English · Geneva

Apringius of Beja

Late Patristic · AD 500–800 · 109 passages across 1 books

Commentary

101–109 of 109
Revelation 22:10

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

He says that the time of retribution and of the end is near. With heavenly words he indicates the dire reason why those things that were commanded and spoken ought not be left in silence. Rather, they were written for the admonition of all.

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:10

Revelation 22:11

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

The angel does not desire that sinners perish. He rather warns those who do iniquity so that hearing the sound of a celestial threat, they might wish to abstain from evil works. Moreover, that the righteous might be made even better, he says, “Let the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” [He says this] that they might realize the imminent coming of the Lord and that they might more easily keep themselves from sin and from that time forward always devote themselves to holiness and righteousness.

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:11

Revelation 22:14

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

He calls those blessed who either wash their nuptial garment in the blood of the Lord’s passion through the washing of regeneration which they receive or who through the sorrow of their heart and with tears accomplish the washing away of sins committed at the present time. He indicates that without doubt these will have the right to possess the tree of life. This is that right, that they see the face of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is true life, and rejoice, and that they desire to be admitted to his presence through the gates, that is, through the doctrine of the apostles and the prophets, which they worked to fulfill.

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:14

Revelation 22:15

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Those who are outside the congregation of the saints will be manifestly thrown out of the ark of blessedness. He moreover declares by whose authority these things have been shown or said to saint John when he continues, “I, Jesus …”

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:15

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

This is that star of truth by which the magi themselves were led to his salutary presence. For our exposition can bring forward nothing more clearly than do the very words of this book.

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:16

Revelation 22:17 · 2 passages

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Salvation is given without any price and without any barter. Rather, he who desires to be saved, he will enter and will either receive free of charge the regeneration of baptism, or he will receive the remedy of repentance without cost or charge. The prophet spoke in a similar manner: “All who thirst, come to the waters; and you who have no money, hasten, come, buy and eat.”

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:17

The Holy Spirit and the church call all to come to salvation.… And whoever keeps the words of this prophecy and hears him whom the Lord himself has commanded [to speak], he is worthy to be taught.

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:17

Revelation 22:18-19

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

It is not that he denies that the words that he had spoken were not to be explained. Rather, around that very time in which the saint had his vision, the error of various teachers and heretics began to emerge and to take their rise. Therefore, in order that no one promoting error might through the usual deceit of their error intend either to add or to subtract from his words and in that way seek to confirm their views by the witness of this most holy man, he determined to conclude his book with this warning. And that no one might think that what he said was merely a human opinion, he now mentions [the Lord Jesus Christ] who is the author of these things.

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:18-19

Revelation 22:20

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

“He who testifies to these things says,” that is, the very same Lord Jesus Christ who commanded me to write these things, “Surely, I am coming soon.” He makes known the certainty and the quickness of his coming. And already certain of his own blessedness, this saint fervently declares, “Come, Lord Jesus!” May the almighty Jesus Christ grant to us that as we earnestly await his coming we might, with his protection, keep ourselves from every grave sin, and that when our desire is fulfilled, he find nothing in us worthy of punishment. But should there be anything to pardon, may he nevertheless have mercy upon the accused and not condemn the sinner. May he with whom the blessed One lives and reigns forever grant this. Amen.

TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 22:20

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