Revelation 11:1-6
For those who may not have read the introduction, it was explained that the book of Revelation is not to be read in Chronological order; there are different divisions of information concerning past, present and future or prophetic events.
The three divisions that were explained are the “story of Heaven,” the story of Earth” and “informational or parenthetical chapters.”
We have just completed an informational chapter and the next four chapters will be considered the same. There is no consecutive timeline as we proceed through these chapters, we may be able to note whether they are past, present or future if the context supports this.
Within an informational chapter there will be text that will point to a timeline as information about the event, but it will not occur until later in the book.
Starting with verse 1, John is given a measuring rod and told to measure the Temple of God. That sure would seem a daunting task; however in the spirit realm things are much different when supernatural power is working with us.
Not only is he measuring the Temple but also the Altar and “them” that worship there. What Temple is this referring to? It is the Temple that is to be built at the start of the Tribulation Period.
No measurement is given in reference to the size of the Temple or the number of worshippers; so what is it that John is using this rod for? It is for Judgment concerning the use of the Temple, the Altar and those that worship there; signifying the difference between the true worshippers and those that are not.
In verse 2 John is instructed not to measure the outer court for it is given to the Gentiles (the nations) to tread under foot for 42 months or three and one half years of the seven years of Tribulation. This should place this event at the last half of the seven years because of the significant oppression brought about upon Israel and the Jewish people.
Verse 3 introduces the “two witnesses” spoken about by many Bible teachers with much curiosity and speculation as to who they are. These witnesses are given the authority to prophesy for what appears to be in the same timeline as verse 2 of the last half of Tribulation Period which is shown here to be 1260 days.
Again, this is all information being given ahead of events that we have not discussed yet. As we see what develops in this chapter concerning these two witnesses and antichrist, it precedes the introduction of antichrist two chapters later and are events that will take place over the whole of the last half of the Tribulation Period. That is why this is considered an informational chapter so not to be confused about timeline or chronological order.
In verse 4 the two witnesses are referred two as olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before God. These symbols are representative of the power of the Holy Spirit supplying the oil (which is used to burn in the lamps) that will keep these two witnesses strong as lights of the Gospel message (the candlesticks) and protected from harm until the appointed time.
Verse 5 demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit through these men against any that would try to harm them; fire will proceed out of their mouths and kill anyone that would try to harm them. Is this literal or is it symbolic of judgment? Most likely it is literal to show off God’s power as he did in the days of Elijah, the Old Testament Prophet.
However if this is symbolic of speaking judgment rather than actual fire coming forth from their mouths, it could be as it was in the book of Acts chapter 5 when the Apostle Peter pronounced judgment over Ananias and Sapphira; they both dropped dead. So dead is dead regardless of whether it is literal or not.
In verse 6 we see they also have power to cause drought, cause water to be turned to blood and bring about different plagues upon the Earth at their will. So obviously, these witnesses are not going to be liked on Facebook. The misery they cause will be harsh for those that are left here during this time.
Who are these witnesses anyway? The most commonly known speculation is that they may be Elijah and Moses, prophets of the Old Testament. This is thought to be so because of the demonstrations and types of power they will utilize. Reading their stories in the Bible would reveal that God demonstrated His power through them with these same types of plagues.
However, another strong speculation is that they may be Elijah and Enoch. These are the only two people that are recorded as being taken up to Heaven without going the way of the grave.
It is believed that they will come here to fulfill the assignment they have been given to do and physically die so that they fulfill Hebrews 9:27 which states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
It will be interesting to find out as we watch from the banisters of Heaven which theory is correct!
