Apocalypse Explained, volume 1 - Swedenborg Foundation

APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED 167the midst of whom, that is, in whom is the Lord. From what hasbeen shown here and in the preceding article, what is signified bythe words, “The Lord will give to him that overcometh to eat of thetree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God,” may belearned.111. Verses 8–11. And to the angel of the church of the Smyrneanswrite: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead and isalive. I know thy works, and affliction, and poverty, but thou art rich;and the blasphemy of them who say that they are Jews and they are not,but are a synagogue of satan. Fear not the things which thou art tosuffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that yemay be tried, and ye shall have affliction ten days; be thou faithful eventill death, and I will give thee the crown of life. He that hath an ear lethim hear what the spirit saith unto the churches. He that overcomethshall not be hurt by the second death. 8. “And to the angel of thechurch of the Smyrneans write,” signifies for remembrance to thosewithin the church, who wish to understand the Word, but do notyet understand, and are therefore as yet but little in the knowledgesof truth and good, which nevertheless they desire in heart (n. 112);“These things saith the first and the last,” signifies the Lord, whogoverns all things from the Divine human, from firsts by means ofultimates (n. 113); “who was dead and is alive,” signifies that he hasbeen rejected, and yet eternal life is from him (n. 114, 115). 9. “Iknow thy works,” signifies love (n. 116); “and affliction,” signifiesanxiety from a longing to know truths (n. 117); “and poverty, butthou art rich,” signifies acknowledgment that they know nothingfrom themselves (n. 118); “and the blasphemy of them who saythat they are Jews and they are not,” signifies denunciation by thosewho think themselves to be in the knowledges of good and truthbecause they have the Word, and yet are not (n. 119); “but are asynagogue of satan,” signifies doctrine of all falsities with these (n.120). 10. “Fear not the things which thou art to suffer,” signifiesthat they should not grieve because such men persecute them (n.121); “Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison,”signifies that those who are in falsities from evil will set about todeprive them of all truth from the Word (n. 122); “that ye may betried,” signifies consequent increase of longing for truth (n. 123);“and ye shall have affliction ten days,” signifies that infestation and