Revelation 21:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The city has no need of the sun, because the sensible sun is not needed where the spiritual Sun of righteousness shines. He is its glory and its lamp (Isa 60:19), in whose light the saved nations will walk.

What image is given in the words that the city which has no need of a temple also has no need of the glory of the heavenly lights? But why did he say this? Because the glory of God illumined it. The glory of God is the presence of majesty, of which it is said: we shall see Him as He is (1 Jn 3:2). Therefore why do those who will see God need the sun and moons?

It is said: and the city has no need of the sun. In truth, those who enjoy the divine and intelligible light have no need of sensible light. For in that life the saints receive spiritual reality according to their portion.

Desiring to lead us away from the ordinary notion of wholly changeable day and night light, and to call us to this unchanging Light, John says: and the city has no need of the sun. He declares that this city is illumined not according to the natural order, but by a far more excellent and ineffable light, that is, the Sun of righteousness. Mentioning Him, the prophet says: healing is in His rays (Mal 4:2). For He is the true Son, eternal life, and the true Light who enlightens every man coming into the world (1 Jn 5:20; cf. Jn 1:9).

Some interpreters understand by the saved nations all people in general who are worthy of salvation. By the kings of the earth they understand people who reign on earth over passions and delusions, and who, having conquered them with God's help, appear with glory and honor in the sanctuary of eternal light.

By what features is the inner life of the inhabitants of the heavenly city described? This means that heavenly religion is wholly spiritual and without rites. There the one pure and unveiled truth will be directly received and known by all. There will be no need of a material temple, because worship will be offered directly to the Lord God in the living image of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, the heavenly city needs no illumination, for the glory of God illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb; cf. Isa 60:19. This means that every member of the Church of God in heaven will be wholly embraced by the Spirit of God. Each will be abundantly illumined by the light of the knowledge of God and of the glory of God.

Thus, and for this reason, a temple is not needed in the new Jerusalem. But we are not yet in the new Jerusalem descending from heaven; therefore we need a temple. Created nature, and even our own flesh, still coarse and uncleansed, still blocks our entrance into the holy and gracious presence of God. Therefore this gracious presence must open itself to us in the holy temple. The heavens, to which Christ our light has ascended, are not yet opened and do not reveal to us the radiance of His glory. For now we need at least a small heaven on earth, and light, though hidden in mystery. This we can find in the temple, through prayer, through the Word of God, and through the Mysteries.