ACC ~ Revelation 8 v13

THE IMMINENCE OF DIVINE WRATH. VICTORINUS OF PETOVIUM: [This passage] signifies the Holy Spirit who through two prophets proclaims that the great wrath of plagues is imminent. This occurs so that, although it is the end of time, someone might in some manner still be saved. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 8.13.

THE WORD OF GOD IS FREELY PREACHED. TYCONIUS: The eagle that he saw flying in mid-heaven is the Word of God, which has free course in the middle of the church and announces openly and publicly the plagues of the last time. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 8.13.

AN ANGEL LOOKS IN SORROW. OECUMENIUS: We recognize in the eagle flying in mid-heaven a certain divine angel who looks in sorrow upon the sufferings of those on earth and is sympathetic with humankind in their plight. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 8.12-13.

THE CHURCH DWELLS IN THE HEAVENS. PRIMASIUS: He speaks of an eagle that moves through the heavens in swift flight out of contempt for the earth. He speaks of the church flying in mid-heaven, for she is going to possess the whole world, and she says, “Our abode is in the heavens.” And he rightly says that she was “in the middle,” for “all who are around him offer gifts,” and God works his way in the midst and “works salvation in the midst of the earth,” and “the Lord is round about his people.”COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 8.13.

THE ANGELS IMITATE GOD’S MERCY. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: This passage shows the sympathy and goodness of the holy angels, who, like God, are merciful toward the transgressors who are being chastised, and especially toward those who do not recognize that their suffering is for the purpose of their conversion. For these especially the “woe” is fitting, since they live upon the earth, think earthly thoughts and exhale dust rather than the perfume that has been poured out for us. For those whose citizenship is in heaven, the sufferings become the cause of unfading crowns and rewards. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 8.13.

THE TEACHERS IN THE CHURCH ANNOUNCE EVILS. BEDE: The voice of this eagle each day flies through the mouth of the eminent teachers in the church when they announce the evil of the heretics and the rage of the antichrist and the day of judgment, which with all severity will come to those who love the earth, saying, “In the last days there will come perilous times, and there will be men who are lovers of self,”and later in the same writing, “Men of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith,” and elsewhere, “Then that evil one will be revealed, who opposes and exalts himself over everything which is called ‘god’ or is the object of worship.” And again: “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; Wwhen people say, ‘Peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them.” EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 8.13.