Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:1-14

The Identity of the Two Witnesses

A. The Scripture of the 1st Century Church was the Law and the Prophets.

B. The Law and the Prophet Scriptures prophesy Christ’s Advents, Ministry, and Judgments.

C. The Miracles performed by the Witnesses are mirrored in the lives of Moses and Elijah.

D. At the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah discuss the Lord’s “decease,” literally His “exodus.” See Luke 9.

1. Moses represents the Law.
2. Elijah represents Prophets.

The Ministry of the Two Witnesses, vv. 1-14

A. The Period of Their Ministry, vv. 1-4

1. The first 3.5 yrs of the Tribulation

• The Temple is rebuilt.
• The Two Witnesses preach to the Israelis.

1. The second 3.5 yrs of the Tribulation

• The Man of Sin breaks his covenant with Israel.
• The Man of Sin desecrates the Temple with the “abomination of desolation.”
• The Temple is overrun by the Gentiles.

1. The Apostle is commanded to measure the Temple area, see Ezekiel 40-41 and Zechariah 2:1-13.

• Measurement is a symbolic act of reclaiming the area.
• Christ will reclaim the Temple, just as Zerubbabel and Joshua in Zechariah 4-5, after the Babylonian Captivity.

B. The Purpose of Their Ministry, vv. 5-6

1. Many Jews and Gentiles will be saved by their ministry.
2. They will announce the events to come, incurring the wrath of the Beast.
3. They will perform miracles to authenticate their prophecies.

C. The Persecution in Their Ministry, vv. 7-10

1. The Beast will kill them.
2. The citizens of Jerusalem will deny them burial.
3. The world will see their dead bodies and celebrate.

D. The Panic following Their Ministry, vv. 11-14

1. God will raise them from the dead.
2. God will translate them to heaven as the world watches.
3. An earthquake will destroy one-tenth of Jerusalem and kill 7000.

The Testimony of the Seventh Trumpet, vv. 15-19

A. Global hostility / hatred for Christ and the Israelis.

B. Resurrection–>Tribulation martyrs and wicked dead will be raised for judgment.

C. Judgment

1. The Temple in Heaven is where the Ark of the Covenant is.
2. Lightning, thunders, heavenly voices–>the storm of judgment is coming.

D. The 3rd Heavenly Praise

1. In Revelation 4:10-11, they praised Him as Creator.
2. In Revelation 5:8-10, they praised Him as Redeemer.
3. Here, they praise Him as the King and Judge.

Conclusion

At the end of the Tribulation, saints will have their works judged; the wicked will be judged and condemned for their sins.

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