The Revelation of Jesus Christ
“Two Witnesses and the last Trumpet” Rev 11
Review
I. PROLOGUE 1:1-20 (Things you have seen)
II. Messages to the Seven churches 2-3 (Things with are)
III. Last Days 4-22 (Things which are about to take place)
A. Heavenly worship around the throne 4-5
B. The Seven seals 6:1-8:1
C. The Seven Trumpets 8-9
1. Earth Shaking Prayer 8:3-5
2. First six trumpets 8:6-9:21
3. Interlude 10-11:14
Just as John included an interlude between the sixth and seventh seal, there is another interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet. The interlude details simultaneous activity in the same period. In this case, we have a view of things in the heavenly realm and then a closer look at events on earth around the temple in Jerusalem. John again found himself on earth.
a. The mighty angel and the little book 10:1-11
• He came down from heaven.
• He is clothed with a cloud.
• He is crowned with a rainbow
• His face shines
• His feet are fiery
• He holds a “little” scroll.
• He stood with one foot on land and one on the sea.
• He shouted with an intimidating voice like a loud lion’s roar.
• The angel swears an oath
• The angel relinquishes the book to John
• The angel instructed John to eat the book and prophesy.
The words of the book were prophecies concerning the nations of the earth.
Probably judgments about to be unleashed on the unbelieving kings and their kingdoms.
John transitions from eating the scroll and prophesying concerning the remaining kingdoms and peoples of the earth to measuring the earthly rebuilt Jewish temple and observing the ministry of two amazing last day witnesses.
b. The Two witnesses and the temple 11:1-14
The Temple
The use of “and” or “then” indicates that John continues describing the same vision of earthly activity during this period. Like before, John differentiates between those protected and those about to be punished. He receives instruction from “someone” to measure the temple area.
He was to measure the inner temple, the brazen altar and the worshipers. Measuring in Scripture has to do with evaluation or the assessment of possessions. God instructs John to mark out his territory. It is like a survey before the purchase of property to determine the legal boundary lines.
1 Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 "Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. Revelation 11:1-2
Kalamos (measuring rod) refers to a reedlike plant that grew in the Jordan Valley to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. It had a stalk that was hollow and lightweight, yet rigid enough to be used as a walking staff (cf. Ezek. 29:6) or to be shaved down into a pen (3 John 13). The stalks, because they were long and lightweight, were ideal for use as measuring rods. In Ezekiel’s vision, an angel used such a rod to measure the millennial temple (Ezek. 40:3–43:17). (John MacArthur Revelation Commentary)
In this case, God marks out both places and people claimed by Him. God marks His special people and sacred places for protection or special blessing. The worshippers are most likely faithful Jews who continue to faithfully worship the true God with renewed interest and longing for Messiah’s return. Such a marking out was also foretold by Zechariah 13:8-9; 14:1-5
The exclusion of the outer court implies judgment upon the rest. Those who hold to a literal interpretation of Revelation believe this passage requires that a Jewish temple in Jerusalem be built before these events transpire.
This Tribulation temple will most likely be built just before or during the first 3.5 years.
Daniel, Jesus and Paul all reference this final days temple. Daniel assumes resumption of the daily sacrifices in the temple during the last days. As we speak, Jews are preparing for the temple’s rebuilding and resumption of the sacrifices.
The major focus of the Institute is its efforts towards the beginning of the actual rebuilding of the Holy Temple. Towards this end, the Institute has begun to restore and construct the sacred vessels for the service of the Holy Temple. These vessels, which God commanded Israel to create, can be seen today at our headquarters in Jerusalem. They are made according to the exact specifications of the Bible, and have been constructed from the original source materials, such as gold, copper, silver and wood. These are authentic, accurate vessels, not merely replicas or models. All of these items are fit and ready for use in the service of the Holy Temple. Among the many items featured in the exhibition are musical instruments played by the Levitical choir, the golden crown of the High Priest, and gold and silver vessels used in the incense and sacrificial services. After many years of effort and toil, the Institute has completed the three most important and central vessels of the Divine service: the seven-branched candelabra, or Menorah, made of pure gold; the golden Incense Altar, and the golden Table of the Showbread.
