Main Highlights
God protects His temple and witnesses, while the two witnesses prophesy and are eventually killed and resurrected, followed by the sounding of the seventh trumpet and the announcement of God's reign.
Key Verses
And there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and he said, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. And leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations; and they will tread underfoot the holy city for forty-two months.”— Revelation 11:1-2
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”— Revelation 11:3
And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends from the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them.— Revelation 11:7
The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”— Revelation 11:15
Related Scripture
“For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city.”— Acts 18:10
Scholar Insight
""The two witnesses, whoever they may be, symbolize the prophetic witness of the church during the time of tribulation, a witness that is ultimately vindicated by God." - G.K. Beale, The Book of Revelation, The New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1999), p. 572."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is sovereign and protects His people, even in the face of opposition. "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses" (Revelation 11:3).
Christological Connection
Jesus is the Lord and Christ whose kingdom will ultimately prevail. "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ." (Revelation 11:15)
Systematic Theology
Eschatology. This passage deals with the end times, the tribulation, and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom.
Law & Grace
The opposition to the witnesses highlights the rejection of God's law, while their resurrection demonstrates God's grace and power. "And after the three and a half days the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them." (Revelation 11:11)
Personal Application
We should remain faithful witnesses for Christ, even in the face of persecution, trusting in His ultimate victory. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)