Chapter 11

The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11

The Two Witnesses described in Revelation 11 are central figures in God’s plan during the end times. They represent God’s faithful proclamation of truth and serve as powerful testimonies of His sovereignty amid judgment and rebellion.

1. Key Passage: Revelation 11:3-13

A. Their Ministry and Power

Revelation 11:3-6: “And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

  • 1,260 Days:
    • This is equivalent to 3½ years, a common timeframe in apocalyptic literature (Revelation 12:6; Daniel 7:25).
    • Symbolizes a period of tribulation, consistent with the “time, times, and half a time” in Daniel and Revelation.
  • Clothed in Sackcloth:
    • Sackcloth symbolizes repentance, mourning, and humility.
    • Their attire reflects their message: a call to repentance during a time of judgment.
  • Powers Granted:
    • They have the ability to:
      • Shut the heavens, preventing rain (similar to Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1).
      • Turn waters to blood and strike the earth with plagues (similar to Moses in Exodus 7–11).

B. Their Identity

Revelation 11:4: “They are ‘the two olive trees’ and the two lampstands, and they stand before the Lord of the earth.”

  • Olive Trees and Lampstands:
    • Symbolic imagery drawn from Zechariah 4, where two olive trees represent Zerubbabel and Joshua, who were empowered by God to rebuild the temple.
    • Here, the two witnesses represent those who are empowered by God’s Spirit to bear witness to His truth.
  • Speculative Identities:
    • Elijah and Moses:
      • Both performed miracles similar to those described (stopping rain, turning water to blood).
      • Both appeared at the Transfiguration with Jesus (Matthew 17:3).
    • Elijah and Enoch:
      • Both were taken to heaven without dying (2 Kings 2:11; Genesis 5:24), which fits with their return to die as witnesses.
    • Symbolic Figures:
      • Some interpret the two witnesses as symbolic of the Church and Israel or of God’s faithful proclaimers of the gospel.

C. Their Death and Resurrection

Revelation 11:7-11: “Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified.”

  1. The Beast:
    • Represents the Antichrist or forces of evil that oppose God and His witnesses (Revelation 13:1-7).
  2. Their Death:
    • The witnesses are killed after completing their testimony, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over their mission.
  3. Public Display:
    • Their dead bodies lie unburied for 3½ days in a public square, symbolizing the world’s mockery and rejection of God’s truth.
  4. Resurrection and Ascension:
    • After 3½ days, the witnesses are resurrected, filling their enemies with terror.
    • They ascend to heaven in a cloud, mirroring Christ’s ascension (Acts 1:9).

D. The Earthquake and Final Impact

Revelation 11:13: “At that very hour there was a severe earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.”

  • The earthquake demonstrates God’s power and judgment.
  • Some survivors respond in fear and give glory to God, suggesting a moment of repentance or acknowledgment of His sovereignty.

2. Themes and Symbolism

A. God’s Sovereignty

  • The witnesses operate under God’s authority, and their ministry is completed according to His timing.
  • Even their death and resurrection serve His purpose, showcasing His control over life, death, and judgment.

B. The Power of Testimony

  • The witnesses’ role emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God’s truth, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

C. Judgment and Repentance

  • Their ministry aligns with God’s pattern of warning before judgment, giving people an opportunity to repent.

D. The Triumph of God’s Plan

  • The resurrection and ascension of the witnesses symbolize God’s ultimate victory over evil, even in the midst of tribulation.

3. Reflection Questions

  1. What does the ministry of the two witnesses teach about the cost and reward of proclaiming God’s truth?
  2. How does their resurrection and ascension inspire hope in the midst of trials?
  3. What lessons can we draw about God’s patience and justice in offering repentance before judgment?

4. Application

  1. Be a Faithful Witness:
    • Like the two witnesses, believers are called to proclaim God’s truth boldly, trusting Him to sustain them.
  2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty:
    • The story of the two witnesses reminds us that God’s plan is perfect, even when circumstances seem bleak.
  3. Anticipate God’s Victory:
    • Their resurrection and ascension are a foretaste of the ultimate triumph of Christ and the resurrection of believers.