The Institute is currently creating the sacred uniform of the Cohein Gadol, the High Priest. This project, the culmination of years of study and research, has been underway for several years. To date, the High Priest's Choshen (Breastplate) and Ephod have already been completed.
Another example of research currently underway involves the topography and makeup of the Temple Mount and the structure of the Holy Temple, as well as a working architectural plan for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah, according to modern building standards and with the best materials and technology available.
A panel of experts has labored to assemble all relevant data and sources from the Talmud and commentaries as well as from historical writings and archaeological sources which aid in pinpointing the exact halachic (Jewish commentary on law) location of the sanctified Temple Mount area. The same efforts are made to establish the proper location of the structure of the Temple and all of its chambers.
Taken from the Temple Institutes web site. www.templeinstitute.org
There is some thought that the Moslem temple currently stands on the site of the outer court, leaving a possibility for the restoration of the Jewish Temple next to the Moslem temple. Others feel that the initial alliance with and protection by the antichrist will eliminate fear of Moslem reprisal and enable the rebuilding of the Jewish temple. The outer court will be subject to the trampling of the unbelieving Gentiles for another 3.5 years. Since the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 the area has been under Gentile siege.
The Witnesses
Nest, John records the nature and mission of God’s final two witnesses during the last days.
Their ministry will only last for 3.5 years. God includes men in His plan but also imposes restraints. Final retribution will be reserved for the Lamb returning in power and great glory.
These witnesses will bear testimony to the identity and coming of Messiah. john MacArthur identifies seven characteristics of their person and ministry.
Their duty
3 "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, Rev 11:3
There are two of them. Characteristic of the New Testament pattern, God sends them out by twos. The will proclaim God’s truth for a three and a half year period.
Their Attitude
clothed in sackcloth."
Sackcloth was a symbol of humility, distress, grief, mourning.
Their Identity
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. Revelation 11:4
John only provides clues as to their identity. Two olive trees & Two lamp stands
This imagery comes from Zech 3:1-10 which speaks of the lamp of revival perpetually connected to the source of oil. The two witnesses would be a continual witness for the specified duration.
Many commentators speculate that Moses and Elijah are the two witnesses.
There are a number of factors that heavily lean the argument to those two.
Their supernatural deeds are similar.
Both overcame hostile attacks supernaturally.
Fire, plagues, draught (3.5 years), polluted water
Scripture alludes to a future appearance.
Jewish tradition expected the return of both Moses and Elijah.
Both chat with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration representing the law and prophets.
Both had unusual circumstances surrounding their earthly departures.
Their Power
And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. Revelation 11:5-6
As much as they will be hated and the pagans loath their message, nothing can stop their preaching. Not only will their preaching irritate the inhabitants of the earth, they will bring about even more environmental disasters against those who threaten them or oppose them.
They will make life even more miserable. People will want them dead.
Their Death
Only when they have completed their mission will they be eliminated.
7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 11:7-10
A beast from the abyss finally confronts them and defeats them. Only when God allows it are they martyred. This is the first of 36 references to the beast. The beast, also known as the antichrist is more fully referenced in 13 and 17. All we are told here is that he is empowered by Satan.
Out of extreme contempt, the bodies of the witnesses are left to rot in the street. John makes it clear that they are martyred in the same city as their Lord for whom they died. This indicates the location and literal nature of these events. It appears that the focus of their ministry is in Jerusalem.
A worldwide celebration of their death is declared. Dead witness day was instituted with a media extravaganza for all to see.
Their Resurrection
After three and a half days, God restores life and raises them up to heaven in a cloud.
11 But 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. 12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them. Revelation 11:11-12
Several comparisons to the death and resurrection of Jesus can be noted here.
Their impact
Beside the impact of their message while alive most likely resulting in mass conversions, even their death impacts the world.
