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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Of what "first-born" does he speak? Of the faithful. "And to the spirits of just men made perfect." With these shall ye be, he says. "And to the general assembly and church of the first-born which are written in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all." They did not draw near, but stood afar off, even Moses: but "ye are come near." Here he makes them fear, by saying, "And to God the Judge of all"; not of the Jews alone, and the faithful, but even of the whole world. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Instead of fear, joy, which is what is signified by the word "celebrating." For where there is a celebration, there is joy. And so, this celebration takes place among the angels. He calls the firstborn those believers who are dedicated to God, sanctified, whose names are in the book of life, just as the Lord said to His disciples: "your names are written in heaven" (Lk. 10:20). And since God is the Father of all, all people are His sons; but the firstborn among them are those who have believed and are especially worthy of adoption. …
Oecumenius
"and to God the judge of all."As if he were saying: They did not even dare to listen to the word; but you, on the other hand, have approached the very judge, that is, Christ. "For the Father," he says, "does not judge anyone, but has given all judgment to the Son." (Jn. 5:22) — "and to the spirits of the righteous." For you will be with them, who have come to the New Testament. Paul calls them, as those who will then have their perfection, just as he says above: "Lest they be made perfect without us." (Heb. 11:40)
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
708. – And to the assembly of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven: these are the members of the Church, which is called the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15). The firstborn saints, who received the gifts of grace first and more abundantly, are the apostles, through whom it flows to others: 'And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit' (Rom. 8:23); 'Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets' (Eph. 2:20). …
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