ACC ~ Revelation 4 v5a
PREACHING THE GOSPEL IS ACCOMPANIED BY SIGNS AND MIRACLES. PRIMASIUS: In the voices and thunder the proclamation of the gospel is indicated, while the lightning signifies the miraculous signs, as we read in the Gospel, “They went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs which followed.” And again: “The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind, and your lightning illumined the whole world.” For, as though from the clouds, the world, trembling by the thunderous commandments and astonishing miracles, was brought to fear and made to believe. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 4.5.
APOSTOLIC PREACHING HAS ONE SOURCE. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: He desires that we understand that the entire original preaching of the apostles and indeed the heavenly and sacred doctrine proceeds from the judgment and inspiration of God. We interpret therefore the flashes of lightning to be the words of all the saints, and likewise the thunder to be the voices of the preachers. We confess that all these things come forth from one source, namely, God. Concerning these flashes of lightning and sounds of thunder, it is said: “The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings illumined the whole world.”TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 4.5.
GOD ENLIGHTENS THOSE WORTHY OF SALVATION. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: This passage shows how fearful and terrible God is to those unworthy of his long-suffering. However, [the lightning and thunder] become, to those worthy of salvation, their enlightenment. The lightning enlightens the eyes of the mind, and the thunder falls upon spiritual ears. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 4.5.
Rev