleasing life not to fall into the punishments mentioned in it. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.6-9.

RESOLVE TO LIVE A MORE PURE LIFE. PRIMASIUS: “To keep” means to believe in a reverent manner and to maintain one’s resolve and intention to live a more pure life. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.7.

PRAY GOD TO PRESERVE US FROM AN UNPREPARED DEATH. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: It is often customary for the prophets to speak divine words as though it were from their own person. The words “I am coming soon” indicate either the shortness of the present time in comparison with the future age or the sudden swiftness of the death of each person. For the departure from here is the end of every person. Therefore, since “we do not know at what hour the thief will come,” we are commanded “to watch and to gird ourselves and to keep our lamps burning,” letting our godly behavior shine even for our neighbor. Therefore, let us not cease to beseech God with a contrite heart to “save us from all our pursuers,” lest our souls, having been defeated by them, be snatched away unprepared “with no one to rescue or to save.”[Let us also pray God] lest any soul, bound by the chains of earthly affairs and not able to free itself from them, should vainly turn again to them and then, when constrained to leave them by the authority of the angels and the command of God, will lament in vain for the lost opportunities of a life now passed. Rather, singing without ceasing the song of David, “I prepared myself and was not fearful to keep your commandments,” let us receive as a reward for keeping [his commandments] the praise of God, who will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” Together with him glory, honor and power are fittingly given to the Father and also to the Holy Spirit now and always and forever and ever. Amen. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 22.7.

“WORSHIP GOD” REVELATION 22:8-9

OVERVIEW: John testifies that he is an eyewitness and earwitness of the revelation (ANDREW OF CAESAREA). Overcome by fright and awe at the greatness of what he had seen and heard, John fell at the feet of the revealing angel (APRINGIUS). But the heavenly piety of the angel would not allow any worship of himself (ANDREW OF CAESAREA). For no creature properly worships another creature (ATHANASIUS). Rather, since nothing is equal to the Creator, all creatures are to offer worship to God alone (APRINGIUS, ATHANASIUS). True worship appertains also to the Son, for he is not above the angels in glory only. He is the Father’s proper Son according to essence, and therefore as God worthy of worship (ATHANASIUS). Although worshiped by the angels above, Christ has not yet chosen to avenge himself on earth. Taking his example, we ought not with shameless haste insist on our own revenge. Rather, we ought with patience await his coming (CYPRIAN).

Rev