Revelation 11 Explained: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?

Revelation Chapter 11-Introduction

Revelation chapter 11 gives a prophetic glimpse of future events which will occur on the earth after the rise of the antichrist to power. Of particular interest in this chapter are the two witnesses.

Revelation 11:1-Measuring Instructions to John

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

The Apostle John was transported to heaven in this glorious vision. The temple of God, which the angel commanded him to measure, was the temple in heaven. This command seems to have a double meaning. John was not supposed to take the actual measurements of the temple and the altar that he saw. Rather he was supposed to measure, or count, the true worshippers of God in there, and the instrument he was to use to measure was God’s measuring stick.

Revelation 11:2-Instructions Continued

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

The angel directed John not to measure the courtyard that surrounded the temple. This area around the temple was reserved for the Gentiles. In this instance, the word “Gentiles” represents not only non-Jews, but also non-believers. The 42 months equal three and a half years. This timeframe is possibly the last half of the seven years of Tribulation.

The “holy city” is quite possibly a reference to Jerusalem.

Revelation 11:3-The Two Witnesses

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

The pronoun “I” in this verse refers to God. He will have two special men that He will raise up to spread His message for exactly 1,260 days, or three and a half years. Sackcloth is a rough material often associated with Old Testament prophets. Their clothing will identify them with the prophets of God of old.

Revelation 11:4-Prophecy Fulfilled

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

These two special witnesses are a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 4:14. “Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” (KJV) The reference to the olive trees means these are fruitful witnesses. These two prophets will convert many to Jesus Christ. The imagery of the candlesticks shows they will give light — they will give Godly truth.

Revelation 11:5-The Invincibility of the Witnesses

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Obviously, the message of God these two will bring to Earth will not be accepted. It seems they will be attacked, and their attackers are trying to kill them. But God will give them special, supernatural power, which will enable them to breathe fire on their enemies and kill anyone who tries to hurt them.

Revelation 11:6 – Powers of the Two Witnesses (Plagues Like Moses & Elijah)

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Along with their ability to breathe fire on their would-be murderers, God will give them the ability to prevent rain from falling, turn water into blood, and bring other plagues on Earth as they see fit.

The power these witnesses wield will bring plagues on Earth like the plagues of Egypt that are in the Book of Exodus. Some Bible scholars believe these two special men are Moses and Elijah and/or Enoch. The plagues they bring link them to Moses. Neither Elijah nor Enoch died, so the thinking is God brought both men back to die a natural death to fulfill the verse in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die…” (KJV)

Revelation 11:7-Their End

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

When their tasks on Earth are over at the end of the three and a half years, the beast from the bottomless pit will kill them. He will accomplish what no one could do before, and in doing this, he will become a world hero. With their death, it is believed by the people in the world that all the plagues that they brought during their ministry will stop.

This is the first mention of an evil beast in the Book of Revelation. This beast came out of the pit where the demonic locusts were released during the fifth trumpet judgment.

Other than the demonic locusts, the only creature mentioned coming out of this pit is the angel of the bottomless pit called “Abaddon” or “Apollyon’ in Revelation chapter 9. This beast who will kill God’s two witnesses may be this destroying angel, here described as a “beast.” But technically, this satanic beast may be the man known as “the Antichrist.” Most Bible scholars favor the name Antichrist, since ‘beast’ becomes his consistent title later in Revelation 13.

Revelation 11:8-Death In the Street

And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

The reference to Sodom and Egypt alludes to two, sinful places, where God called His people out. But the city that is being referred to here is Jerusalem because Jesus was crucified outside of Jerusalem. In comparing Jerusalem spiritually with Sodom and Egypt, God is showing how sinful Jerusalem becomes. Just as Jesus was crucified in this city, so, too, will His witnesses be killed as well. The dead bodies of these two prophets will not be buried. Rather, to show the world they are truly dead their bodies will be left on display.

Revelation 11:9-No Burial

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

The news of the successful death of these two, strange, powerful prophets will be broadcast throughout the world. No one will care to bury their bodies.

Revelation 11:10-Worldwide Rejoicing

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

This is the only reference in the Book of Revelation to the people of the Earth rejoicing. These two prophets may very well be blamed for all the problems of the Earth is having at this time, including famine, war, pestilence, drought, demonic locusts, and more. After this beast kills these two witnesses, the people of the Earth will see the beast as their deliverer. He successfully got rid of what, they believed, was the problem in the world — these two prophets. However, their deaths will cause great rejoicing for only three and a half days.

