47. And partaker in the affliction, signifies the truth of faith infested by falsities. This is evident from the signification of "partaker," as being the truth of faith (concerning which see below); and from the signification of "affliction," as being infestation 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 were in good and those were called "partakers" (or companions) who were in truths, and for this reason, that truth must be in company with good, and when it is in company, it becomes a brother; consequently here by "partaker" is signified the truth of faith. (That good and truth are meant by "brother" and "companion" in the Word, see Arcana Coelestia, n. 6756, 10490.) "Affliction" signifies infestation by falsities, since a mind that is in truths is afflicted by falsities, when the two are in conflict with each other; spiritual affliction is from no other source. This, therefore, is what is signified 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). And in the same:
In the consummation of the age they shall deliver you up into affliction. For then shall be great affliction, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor shall be. Immediately after the affliction of those days the sun shall be darkened (Matt. 24:9, 21, 29; Mark 13:19, 24). The "consummation of the age" is the last time of the church; and since falsities are then to prevail and fight against truths, it is said that they shall be in "affliction, and in so great a one as hath not been from the beginning of the world." Such affliction is meant by the affliction in which John is said to be a "partaker," and by John is here meant the doctrine respecting the Lord; for in Revelation the last time of the church is treated of (see above, n. 5).
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