Revelation 15:2

Translation
King James Version
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 I saw G1492 as it were G5613 a sea G2281 of glass G5193 mingled G3396 with fire G4442: and G2532 them that had gotten the victory G3528 over G1537 the beast G2342, and G2532 over G1537 his G846 image G1504, and G2532 over G1537 his G846 mark G5480, and over G1537 the number G706 of his G846 name G3686, stand G2476 on G1909 the sea G2281 of glass G5193, having G2192 the harps G2788 of God G2316.
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Complete Jewish Bible
I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. Those defeating the beast, its image and the number of its name were standing by the sea of glass, holding harps which God had given them.
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Berean Standard Bible
And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God,
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American Standard Version
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God.
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World English Bible Messianic
I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And I sawe as it were a glassie sea, mingled with fire, and them that had gotten victorie of the beast, and of his image, and of his marke, and of the number of his name, stand at the glassie sea, hauing the harpes of God,
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Young's Literal Translation
and I saw as a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who do gain the victory over the beast, and his image, and his mark, and the number of his name, standing by the sea of the glass, having harps of God,
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See also
Revelation 4:6Revelation 12:11Revelation 19:1Revelation 19:7Revelation 5:81 Peter 1:7Revelation 21:18
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In the KJVVerse 30,949 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Revelation 15:2 presents a profound vision of triumphant saints standing before God's throne, having overcome the oppressive power of the beast, his idolatrous image, his identifying mark, and the numerical representation of his name. This scene, set upon a "sea of glass mingled with fire," depicts the vindication and purity of those who remained faithful amidst intense persecution, now gathered in heavenly worship, equipped with the harps of God, poised to witness the outpouring of divine judgment.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Revelation 15 serves as a pivotal interlude within John's apocalyptic vision, bridging the conclusion of the seven trumpet judgments (Revelation 8-11) and the impending seven bowl judgments (Revelation 16). Following the intense narratives of the beast, the false prophet, and the mark of the beast in Revelation 13, and the contrasting vision of the 144,000 standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion in Revelation 14, chapter 15 offers a moment of heavenly perspective. It introduces the seven angels with the seven last plagues, but before their release, it pauses to highlight the glorious state of the redeemed, providing assurance of God's ultimate victory and the vindication of His faithful people. This scene of worship and triumph sets a theological framework for understanding the justice and righteousness of the judgments that are about to follow.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery in Revelation 15:2 draws heavily from Old Testament motifs and addresses the historical realities faced by early Christians. The "sea of glass" echoes the "bronze sea" in the Jerusalem Temple (1 Kings 7:23) and the pavement of sapphire under God's feet in Exodus 24:10, symbolizing divine purity and transcendence. The "fire" element evokes the consuming holiness of God and His judgment, reminiscent of the pillar of fire that guided Israel (Exodus 13:21) or the fire on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). The "beast, his image, mark, and number of his name" are direct allusions to the Roman imperial cult, which demanded worship of the emperor and participation in economic life tied to such allegiance. Refusal meant severe persecution, often martyrdom. For Christians in Asia Minor, facing pressure to conform, this vision of heavenly triumph offered profound encouragement and validation of their costly faithfulness.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Justice, demonstrating that despite the apparent triumph of evil on earth, God remains in ultimate control, and His judgments are righteous and inevitable. Secondly, it highlights Perseverance and Victory for the saints; their triumph is not over physical death, but over spiritual compromise, proving that faithfulness in the face of tribulation leads to ultimate vindication and reward in God's presence. This aligns with the repeated promise to the overcomers in Revelation 2-3 and the vision of the great multitude in Revelation 7:9-17. Finally, the presence of "harps of God" emphasizes the central theme of Worship and Adoration as the ultimate response of the redeemed, a continuous activity in the heavenly realm that culminates their journey of faith and suffering.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • gotten the victory (Greek, nikáō', G3528): This primary verb means "to subdue," "to conquer," or "to overcome." In the context of Revelation, it consistently describes the spiritual triumph of believers who remain faithful to Christ despite intense opposition, persecution, and even martyrdom. Their victory is not necessarily physical survival but rather a refusal to compromise their faith, thereby overcoming the beast's spiritual and ideological dominion.
  • beast (Greek, thēríon', G2342): Diminutive from a root meaning "dangerous animal," this term refers to the tyrannical political power described in Revelation 13, which persecutes God's people and demands worship. It embodies oppressive, anti-God authority, often associated with imperial power that sets itself against the divine will.
  • glass (Greek, hyálinos', G5193): Derived from a word meaning "glass," this adjective describes something "glassy" or "transparent." When combined with "sea," it evokes an image of pristine purity, clarity, and perhaps stillness, contrasting with the turbulent "sea" often symbolizing chaos or the nations in biblical prophecy. Its transparency suggests God's perfect knowledge and the purity required for His presence.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire": John's vision begins with a striking image of the heavenly throne room. The "sea of glass" (first seen in Revelation 4:6) signifies the serene, pure, and unblemished holiness surrounding God's throne. The addition of "mingled with fire" introduces an element of divine judgment, consuming holiness, and perhaps the fiery trials through which the saints have passed. It sets a scene that is both majestic and awe-inspiring, reflecting God's glorious presence and His righteous character, which is both pure and punitive towards evil.
  • "and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name": This clause identifies the specific group standing on this divine platform. They are not simply survivors, but "victors" – those who actively resisted and conquered the spiritual and political pressures exerted by the beast. Their victory is defined by their refusal to submit to the beast's authority, worship his idol, accept his identifying "mark" (which symbolized allegiance and economic participation), or acknowledge the "number of his name" (a cryptic representation of his identity and power). This highlights their unwavering loyalty to God, even unto death, and their triumph over the pervasive evil of the age.
  • "stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.": Their position "on the sea of glass" symbolizes their purity, their vindication, and their privileged access to God's immediate presence. It signifies their sanctified state, having been purified through their faithfulness. The "harps of God" are instruments of praise and worship, indicating that their ultimate purpose and activity in this triumphant state is to offer adoration to God. This imagery underscores that their victory leads directly into eternal communion and worship, a profound reward for their perseverance.

Literary Devices

The verse is rich in Symbolism, employing powerful images to convey profound theological truths. The "sea of glass" symbolizes divine purity, holiness, and the tranquil, unblemished nature of God's presence, while its mingling "with fire" adds the dimension of divine judgment, consuming holiness, and the refining trials of the saints. The "beast," "image," "mark," and "number of his name" are potent symbols of oppressive, anti-God power and the systems of idolatry and economic control that demand allegiance. The "harps of God" are a universal symbol of praise and worship, signifying the ultimate activity of the redeemed. There is also a strong element of Contrast between the earthly tribulation and the heavenly triumph, highlighting the ultimate vindication of the faithful. The vivid Imagery creates a powerful visual of heavenly glory and divine justice.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Revelation 15:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate justice and the assured victory of His faithful people. It reassures believers that their suffering and steadfastness are not in vain, but rather lead to a glorious vindication in God's presence. This scene underscores the biblical truth that true victory is spiritual and moral, marked by unwavering allegiance to God rather than mere physical survival. It also emphasizes the centrality of worship as the highest expression of the redeemed, a foretaste of the eternal adoration that awaits those who overcome the world through faith. This passage provides immense hope, reminding us that God's plan for judgment and redemption is unfolding perfectly, culminating in the triumph of His saints and the display of His righteous character.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This profound vision in Revelation 15:2 offers immense encouragement and a clear call to perseverance for believers in every age. It reminds us that no matter how overwhelming the forces of evil may seem, or how intense the pressures to compromise our faith, ultimate victory belongs to those who remain steadfastly loyal to Christ. The "sea of glass mingled with fire" speaks to the purity and judgment of God, assuring us that He sees our faithfulness and will justly deal with all evil. Our trials are not meaningless; they are part of a divine process that refines our faith and prepares us for a deeper, more profound worship. To stand with the harps of God signifies that our suffering for Christ culminates in eternal praise and intimate communion with Him. This vision challenges us to examine our own allegiances: Are we compromising our faith for worldly comfort or acceptance? Are we willing to pay the cost of discipleship, knowing that our ultimate vindication and reward await us in God's glorious presence?

Questions for Reflection

  • What specific "beasts" or pressures in my life or culture tempt me to compromise my allegiance to Christ?
  • How does the image of standing "on the sea of glass" encourage me in my current struggles or challenges?
  • In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of worship and praise, even amidst difficult circumstances, anticipating my future role with the "harps of God"?
  • What does "getting the victory" mean for me practically in my daily walk with Christ?

FAQ

What is the "sea of glass" and what does it symbolize?
Answer: The "sea of glass" is a recurring symbolic element in John's heavenly vision, first appearing in Revelation 4:6 before the throne of God. It is described as being "like unto crystal," signifying absolute purity, holiness, and the unblemished nature of God's presence. It also conveys a sense of stillness and tranquility, contrasting with the chaotic "sea" often used in biblical prophecy to represent turbulent nations or evil. In Revelation 15:2, the victorious saints stand upon it, symbolizing their purification, vindication, and privileged access to God's holy presence, having been made pure through their faithfulness.