Revelation 11:11-Resurrection

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

The three and a half days are literal days. But this time may also symbolize the last half of the Tribulation. After three and a half day, the spirit of God, which is the Spirit of life that He breathed into Adam’s nostrils at creation, will enter them.

God will resurrect these witnesses by putting His Spirit into them. The pictures of the dead bodies will be seen worldwide, so when God breathes His life into them, this, too, will be broadcast throughout the world. This time, the former rejoicing by the world will be turned into fear!

Revelation 11:12-Their Ascension

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

These two witnesses will not only be resurrected, but they will also hear the same invitation that John heard in Revelation 4:1, “Come up hither.” (KJV) They were invited by God and taken up into heaven. This event of the two witnesses ascending into Heaven, with their enemies watching them, will be similar to the ascension of Jesus Christ, recorded in Acts 1:9 “…while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” (KJV)

Revelation 11:13-A Great Earthquake

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

This resurrection of the dead bodies of these two witnesses will precede the judgment of God for the people on Earth. God will shake the Earth to where one-tenth of the city of Jerusalem will fall, which will result in the death of 7,000 people. Those who survive this judgment will turn to God.

Revelation 11:14-Second Trumpet Judgment Finished

The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

The events concerning the two witnesses include the great earthquake of Jerusalem and compose the second “woe” of the trumpet judgements.

Revelation 11:15 – The Seventh Trumpet: Christ’s Kingdom Begins

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

The seventh trumpet judgment, the third “woe,” is the beginning of the worldwide, 1,000-year reign of Christ on Earth. This is also called the Millennial Reign of Christ. This is certainly a “woe” for all those who have resisted Christ. But for His followers, this is the culmination of the glorious “win” for Christ! Finally, He will reign over all the Earth!

Revelation 11:16-Worship of the 24 Elders

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

When this happens, the 24 elders worship God. This is a triumphant event! Finally, Jesus Christ will take control of the governments of the Earth. After all the centuries of various world leaders, Christ will come to set up His kingdom on Earth and rule the entire world.

Revelation 11:17-The Praise of the 24 Elders

Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

The 24 elders praise God for this wonderful event. Just as supporters of a politician cheer when their candidate wins an election, so, too, do these heavenly elders praise God for Christ finally taking control of Earth.

Revelation 11:18-The Excitement of the 24 Elders

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

The elders continue to praise Christ, joyfully triumphant, knowing that finally Christ will judge the world in righteousness, unlike the numerous, temporary leaders that have filled the world since after the Flood of Noah. He will reward His servants, those who served Him faithfully throughout the centuries in this new and glorious kingdom. This will be “the time of the dead” because this will be a time of God’s wrath and judgments where many will die. Christ will also destroy all those who worked to destroy His creation.

Revelation 11:19-A Heavenly Peek

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

In Christ taking His kingdom and establishing His rule over the entire Earth, a transfer of power like the world has never seen before results in a catastrophic shake up on Earth. God reveals heaven since He is ultimately in control of this new world order. At other times in history, the voice of God was accompanied with similar natural events. This verse in Revelation seems to echo this verse in Psalms 18:12-13. “At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.” (KJV)

Revelation Chapter 11-Study Questions

Revelation Chapter 11-Personal Reflection Question

What specific emotions do you feel when you think about Jesus Christ coming to rule over the Earth for 1,000 years?

Pin Me For Later!

Revelation Chapter 11-Behind the Scenes Stuff

I am not a political person. I mean, I vote, and I pray for the leaders of my country. But other than that, I find following politics to be a frustrating and fruitless endeavor. However, when Christ comes as back to Earth as the supreme world ruler, things will finally be done righteously. Perhaps, at that time, I will be far more interested in politics.

When Christ has His kingdom on Earth, He will rule “with a rod of iron” referred to in Revelation chapter 19. During His rule, there will be no compromise, no deals, no corruption, no bureaucracy, and truly no “politics.” I could really “get into” that type of government, since I am one of the saints of God, I will!

The Compete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible study summary chapter by chapter guide here.

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