13 And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. Revelation 11:13
Their message in life causes people to turn to Christ. The events of their resurrection and ascension accompanied by a great earthquake garners more attention and people of Jerusalem (presumably Jews) turn to God. John used a phrase to indicate genuine belief in God (gave glory to the God of heaven).
LESSONS
• God is still in control.
• God is able to protect His servants against all opposition.
• God empowers His servants to carry out His directives.
• God’s servants are not exempt from suffering.
• Service to God may require extreme sacrifice. (Church history clearly bears this out)
• God uses people to bear witness to the world.
8 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
Every one of the apostles was martyred except John for their witness. Servants of God throughout history have sacrificed their lives for the sake of Christ.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9
What is our level of commitment to the cause of Christ? As the time come nearer the end, we may be called upon to suffering for our faith in Christ. It is better to be prepared now then wait until then to get ready.
4. The seventh trumpet 11:15-19
Following these events John switches back to heaven from where the last trumpet sounds announcing the final showdown. The result of the seventh trumpet is the pouring out of the final seven bowl judgments just as the seven the seal introduced the seven trumpet judgments. The seventh of all three sets of judgments are similar in that they take place in heaven with loud declarations.
Let’s track the events.
• The trumpet sounds
Then the seventh angel sounded;
• Voices from heaven announce the coming Kingdom.
15 and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever."
Does that text sound familiar? It is a phrase from the “Hallelujah Chorus”. The heavenly voices announce the absolute control of the peoples of this earth to the Lord and His Messiah.
All kingdoms will become subject to His rule. All the peoples of the earth will answer to ONE King. All inhabitants of the earth will bow to His will.
His kingdom will come and His will done on the whole earth just as it is carried out in all of heaven.
The kingdoms of this world that Satan offered to turn over to Jesus if He would worship him rather God, become the kingdom of God and his Christ by reason obedience.
13 "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14
• The twenty four elders break out in praise and worship
16 And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying, "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.
First notice their posture; fell on their faces. Even though they have authority granted by God and sit on thrones, they gratefully leave their thrones and fall on their faces before God. What a contrast to the rebellion taking place on earth. No matter how important we think we are, we must never forget the one who alone is worthy of praise. We must never forget to be grateful to God for who He is as well as what he does. Notice this phrase leaves out a piece mentioned before; is to come. That part always looked forward to the manifested supremacy of God’s kingdom on earth. That has now become a reality which is the subject of this hymn of praise.
Notice, there is no praise for redemption. I think this is because they are angels and not faithful followers. The redeemed will never cease to give praise and thanksgiving for their salvation.
“When we’ve been there ten thousand years bright shinings as the sun.
We’ve not less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.
A failure to honor and acknowledge God as God and ingratitude are the first steps down a path to destruction (See Rom 1).
These mighty beings express their humble gratitude toward God. The focus of their gratitude has to do with His eternal nature and absolute power and sovereignty which will soon be imposed on all the earth.’
They view these events as good as done although they are yet future.
18 "And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth." Revelation 11:16-18
The nations rage in rebellion against God
God pours out his wrath.
The dead will be judged.
The bond-servants, prophets and saints who fear God will be rewarded
Reward will be according to faithfulness not significance. Both the great (significant or prominent) and the small (insignificant, obscure).
God will destroy those who destroyed the earth
This is not an environmentalist manifesto. Even the earth itself will suffering under the wickedness of sinful people.
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, Colossians 3:5-6
The word can be translated corrupt. Later (19:2) the harlot is condemned for having corrupted the earth with her immorality. Not only will He exercise absolute reign but a righteous reign.
The righteous will be rewarded. The wicked will be punished. We will focus in more detail as we come to these events later in Revelation.
• The heavenly temple opens to view
19 And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened;
The term for opened express the idea of exposed or revealed. The heavenly temple, from which the earthly temple was patterned, became visible. The thought here is that access to God’s presence was free and open.