Who are "them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name"?
Answer: This refers to the faithful believers who endured the severe persecution and ideological pressures of the end times, specifically those orchestrated by the "beast" (a symbol of oppressive, anti-God political power, often linked to the Roman imperial cult in John's day). They "gotten the victory" not necessarily by escaping physical death, but by refusing to compromise their allegiance to God. This means they rejected worshipping the beast or his "image," refused to accept his "mark" (a sign of economic and spiritual allegiance), and did not acknowledge "the number of his name" (a cryptic identifier of the beast's power). Their victory is one of spiritual integrity and unwavering faithfulness to Christ, even at the cost of their lives (Revelation 12:11).

What does it mean for the sea of glass to be "mingled with fire"?
Answer: The addition of "fire" to the "sea of glass" in Revelation 15:2 is highly symbolic. While the "sea of glass" represents purity and God's holiness, the "fire" introduces the element of divine judgment and consuming righteousness. It can symbolize the fiery trials and tribulations through which the saints have passed, being purified by their suffering. More significantly, it sets the stage for the impending seven bowl judgments of God's wrath in Revelation 16, indicating that the scene of heavenly triumph is directly linked to God's righteous and fiery judgment against evil. It underscores that God's holiness is both purifying for His people and destructive for His enemies.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The triumphant scene in Revelation 15:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The victory achieved by these saints over the beast and his oppressive system is not their own inherent strength, but a direct result of Christ's decisive triumph over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness. It is the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:6) who has already "conquered" and is worthy to open the scroll, thereby enabling His followers to overcome. Their ability to stand pure on the "sea of glass" is a testament to the cleansing power of His blood (Revelation 7:14), which purifies them and grants them access to God's holy presence. The "harps of God" they hold are for worship, and their song, as mentioned in the following verse (Revelation 15:3), is explicitly the "song of Moses and the Lamb," signifying deliverance accomplished through Christ, the greater Moses. Thus, the entire scene is a Christ-exalting display: the saints' victory is His victory imparted to them, their purity is His righteousness imputed to them, and their worship is directed to Him as the Lamb who leads them to the Father, forever reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

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Commentary on Revelation 15 verses 1–4

