The Two Witnesses

So live that we wouldn’t be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip. (Will Rogers).

Witness

1.   The Temple of God (vv. 1-2) - When the Rapture of the Church takes place (which could happen at any time (I Cor. 15:52) Israel will build a temple in Jerusalem (vv. 1-2) which may be referred to as the Tribulation Temple.

2.   The two Witnesses (vv. 3-14)

      a.   Prophesying for 1260 Days (vv. 3-6) - Two witnesses will come on the scene (vv. 3-4). I believe that the 144,000 Jews will be converted through the preaching of these two witnesses during the first half of the tribulation. It is not known for sure who these two witnesses are, but many speculate Moses and Elijah. Merrill F. Unger says this is unlikely since both witnesses will be killed and resurrected, something which could not be true of these OT prophets as glorified men (Mt 17:3). John Walvoord suggests they will be raised up from among those who turn to Christ in the time following the rapture. The important thing is that God will give them power to perform miracles that will confirm their divine empowering (vv. 5-6).

      b.   Killed and Dead for Three and a Half Days (vv. 7-10) - When they have finished their testimony the beast will make war against them and kill them (v.7). Because of the anger against them their dead bodies will not be put in graves (vv. 8-9) but allowed to lay on the street 3-1/2 days. The people will celebrate with banquets and an exchange of gifts (v. 10). 

      c.   Raised and Ascended to Heaven (vv. 11-14) - The witnesses will be resurrected (vv. 11-12), an earthquake will strike the city of Jerusalem, and seven thousand people will be killed as a tenth of the city is destroyed (v. 13). The people will be fearful, outwardly giving glory to God but inwardly not being genuinely touched, as future events will reveal (vv. 13-14).

Application

I need to make sure my praise to the Lord is not governed by circumstances but is genuine and coming from my heart.

Revelation 11:1-14 (English Standard Version)


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