Revelation 19:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The fine linen indicates the brightness of the virtues in which the Church is clothed. It also indicates subtlety in knowledge and the height of reflection and contemplation concerning the divine ordinances.

After the doxology had been spoken, and after the word of approval had been heard, praise was lifted up to God in power. It was like the voice of thunders speaking to the hearing, saying that the marriage of the Lamb had come.

This will be when, after the end of the world, Christ abolishes every rule and every authority and power. He will deliver the Kingdom to God the Father, that God may be all in all (1 Cor 15:24, 28).

Then His wife, that is, the catholic Church, will be united with Him in purity of faith. Of this the Apostle said, "I betrothed you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ" (2 Cor 11:2).

Therefore the fine linen in which she is clothed is not a beautiful garment, but the righteousness of the saints.

In the present age the marriage of the Lord and the Church is still only betrothal, not the perfect marriage. The divine Apostle indicates this in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, where he says: "I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ" (2 Cor 11:2). Thus it is still betrothal, since the words "I betrothed" belong to betrothal. As the pledge of this betrothal, we have received the promise of the Spirit. But when the Church becomes one spirit with Christ, just as a man becomes one flesh with a woman, then this is the perfect marriage.

The wedding feast of the Lamb will take place when the Church of the Lord is united in the chambers of the Kingdom of Heaven. "And His wife has made herself ready." By continual steadfastness in works of righteousness, she has shown herself worthy of the spiritual feast and the eternal Kingdom. This may also be understood in the light of the Gospel parable about the virgins who arose to meet the bridegroom and trimmed their lamps (Mt 25:1-13). That is, they considered among themselves their works, for which they expected to receive eternal blessedness. "And it was granted to her to clothe herself in white, shining fine linen." It was granted to them to be clothed in their own works. It is not so with the ungodly, who, according to Isaiah, weave a spider's web and shall not be covered by their works (Is 59:5-6), for their works are useless works.

The purity and whiteness of fine linen are a symbol of chastity and holiness. The angels of God had similar clothing, as chaste and holy spirits, when they appeared to people in human form. Therefore the angelic garment of the Church of God signifies her holiness.