Here we have the preparation of matters for the pouring out of the seven vials, which was committed to seven angels; and observe how these angels appeared to the apostle - in heaven; it was in a wonderful manner, and that upon account, 1. Of the work they had to do, which was to finish the destruction of antichrist. God was now about to pour out his seven last plagues upon that interest; and, as the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, they should now find the full measure of his vindictive wrath. 2. The spectators and witnesses of this their commission: all that had gotten the victory over the beast, etc. These stood on a sea of glass, representing this world, as some think, a brittle thing, that shall be broken to pieces; or, as others, the gospel covenant, alluding to the brazen sea in the temple, in which the priests were to wash (the faithful servants of God stand upon the foundation of the righteousness of Christ); or, as others, the Red Sea, that stood as it were congealed while the Israelites went through; and, the pillar of fire reflecting light upon the waters, they would seem to have fire mingled with them; and this to show that the fire of God's wrath against Pharaoh and his horses should dissolve the congealed waters, and destroy them thereby, to which there seems to be an allusion by their singing the song of Moses, in which, (1.) They extol the greatness of God's works, and the justice and truth of his ways, both in delivering his people and destroying their enemies. They rejoiced in hope, and the near prospect they had of this, though it was not yet accomplished. (2.) They call upon all nations to render unto God the fear, glory, and worship, due to such a discovery of his truth and justice: Who shall not fear thee? Rev 15:4.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–4. Public domain.
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CyprianAD 258
Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews
That the foundation and strength of hope and faith is fear. In the cxth Psalm: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Of the same thing in the Wisdom of Solomon: "The beginning of wisdom is to fear God." Also in the Proverbs of the same: "Blessed is the man who reverences all things with fear." Of the same thing [in Isaiah: "And upon whom else will I look, except upon him that is lowly and peaceful, and that trembleth at my words? " Of this same thing in Genesis: "And the angel of the Lord called him from heaven, and said unto him, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest thy God, and hast not spared thy beloved son for my sake." Also in the second Psalm: "Serve the Lord in fear, and rejoice unto Him in trembling." Also in Deuteronomy, the word of God to Moses: "Call the people together to me, and let them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they themselves shall live upon the earth." Also in Jeremiah: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perfect upon the house of Israel, and in the house of Judah, a new covenant: not according to the covenant that I had ordered with their fathers in the day when I laid hold of their hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; because they have not abode in my covenant, and I have been unmindful of them, saith the Lord; because this is the covenant which I will ordain for the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will give my law, and will write it in their mind and I will be to them for a God, and they shall be to me for a people. And they shall not teach every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord because all shall know me, from the least even to the greatest of them: because I will be favourable to their iniquities, and their sins I will not remember any more. If the heaven should be lifted up on high, saith the Lord, and if the earth should be made low from beneath, yet I will not cast away the people of Israel, saith the Lord, for all the things which they have done. Behold, I will gather them together from every land in which I have scattered them in anger, and in my fury, and in great indignation; and I will grind them down into that place, and I will leave them in fear; and they shall be to me for a people, and I will be to them for a God: and I will give them another way, and another heart, that they may fear me all their days in prosperity with their children: and I will perfect for them an everlasting covenant, which I will not turn away after them; and I will put my fear into their heart, that they may not depart from me: and I will visit upon them to do them good, and to plant them in their land in faith, and with all the heart, and with all the mind." Also in the Apocalypse: "And the four and twenty elders which sit on their thrones in the sight (of God), fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give Thee thanks, O Lord God omnipotent, which art and which wast; because Thou hast taken Thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, and the time in which it should be judged concerning the dead, and the reward should be given to Thy servants the prophets, and the saints that fear Thy name, small and great; and to disperse those who have corrupted the earth." Also in the same place: "And I saw another angel flying through the midst of the heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to those who dwell upon the earth, and to all the nations, and tribes, and tongues, and peoples, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give Him honour, because the hour of His judgment is come; and adore Him who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Also in the same place: "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and the beasts were feeding with His lambs; and the number of His name a hundred and forty and four, standing upon the sea of glass, having the harps of God; and they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, O Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. Who would not fear Thee, and give honour to Thy name? for Thou only art holy: and because all nations shall come and worship in Thy sight, because Thy righteousnesses have been made manifest." Also in Daniel: "There was a man dwelling in Babylon whose name was Joachim; and he took a wife by name Susanna, the daughter of Helchias, a very beautiful woman, and one that feared the Lord. And her parents were righteous, and taught their daughter according to the law of Moses." Moreover, in Daniel: "And we are lowly this day in all the earth because of our sins, and there is not at this time any prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt-offering, or oblation, or sacrifice, or incense, or place to sacrifice before Thee, and to find mercy from Thee. And yet in the soul and spirit of lowliness let us be accepted as the burnt-offerings of rams and bulls, and as it were many thousands of lambs which are fattest. If our offering may be made in Thy presence this day, their power shall be consumed, for they shall not be ashamed who put their trust in Thee. And now we follow with our whole heart, and we fear and seek Thy face. Give us not over unto reproach, but do with us according to Thy tranquillity, and according to the multitude of Thy mercy deliver us." Also in the same place: "And the king exceedingly rejoiced, and commanded Daniel to be taken up out of the den of lions; and the lions had done him no hurt, because he trusted and had believed in his God. And the king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel; and they cast them in the den of lions, and their wives and their children. And before they had reached the pavement of the den they