Revelation #18: Revelation Chapter 11 – The Two Witnesses

Revelation #18: Revelation Chapter 11 – The Two Witnesses

Introduction and Overview

Henry Alford, in his work The Greek Testament, describes Revelation 11 as “one of the most challenging chapters of the entire book.” Alford suggests a symbolic interpretation of the city, temple, and events within this chapter, but this approach often complicates understanding. It’s essential to ask: What does the text say? Scripture is best understood when interpreted directly, without over-spiritualizing unless the context clearly requires it. This principle is rooted in David Cooper’s “Golden Rule of Interpretation”: “When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense.”

Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ:

1. Birthplace: Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; cf. Matthew 2:6).
2. Virgin Birth: His birth by a virgin was prophesied (Isaiah 7:14; cf. Matthew 1:23).
3. Betrayal Price: Jesus was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13; cf. Matthew 27:3-10).
4. Crucifixion: His crucifixion is foretold in Psalm 22:6-18 (cf. Luke 23:33).
5. Resurrection: His resurrection is prefigured in Psalm 16:8-11 (cf. Acts 2:25-31).

Revelation 11 draws remarkable parallels with Old Testament prophecies, presenting specific details about events, times, places, and individuals. This chapter discusses the two witnesses, their ministry, and the temple in Jerusalem with pinpoint accuracy. Like a GPS, it places the reader in a precise biblical context.

The Future Temple in Jerusalem

Verses 1-2
Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.”

John is tasked with measuring “the temple of God,” indicating active participation in God’s revelation. The outer court, however, is omitted because it has been given over to the nations. Historically, during the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel regained control of East Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount. Yet Jerusalem remains contested, as Jesus predicted in Luke 21:24: “Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

Ministry of the Two Witnesses

Verses 3-6
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

God empowers two witnesses who will prophesy for 1,260 days, symbolizing their endurance and divine appointment. The description of the two witnesses as “olive trees” and “lampstands” echoes Zechariah 4, where Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, are empowered by the Holy Spirit. As God’s messengers, these two witnesses serve as a light to Israel and the nations, much like how believers are called to shine in the world (cf. Philippians 2:15-16).

Their message, though not specified, likely warns Israel of the Antichrist’s deceit and proclaims Christ as the Messiah. By doing so, they fulfill a crucial role during the tribulation, symbolizing light and truth in a period marked by satanic deception.

The Power of the Beast

Verses 7-10
And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified.

The Antichrist, empowered by Satan, will eventually overpower the two witnesses once their testimony is complete. Their bodies lie unburied in Jerusalem—symbolically referred to as “Sodom” and “Egypt” due to its spiritual decay and rejection of God. The world celebrates their death, exchanging gifts, a somber reflection of humanity’s complete alignment with evil during these dark times.

God’s Sovereign Intervention

Verses 11-14
But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them.

The joy of the world is short-lived as God revives the two witnesses after 3½ days, astonishing onlookers worldwide. Their ascension demonstrates that ultimate power belongs not to the Antichrist but to God, the true Lord of both heaven and earth. A great earthquake follows, toppling a tenth of Jerusalem and killing 7,000. Those remaining are filled with fear and give glory to God, yet without genuine repentance, much like Pharaoh during the plagues.

Conclusion and Reflection

The prophecies in Revelation 11 provide insight into the events of the last days and underscore two realities:

1. The Significance of Israel: Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, the nation has played a critical role in end-times prophecy. Observing Israel’s position today is like watching the ticking hands of a prophetic clock.
2. The Rise of Apostasy: As societies increasingly reject Judeo-Christian values, the stage is set for the Antichrist’s emergence. 2 Thessalonians 2 describes an apostasy that will pave the way for the “man of lawlessness.”

In light of these prophecies, believers are called to bear witness to Christ by shining His light and proclaiming His truth. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Christ’s love compels us… We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:14-20). The message remains urgent: Today, Christ extends His invitation, saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer