103. And hast not failed, signifies so far as they could. This is evident from the signification of "not failing," in reference to those who are eager for the knowledges of truth and good, as being so far as they could; for in what now follows, a life according to these knowledges is treated of. Those who are in a life according to these go forward and do not fail; but those who are as yet in knowledges alone, go forward as far as they can, but do not yet have the light of life, from which is vigor.

91. "And to the angel of the church of the people of Smyrna write." (2:8) This symbolically means, to people and concerning people who as to life are engaged in good endeavors, but as to doctrine are caught up in falsities.

That people of this character are meant by the church of the people of Smyrna is apparent from the letter addressed to it, understood in its spiritual meaning.