were seized by the lions, and they brake all their bones in pieces. Then Darius the king wrote, To all peoples, tribes, and languages which are in my kingdom, peace be unto you from my face. I decree and ordain that all those who are in my kingdom shall fear and tremble before the most high God whom Daniel serves, because He is the God who liveth and abideth for ever, and His kingdom shall not pass away, and His dominion goeth on for ever; and He alone doeth signs, and prodigies, and marvellous things in the heaven and the earth, who snatched Daniel from the den of lions." Also in Micah: "Wherewith shall I approach the Lord, and lay hold upon Him? in sacrifices, in burnt-offerings, in calves of a year old? Does the Lord favour and receive me with thousands of fat goats? or shall I give my first-fruits of unrighteousness, the fruit of my belly, the sin of my soul? It is told thee, O man, what is good; or what else the Lord doth require, save that thou shouldst do judgment and justice, and love mercy, and be ready to go with the Lord thy God. The voice of the Lord shall be invoked in the city, and He will save those who fear His name." Also in Micah: "Feed Thy people with Thy rod, the sheep of Thine inheritance; and pluck up those who dwell separately in the midst of Carmel. They shall prepare Bashan and Gilead according to the days of the age; and according to the days of their going forth from the land of Egypt I will show them wonderful things. The nations shall see, and be confounded at all their might; and they shall place their hand upon their mouth. Their ears shall be deafened, and they shall lick the dust as do serpents. Dragging the earth, they shall be disturbed, and they shall lick the dust: in their end they shall be afraid towards the Lord their God, and they shall fear because of Thee. Who is a God as Thou art, raising up unrighteousness, and passing over impiety? " And in Nahum: "The mountains were moved at Him, and the hills trembled; and the earth was laid bare before His face, and all who dwell therein. From the face of His anger who shall bear it, and who withstandeth in the fury of His soul? His rage causes the beginnings to flow, and the rocks were melted by Him. The Lord is good to those who sustain Him in the day of affliction, and knoweth those who fear Him." Also in Haggai: "And Zerubbabel the son of Salathiel, of the tribe of Judah, and Jesus the son of Josedech, the high priest, and all who remained of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, because the Lord sent him to them, and the people feared from the face of God." Also in Malachi: "The covenant was with life and peace; and I gave to them the fear to fear me from the face of my name." Also in the thirty-third Psalm: "Fear the Lord, all ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him." Also in the eighteenth Psalm: "The fear of the Lord is chaste, abiding for ever."
Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"Standing upon the sea of glass, having harps." That is, that they stood stedfastly in the faith upon their baptism, and having their confession in their mouth, that they shall exult in the kingdom before God. But let us return to what is set before us.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 15:2
[He saw] the water of baptism made holy by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Or, in view of the character of fire, this water has been made red through martyrdom. For this reason we read, “The kiln tests the clay vessels, and the trial of tribulation the righteous.” “And I saw those standing upon [the sea] who had conquered the beast and his image.” The term standing upon indicates that they are immoveable in the faith. The psalm describes them in virtually the same way. For after it says, “who made by understanding the heavens,” indicating no doubt those who are spiritual and fully enjoy the clear understanding of the heavenly truth, it adds, “who founded the earth upon the waters,” namely, those who are immoveable upon their baptism. And although they seem to be nourished by milk, nonetheless they are not carried about “by every wind of doctrine.” And so here they are said to conquer the beast and his image. [The harps] refer to their hearts, which are devoted to the praise [of God] and which are in full harmony through the harmonious truth of the two Testaments. Or this image speaks of the flesh of the passion, which is extended upon the wood, where not only the sound of the voice but also the effect of a good work is signified. For this reason he includes also mention of that great man, Moses, to whom God bears witness, saying, “My servant, Moses, who is faithful in all my house.”
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 15:2
We think that the “sea of glass” signifies the multitude of those who are being saved, the purity of the coming reward and the brightness that the saints will radiate by the sparkling of their virtue. The fire that is mixed with it may be understood from what was written by the apostle, “Fire will test the work of each, whatever it is.” Although this fire does not harm the pure and the undefiled, it is divided without mixture into two energies, according to the word of the psalmist: 18 it burns the sinners, and, as the great Basil understood, it illumines the righteous. It is possible that the “fire” indicates both the divine knowledge and the grace of the life-giving Spirit. For God appeared to Moses in fire, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire. The “harps” suggest the dying of members and the harmonious life in the symphony of virtues, plucked with the plectrum of the divine Spirit.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And those who have conquered the beast and its image, etc. Those who conquer the beast’s deceits appear to stand by the fiery baptism, striving, according to the Apostle, to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire. That is, the translucent fountain of baptism, consecrated with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Or also, in regard to the quality of fire, reddened by martyrdom.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
Having the harps of God, and singing, etc. That is, bearing hearts dedicated to praising God, and singing with the truth of both Testaments. Or, the flesh extended on the wood of the passion. Where not only the sound of the voice, but also the effect of good work is signified.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
And he saw, he says, a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who had conquered the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the glassy sea, having the harps of God. He says somewhere in his own words the wisest Paul: "If anyone builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will be tested by fire; for it will be revealed by fire." (1 Cor. 3:12-13)

So then will not only the wicked, who heap upon themselves the careless burdens of sin, but also the righteous be tested by fire, even though they bring gold and the precious materials? This is what he now says: those who have conquered the beast in every way, standing on the sea made of glass mingled with fire, glass because of the brilliant and pure nature of the righteous in it, mingled with fire because of the smoky and purifying influence of every kind of filth, since even the righteous need purification. For we all sin in many ways according to what is written (James 3:2); "and who will be clean from defilement? But not even if his life upon the earth should be one day." (Job 14:4-5)
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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