Revelation: The Two Witnesses

Why study the book of Revelation? There are so many different interpretations, and the section we are in right now is full of devastation and destruction. And after all, I believe that believers will be pre-delivered from the tribulation by the Rapture. So, why is this study important?

There are two main reasons for this study. First, the book of Revelation should cause each one of us to double down on the certainty of our relationship with Jesus. Ahead of us is heaven or hell. Do we know for sure where we will go? Secondly, Revelation should ignite a passion in the heart of every believer to share Jesus with family and friends who don’t know him. Ahead of them is heaven or hell. Do we care enough about others to share with them the only One who can allow them to pass from death to life?

Before Jesus shared the message of Revelation with John through an angel, He taught his disciples about the end times (see, e.g., Matthew 24). Jesus said, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44).

The certainty of heaven and the description of our eternal home are right around the corner, but today we continue working our way through the tribulation.

In Revelation 11, John was told to measure the “temple of God” (Rev. 11:1). When something is measured in Scripture, it usually means that it is being set aside for either destruction or preservation. 

Some believe that the literal temple destroyed in AD 70 will be rebuilt. Today, the Dome of the Rock stands on the temple site, so that structure would have to be removed for a new temple to be built. Others believe that the “temple of God” refers to believers alive during that time. Either way, believers will be protected when foreign nations “trample the holy city for forty-two months” (Rev. 11:2). Jesus said that “Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).

Now John introduces “two witnesses.” Let’s determine what these witnesses do, and then I will provide some different options for who they are.

The Two Witnesses: What They Will Do 
The two witnesses will wear sackcloth, like prophets of old, and will be given authority to prophesy for 1,260 days (Rev. 11:3). These “witnesses” will be given the power to defeat their opposition. If anyone tries to harm them, that person will be killed by the fire that comes from their mouths (Rev. 11:4–5). During the days of their prophesying, they will have power over rain and “every kind of plague, as often as they desire” (Rev. 11:6). These “two witnesses” are given a remarkable amount of power.

When the “witnesses” finish saying all that God wants them to say, “the beast that rises from the bottomless pit” will kill them (Rev. 11:7). This is the first of thirty-six references to “the beast.” While some believe the “beast” refers to the Antichrist (wait until Rev. 13), I believe the “beast” here is Satan himself, who overpowers and kills the “two witnesses.”

It was common courtesy to bury even your worst enemy, but these “two witnesses” are so hated that their “dead bodies will lie in the street” of Jerusalem for three and a half days as people celebrate their deaths (Rev. 11:8-10). John says that “peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze on their dead bodies” (Rev. 11:9). CNN, CBS, ABC, and NBC, with all their affiliates, will be there to broadcast the images around the world. Fox will be there “fair, balanced, and unafraid.” But soon everyone will be afraid!

After 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” (Rev. 11:11). After a loud voice calls, “Come up here!” the witnesses will go to heaven in a cloud (Rev. 11:12).

Their ascension was followed by a great earthquake that kills seven thousand people. The rest of the people “were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven” (Rev. 11:13). This does not mean they trusted in Jesus—it simply means they acknowledged that these supernatural acts were from God.

Remember the eagle announcing the three woes back in Revelation 8:13? John says, “The second woe has passed; the third woe is soon to come” (Rev. 11:14).

The story of the “two witnesses” is an amazing one. God will use them in a powerful way to warn people of the continuing devastation—and of more to come. They will die and be raised back to life! The Jews in the New Testament always wanted Jesus to give them a “sign” that He was the Messiah. What could be a more powerful sign of God’s greatness and majesty than raising these two men back to life? And yet… despite the warnings and the miracle… people will still reject God.

The Two Witnesses: Who Are They? 
The answer to the question is—no one knows. But just because we are not told, that hasn’t stopped Christians throughout history from putting forward various theories.[1]

Moses and Elijah? These two are seen as possibilities because the water being turned into blood (Rev. 11:6) parallels Moses’ miracle in Exodus 7. The ability to destroy enemies with fire is similar to an event in Elijah’s life (2 Kgs. 1). Also, these two appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:3–4).

Enoch and Elijah? These two are considered because both were taken directly to heaven without dying (Gen. 5:23; 2 Kgs. 2:11). Those who hold this view use Hebrews 9:27, which says that all men are appointed to die once. Both men were also prophets who pronounced God’s judgment (1 Kgs. 17:1; Jude 1:14-15).

Two believers chosen by God for the assignment? There is nothing in this passage that requires these witnesses to be “famous” believers like Elijah, Enoch, or Moses.

Here’s what we do know: God is on his throne, working all things to his end. The psalmist reminds us, “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” (Ps. 103:19).

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 11:1-14. Focus on God’s sovereign work to warn people of what is ahead so they will turn to Jesus.

Talking to God: Who in my life needs to hear about Jesus—and what’s holding me back from sharing the gospel with them?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist you as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. Let us know if you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

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