ACC ~ Revelation 6 v12

THE POWER OF CHRIST WILL BE HIDDEN. TYCONIUS: In the sixth seal we recognize the sixth age of the world. Toward the conclusion of this age the last persecution will come, and it says that the vehement shock of this persecution will shake the whole world like an earthquake. The sun and the moon are Christ and the church. The sun is said to become black, because many will be terrified at the last persecution and will deny them. It says, “Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, for the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the brightness of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine.” And therefore it says, “so that even the elect, if possible, are led into error.”In this manner is the sun said to become black, when the power of Christ is hidden, or doctrine is obscured for a time, or defense is delayed when the impious are allowed to attack the saints. And therefore the prophet says, “Shall you leave this unnoticed, that the impious swallows the righteous?” And indeed of Christ himself we read, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and resurrection of many, and for a sign that is spoken against.” In him some make progress; others, turning away from him, incur ruin. “The moon turned to blood.” It is usually foretold that the church will shed more blood for Christ when the great outbreak of persecutions occurs. Therefore, this speaks of her own blood, not the blood of another as was the case with the red horse, which was described as red with another’s blood. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 6.12.

THE SIGNS OF JUDGMENT. OECUMENIUS: The vision clearly depicts for us the signs that occurred at the time of the crucifixion: the earthquake and the turmoil of the earth, the darkness of the sun and the transformation of the full moon into blood. And with complete accuracy did he add the word full to the moon. For the moon was fully visible, not merely partially visible on the day of the crucifixion and so greeted the passion in its fullness. … And, indeed, the prophet Joel foretold that these things were to happen, “The sun shall turn to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and manifest day of the Lord comes.”The stars falling from heaven was perhaps a physical occurrence, but if not, the passage indicates that all lights from heaven ceased and everything became darkened. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 6.12-17.

THE TRIBULATIONS WILL BE BEYOND ANY EXPERIENCE. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: We think that this passage presents a transition from the times of the persecutions to the time before the arrival of the false Christ. For it has been prophesied that at that time there would be such tribulations, such as we know have never happened before. Indeed, throughout the Scriptures “earthquake” often signifies the change of things. The phrase “once again I will shake” signifies “the removal of what is shaken,” as the apostle says. And in the Old Testament it is said concerning the crossing of the Israelites from Egypt, “the earth quaked, the heavens poured.” The blackness of the sun and the dark, bloody appearance of the moon signify the darkness that will come upon those overtaken by the wrath of God, as Cyril often remarked.COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 6.12-13.

THE CHURCH WILL SHED MUCH BLOOD. BEDE: The church will shed her blood more than is usual. It says “full” moon, because the final earthquake will be in all the earth, while beforehand, as the Scripture says, there will be earthquakes in many places. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 6.12.

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