5. Conclusion

The two witnesses of Revelation 11 represent God’s unwavering commitment to proclaim His truth and call people to repentance during the end times. Their ministry, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s sovereignty, the power of testimony, and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. These witnesses encourage believers to remain faithful, trust in God’s timing, and look forward to His final victory.

The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19)

The Seventh Trumpet is a pivotal moment in Revelation, marking the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the proclamation of His eternal reign. This event highlights the ultimate victory of Christ over all opposition and sets the stage for the final judgments and the establishment of His kingdom.

1. Key Passage: Revelation 11:15-19

Revelation 11:15-16:
“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.’ And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God.”

2. The Proclamation of the Seventh Trumpet

A. Heaven’s Announcement

  • “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah”:
    • This proclamation declares that God’s sovereignty is fully realized, and Christ’s eternal reign is established.
    • It reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Daniel 7:14, where the Messiah is given everlasting dominion.
  • “He will reign for ever and ever”:
    • Emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ’s reign, contrasting the temporary rule of earthly powers.

B. Worship by the Elders (Revelation 11:16-17)

  • The twenty-four elders (representing the redeemed or heavenly council) fall in worship and praise God, acknowledging:
    1. His sovereignty: “You have taken your great power and have begun to reign.”
    2. His judgment: “The time has come for judging the dead.”

C. The Time of Judgment and Reward (Revelation 11:18)

  • Judgment for the Wicked:
    • The nations’ anger reflects their rebellion against God, but His wrath is now revealed.
    • This ties into Psalm 2:1-5, where the nations rage in vain against the Lord.
  • Reward for the Faithful:
    • God rewards His “servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small.”
    • The faithful are vindicated, receiving the promised inheritance (Hebrews 11:6).

3. The Heavenly Signs (Revelation 11:19)

Revelation 11:19:
“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.”

A. The Opened Temple

  • The opening of the temple symbolizes access to God’s presence and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.
  • The Ark of the Covenant:
    • Represents God’s faithfulness, presence, and the assurance of His promises to His people.

B. Cosmic Phenomena

  • The lightning, thunder, earthquake, and hailstorm signify God’s power and the finality of His judgment.
  • These events echo earlier judgments (Revelation 8:5, 16:18-21) and emphasize the seriousness of God’s actions.

4. Themes in the Seventh Trumpet

A. God’s Sovereignty

  • The seventh trumpet proclaims the complete establishment of God’s reign, affirming His control over history.

B. Judgment and Reward

  • The seventh trumpet marks the time for judgment of the wicked and the rewarding of the faithful, fulfilling God’s justice.

C. Worship

  • The response of the heavenly beings emphasizes the importance of worshiping God for His righteousness, power, and faithfulness.

D. The Fulfillment of Prophecy

  • The trumpet’s proclamation aligns with numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s eternal kingdom (e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 7:13-14).

5. Reflection Questions

  1. How does the proclamation of Christ’s eternal reign give you hope in times of uncertainty?
  2. What does the response of the elders teach about the importance of worship and reverence for God?
  3. How does the promise of reward for the faithful encourage you to persevere in your faith?

6. Application

  1. Live with Hope:
    • The seventh trumpet reminds us of the certainty of Christ’s victory and eternal reign. Let this hope shape your perspective and actions.
  2. Remain Faithful:
    • God’s promise to reward His faithful servants encourages perseverance, even amid trials and opposition.
  3. Worship God Fully:
    • Like the elders, respond to God’s sovereignty and faithfulness with heartfelt worship and surrender.
  4. Share the Good News:
    • The seventh trumpet declares the establishment of Christ’s kingdom. Share this message of hope and urgency with others.

7. Conclusion

The seventh trumpet in Revelation proclaims the fulfillment of God’s plan: His kingdom has come, His justice is executed, and His people are rewarded. It is a moment of triumph and awe, reminding believers to live in hope, worship, and faithful service as we await the final consummation of His kingdom.