Apocalypse Explained # 120
120. But are a synagogue of Satan. That this signifies the doctrine of all their falsities, is evident from the signification of synagogue, as being doctrine (concerning which we shall speak presently); and from the signification of Satan, as being the hell whence all falsities go forth. There are two kinds of hells, one in which are those who are in evils, and the other in which are those who are in the falsities of evil. The hell in which the former are, is by one expression called the Devil, and that in which the latter are, is called by one expression Satan. That the hells are thus named is totally unknown to those who are unacquainted with the particulars concerning them, and who have formed the opinion about the devil that he was created an angel of light, and that, because he rebelled, he was cast down with his crew, and in this way hell was made. (That the hells are called by the names Devil and Satan, may be seen in the work, Heaven and Hell 311, 544, 553; and in the small work, The Last Judgment, in the article where it is shown that heaven and hell are from the human race, n. 14-22.) Besides, it should be known, that as all goods and truths proceed out of the heavens from the Lord, so all evils and falsities are from the hells. He who believes that they proceed from any other source is much deceived.
[2] Man is only a receptacle of these, and to whichever he turns himself, he receives therefrom. If he turns himself to heaven, which is brought about by the goods of love and the truths of faith, he then receives goods and truths from the Lord; but if he turns himself to hell, which is brought about by the evils of love and the falsities of faith, he then receives evils and falsities from hell. Now, because all evils and falsities are from the hells, and as the hells are designated, by one expression, either the Devil or Satan, it follows, that by the Devil are also signified all evils, and by Satan all falsities. This is why a synagogue of Satan signifies all kinds of false doctrine.
[3] The reason why by synagogue is signified doctrine is, that doctrine was taught in the synagogues, and also because differences in doctrinal matters were there adjusted. That doctrine was taught in the synagogues, is clear from Matthew 4:23; 9:35 13:54; Mark 1:21, 22, 29, 39; 6:2; Luke 4:15, 16, 44; 13:10, 14; John 18:20. That differences in doctrinals were adjusted in the synagogues, may be concluded from what is said in Matthew 10:17; Mark 13:9; Luke 12:11; 21:12; John 9:22; 12:42; 16:2, 3.
That there was every kind of false doctrine among the Jewish nation, is evident from many things known concerning that nation; for instance, that they deny the Lord, that they expect a Messiah who shall establish an earthly kingdom, and exalt them above all the other nations of the world; that they place all worship in externals, and reject the internals of worship which belong to faith and love to the Lord; that they regard all things in the Word as referring to themselves, and falsify it by traditions of their own invention, as may be seen, Matthew 15:6-9; Mark 7:1-13. Moreover, what the character of that nation has been from the beginning, as to their interiors, is evident from the song of Moses (in Deuteronomy 32), and from many other places. (See also the citations from Arcana Coelestia, in The Doctrine of the New Jerusalem 248.)
John 16
1
"These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble.
2
They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God.
3
They will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4
But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn't tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.
5
But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
6
But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart.
7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8
When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;
9
about sin, because they don't believe in me;
10
about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won't see me any more;
11
about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.
12
"I have yet many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now.
13
However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
14
He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you.
15
All things whatever the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine, and will declare it to you.
16
A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me."
17
Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;' and, 'Because I go to the Father?'"
18
They said therefore, "What is this that he says, 'A little while?' We don't know what he is saying."
19
Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?'
20
Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
21
A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn't remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.
22
Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
23
"In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
24
Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
25
I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
26
In that day you will ask in my name; and I don't say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you,
27
for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
28
I came out from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father."
29
His disciples said to him, "Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech.
30
Now we know that you know all things, and don't need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came forth from God."
31
Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?
32
Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."
