And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. And some of them of understanding - Disputes on certain points of religion soon agitated the Christian Church; and now, having no outward persecution, they began to persecute each other. And many excellent men, men of understanding, fell victims because they would not embrace erroneous doctrines, when professed by the state. But this was permitted: -
To try them, and to purge, and to make them white - To bring all to the pure profession, possession, and practice of Christianity.
To the time of the end - To the time that God shall cause pure and undefiled religion every where to prevail. But when is the time appointed for this?