• The ark appears in the temple
and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple,
The wonder of covenant, mercy, grace, forgiveness was again prominent. The Scriptures have not mentioned the earthly Ark since Solomon placed it in his temple. It was not in Herod’s temple. This is perhaps another indication that God is about to resume the plan to restore His chose people as He promised.
• Natural phenomenon unleash again
and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm. Revelation 11:19
Our God is an awesome God and the whole earth cannot help but respond illustrating His glory and majesty. Following this vision, John received more specific detail of activity during this period that does not advance the chronology but details the circumstance.
The actual chronology or time line does not pick up again until chapter 15.
Word Find Rev 11:1-14
T H E I R S C S O N C A O D G R
I D D U R I N G I E E T B A M M
W A E P L L C A Q T L E T E K Y
W Y N K C E R I R F E R V D E S
U S F D A R A C T O B R G V E T
M T W P E U U V U Y R I I D R I
T R S A R S Q C E H A F F E H C
S E E E N O I H I K T I T V T A
O E I T R T P R T F E E S O F L
D T D E I U S H E R I D W U F L
O W O F N M S O E Q A E Y R A Y
M L B L V E R A M S L E D S T H
E C H A L F M E E E Y M W O S T
S W O L F H R I P M O I E B H N
A R L C O U R T E N F N N H U E
H A R M T P Y G E S G M E G T T
BODIES ENEMIES SODOM
CELEBRATE FLOWS SOMEONE
CITY GIFTS STAFF
COURT HALF STREET
CRUCIFIED HARM TENTH
DAYS LEAVE TERRIFIED
DEAD MEASURE THEIR
DESIRE MYSTICALLY THEM
DEVOURS OFTEN THREE
DURING PERMIT WANTS
EARTHQUAKE PROPHESYING
EGYPT RAIN
S T N A W S F T C P P D S T V D
F G U T E N T H M K E U Y H N A
M F N C H F V R Q Q L R Q E I Y
O E A I B M H D E M W I M M A S
D M P T Y B S R P E T N R I R T
O D E O S S O R I H T G A M T C
S E E V P R E D U E A O H Y G E
H O K I A Y Y H I O H L N S E L
O F E A F E P F P E V T F T R E
C T U N U I L E L O S E I I U B
O E Y K E Q C B E O R U D C S R
U N T H I M H U S R W P Y A A A
R D E A D O I T R T H S T L E T
T S O M E O N E R C F T I L M E
W L E T P Y G E S A I I C Y D W
A E E R I S E D O V E O G P V F
BODIES EGYPT PROPHESYING
CELEBRATE ENEMIES RAIN
CITY FLOWS SODOM
COURT GIFTS SOMEONE
CRUCIFIED HALF STAFF
DAYS HARM STREET
DEAD LEAVE TENTH
DESIRE MEASURE THEIR
DEVOURS MYSTICALLY THEM
DURING OFTEN THREE
EARTHQUAKE PERMIT WANTS
S A J G Q N Y S M T Q K Y O I S
E I J W E Y E O N E I L M P N M
V Y K K A C D U R N E R O G L A
E D A W I D G E G T O L I R P L
N T R O F E H D G T S E P P D L
T G V A B T O Y S A R E E M D W
H N N T W M N L T E R A D F E J
A T I I W E I A K H R N F L U T
E M H O N A R A N E R V E D Q C
E M R A H T U S D E S O G B H B
N L O R N Q H R E D V E N R G S
D O K C H K O G N H D O I E E P
V W N T E V S U I G S S C C S Y
W I R O A B O A G L T A A U O M
C A M E T S L F K D P F L U M K
E M K P R O P H E T S U R F K D
APPEARED HAILSTORM TAKEN
BECOME JUDGED TEMPLE
BEGUN KINGDOM THANKS
CAME LIGHTNING THERE
CHRIST LORD THRONES
COVENANT PROPHETS TIME
DESTROY REIGN VOICES
EARTHQUAKE REWARD WORLD
ENRAGED SEVENTH YOUR
FACES SMALL
FLASHES SOUNDS
