Apocalypse Explained #599
599. And he had in his hand a little book open.- That this signifies the Word manifested, is evident from the signification of a little book open, as denoting the Word manifested. That this is denoted by the little book open, is clear from this fact, that by the strong angel coming down out of heaven, and having in his hand the little book, is represented the Lord as to the Word, and indeed as to its ultimate sense, which is called the sense of the letter (see above, n. 593); and since the Word is manifested as well to angels as to men, it is therefore said, a little book open.
Luke 23:39-43
39
One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!"
40
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Don't you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?
41
And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong."
42
He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
43
Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
