The Two Witnesses

Rev. 11:1-13

Introduction:  Probably the most controversial figures in the Bible is found here.  There have been multiple theories of who they are and their ministry’s purpose.  The speculation is almost endless.  Several views sound good but I am not convinced anyone knows who they are. 

These witnesses are important for two reasons:  they are in the Bible and God uses them.

I. The preparation for the witnesses vv. 1-2

A. Measure of the temple v. 1

1.  John is told to step into the activity of the vision and to measure the temple.

2. This goes with chapter 10-a reed like rod 15-20 feet which grows in the Jordan Valley.

3. Measurements for the temple

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, That the city shall be built to the Lord From the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.39 And the measuring line shall

yet go forth over against it Upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.[1]Jeremiah 31:38-39

a. Temple-inner temple or holy place-the worshipers who are faithful to God.

b. The measuring is an act of knowing, claiming, and staking of this temple.

4.  Temple-5 in the Bible

a.  Solomon’s-destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar 587 BC

b. Zerubbabel’s temple-built after the captivity-and desecrated by Anthiochus Epiphanes.

c. Herod’s temple-destroyed by Titus 70 AD

d. Antichrist’s-built during the Tribulation Period-this is one here

e. Millennial Temple of Ezekiel 40:-43

5.  The temple of Dan 9:27 is rebuilt by the Antichrist.       

6. The 70th week of Daniel-3 ½ years, 42 months, 1260 days

B. Judgment of the Gentiles v.2

1.  Measure is not the outer court where the Gentiles are.

2. Gentiles overrun only 42 months or 3 ½ years, v. 7-the beast called the Antichrist I John 2.

3. This is called the time of the Gentiles.

Note:  1. God controls all activity 2. God fulfills His Word. 3. God cares for His people 4. God deals with sin 5. God’s mercy is seen in the middle of judgment.

II. The power of the witnesses vv. 3-4

A. Their identity

1.  Described by the Angel of chapter 10.

2. No names are given here.

3. They characterize Moses and Elijah

a.  Moses -questionable burial Jude

“ So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.[2]” Deut. 34:5-6

b. Elijah-of Mal. 4:5 and he appears in Matthew 17

“ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:[3] (Mal 4:5).

4.  Special consideration

a. No reference to the resurrection of the dead.

b. Only Christ could come from the dead unless Christ sends them.

c. Could be two people alive during the Tribulation Period

We don’t know who but know them to be human.

B. Their character

1.  Given God’s power v. 3a

2. Prophesied for 1260 days, first 3 ½ years v. 3b

3. Olive trees-according to Zechariah 4:13, 14-they are nnointed ones

4. Candlesticks means light bearers witnesses for the Lamb of God

This is still the interlude between the second and third woe, sixth and seventh trumpet.  When we get to v. 14-the next woe moves into full force.

 III. The protection of the witnesses vv. 5-6

A. Power to kill their enemies v. 5 cf. II Kings 1

1. Given something unusual nobody else had.

2. Others were persecuted and they surrendered to their attackers-Stephen, Jesus

B. Power to stop the rain v. 6a

1. They have unlimited power over nature.

2. They could stop the rain if they chose-sounds like Elijah

C. Power to turn water into blood v. 6b

1.  This will affect all of mankind.

2. Sound like Moses as seen in Exodus 7.

D. Power to smite the earth v. 6c

1.  Plagues go back to Moses again.

2. The first two speak of Elijah and the last four speak of Moses.

 IV. The plight of the witnesses vv. 7-10

A. Their destruction v. 7

1.  After their work is finished-only invincible until God is finished with them.

2. The beast (first of 36 reference to him) will martyr them.

3. Apparently this is the first “great” act and the beast will gain a following of people.

4. This beast is the Antichrist, called the man of sin and the little horn of Daniel who is the head of the Revived Roman Empire.

B. Their display vv. 8-9

1.  Their bodies will be put on public display in the streets of Jerusalem ast the city where the Lord was crucified.

2. Their bodies will be denied burials even though Jewish law says it is to be done on the same day DEut. 21:22-23.

3. This speaks of the crude barbaric attitude in those days-not even a decent burial.

4. This also speaks of the hatred of the world for God and His people.

5. Likened unto Sodom spiritually and Egypt politically.

C. Their devotion v. 10

1.  They were so used of God in such a wicked world that the people hated them.

2. Their death brought a celebration worldwide-only time in the Tribulation Period you find joy.

V. The plan of the witnesses vv. 11-13

A. Their resurrection vv. 11-12

1. God will intervene in three and half days=give them their life back.

2. They will stand before the world for a time-vindicates their message and the power of their God.

3. This is part of the first resurrection.

4. Translated into heaven

a.  After hearing God’s voice

b. By a cloud-probably a cloud of glory

B. Their effectiveness v. 13

1.  The earthquake came immediately after that and one tenth of the city fell.

2. Seven thousand men were slain-echoes of Elijah.

3. The rest gave glory to God. 

Conclusion:  God uses these witnesses on the earth for His glory, they are hated by the world, and God raises them from the dead.