47. And companion in affliction. That this signifies, the truth of faith infested by falsities, is evident from the signification of companion, as being the truth of faith - see what follows; and from the signification of affliction, as denoting infestation by falsities (concerning which see Arcana Coelestia 6663, 6851, 9196). In the Word mention is frequently made of brother and companion, and by them good and truth are signified; in ancient times also, those were called brethren who were in good, and companions those who were in truth. The reason of this is that truth must be conjoined with good, and when it is so, it becomes a brother; this is why companion here signifies the truth of faith. (That good and truth are meant by brother and companion in the Word, may be seen, Arcana Coelestia 6756, 10490.) The reason why affliction signifies infestation by falsities is, because the mind which is in truths is afflicted by falsities, when they fight with each other, nor does spiritual affliction spring from any other source. This then is the signification of affliction in the Word, as in Matthew:

"He that received the seed upon stony places hath no root in himself, but when affliction and persecution ariseth because of the Word, immediately he is offended" (13:20, 21).

And in the same:

In the consummation of the age: "they shall deliver you up to affliction, and then shall be great affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor shall be. Immediately after the affliction of those days the sun shall be darkened" (Matthew 24:9, 21, 29; Mark 13:19, 24).

The consummation of the age is the last time of the church; and because falsities would then reign and fight against truths, therefore it is said that they shall be in affliction, and so great as was not from the beginning of the world. This is what is meant by the affliction in which John is said to be a companion, by whom is here meant doctrine concerning the Lord; for in the Apocalypse the last time of the church is treated of (see above, n. 5).