Apocalypse Explained, volume 1 - Swedenborg Foundation

APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED 2596148, 9809, 10017); and for the same reason they are called“ministers of God.” On this account the function of Aaron and ofhis sons is called “a ministry”; also the function of the Levitepriests; and entering into the tent of meeting and officiating in theministry there, also approaching the altar and officiating in theministry there, is called “ministering” (see Exod. 28:35; 30:20;Num. 8:15, 19, 24–26). And in Jeremiah:Then shall my covenant become void with the Levites the priests,my ministers (Jer. 33:21).(That Aaron represented the Lord in respect to the good of love, seeArcana Coelestia, 9806, 9946, 10017; likewise priests in general, n.2015, 6148; consequently by “priesthood” in the Word the Divinegood of the Lord’s Divine love is signified, n. 9806, 9809.)[5] There are two kingdoms into which the whole heaven isdivided, in one of which are the angels who are in the good ofcelestial love, in the other the angels who are in the good ofspiritual love, or in charity. The Lord’s celestial kingdom is calledhis “priesthood,” the spiritual kingdom his “royalty” (see Heavenand Hell, n. 24, 226). “Ministry” is predicated of those in thecelestial kingdom, and “service” of those in the spiritual kingdom.From this it is clear what is meant in the following passages by“ministering” and “minister,” and by “serving” and “servant”:Jesus said to the disciples, Whosoever would be great let him beyour minister; and whosoever would be first, let him be your servant; asthe son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (Matt.20:26–28; 23:11–12; Mark 9:35; Luke 22:24–27).Jesus said, If any man will minister to me let him follow me; thenwhere I am, there shall also my minister be; yea, if any man will ministerto me, him will my Father honor (John 12:26).Jesus said, Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when hecometh shall find watching; I say unto you, that he shall gird himself,and make them to recline to eat, and he will come forth and minister tothem (Luke 12:37).