Apocalypse Explained, volume 1 - Swedenborg Foundation

APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED 61“brethren” in the Word are meant those who are conjoined bygood, n. 2360, 3303, 3803, 3815, 4121, 4191, 4267, 5409, 6756,10490; that the Lord calls those “brethren” who are in the good oflove and of faith from him, n. 4191, 5686, 5692, 6756; that theyare called “brethren” also from spiritual kinship, n. 6756; thatcharity and faith, thus good and truth, are brethren, in whatrespect, n. 367, 3160, 9806; that good and truth are also brotherand sister, in what respect, n. 2508, 2524, 3160; that good andtruth are also married partners, in what respect, n. 3160; that “manwith brother” means truth with good, n. 3459, 4725.)47. And partaker in the affliction signifies the truth of faithinfested by falsities. This is evident from the signification of“partaker,” as being the truth of faith (concerning which seebelow); and from the signification of “affliction,” as beinginfestation by falsities (see Arcana Coelestia, n. 6663, 6851, 9196).In the Word frequent mention is made of “brother” and “partaker”(or companion), and by these good and truth are signified.Moreover, in ancient times those were called “brethren” who werein good and those were called “partakers” (or companions) whowere in truths, and for this reason, that truth must be in companywith good, and when it is in company, it becomes a brother;consequently here by “partaker” is signified the truth of faith. (Thatgood and truth are meant by “brother” and “companion” in theWord, see Arcana Coelestia, n. 6756, 10490.) “Affliction” signifiesinfestation by falsities, since a mind that is in truths is afflicted byfalsities, when the two are in conflict with each other; spiritualaffliction is from no other source. This, therefore, is what issignified by “affliction” in the Word, as in Matthew:He that was sown upon the rocky places hath no root in himself;when affliction and persecution ariseth because of the Word,straightway he is offended (Matt. 13:20–21).In the consummation of the age they shall deliver you up intoaffliction. For then shall be great affliction, such as hath not been fromthe beginning of the world until now, no, nor shall be. Immediatelyafter the affliction of those days the sun shall be darkened (Matt. 24:9,21, 29; Mark 13:19, 24).