1 I asked her about the four colors that the beast had on its head. She answered me, “You are curious about such things again.” “Yes, lady,” I said, “explain what these things are.” 2 “Listen,” she said, “the black is this world in which you live; 3 and the fire and blood color shows that this world must perish by blood and fire; 4 and the golden part represents you who have escaped from this world. For just as gold is tested by fire and becomes useful, so you, who live in it, are being tested in yourselves.⁠a So you who endure and pass through the fire will be purified by it. For just as gold casts off its dross, so you also will cast away all sadness and tribulation, and will be purified, and will be useful for the construction of the tower. 5 But the white part is the coming age, in which the chosen of God will dwell; because the chosen of God will be spotless and pure for eternal life. 6 So do not stop speaking to the saints. You also now have the image of the tribulation that is coming in power. But if you are willing, it will be nothing. Remember the things that were written before.” 7 With these words she left, and I did not see which way she went; for there was a noise, and I turned back in fear, thinking the beast was coming.