THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The declaration of the Lord God shall resonate with them, bringing sorrow upon sorrow and hope upon hope. To whom does this apply? Clearly, it is intended for the holy apostles and evangelists who, in their commitment to divine proclamation, traversed the heavens, reeling in those who had wandered, drawing to Christ those who previously turned to a tree as their father and to a rock as their mother (Jeremiah 2:27). Their journey of apostleship was not without toil; they faced persecution, torment, and assaults from the foes of God. Thus, the Lord’s word signified both sorrow and hope to them. Having earnestly endeavored for righteousness in Christ's name, they shall remain in a perpetual—and indeed, an eternal—hope, receiving a crown of incorruption as they reign alongside Christ.
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Yet, briefly, let them retreat and fall back into misfortune, broken and held captive. The holy bearers of mystery, the apostles, encouraged courage and cultivated patience. They proclaimed the message of salvation to the Israelites. However, like ravenous beasts, these followers surged against them, leading them into throngs and committing the grievous act of accusing them of their genuine love for Christ, subjecting them to vile insults, rebuking and scourging them. "Is it not by forbidding you from giving thanks to anyone concerning this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching" (Acts 5:28). Through various forms of attack and slander, they inflicted brokenness and suffering upon the apostles. Nonetheless, the God of all comfort supported them abundantly and foretold the impending downfall of their oppressors, declaring, "Even if it is but for a short while, it remains a short while, for the time is near when they shall stumble backward, be crushed, broken, fall into trouble, and be captured, leading to their ruin." This, He explained, pertains to the people of Judah both spiritually and physically; for they faced calamity and destruction in two distinct ways: they were ravaged by conflicts and sieges, and simultaneously, they fell prey to Satan, bringing ruin upon themselves through their wickedness.