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Revelation 11: The Two Witnesses, Seventh Trumpet

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Read Revelation Chapter 11

Introduction: Revelation chapter 11 is a crucial part of the apocalyptic vision received by the Apostle John, revealing the events leading up to the end times. This chapter speaks of God’s two witnesses and their prophetic role during times of tribulation, the resistance they face, and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom. The chapter highlights God’s sovereignty, the importance of endurance, and the hope that justice will prevail. As we delve into this extensively researched outline, we will explore the profound implications of each verse, drawing connections with other parts of the Bible to understand the grand narrative of faith and redemption.

I. Measuring the Temple (Revelation 11:1-2)
John is instructed to measure the temple, altar, and those who worship there, symbolizing God’s protection of His people. The outer court is given to the nations, representing the persecution that believers would endure.

  • Ezekiel 40:3-4 (Prophet Ezekiel is also told to measure the temple, emphasizing God’s attention to detail.)
  • Zechariah 2:1-2 (Zechariah’s vision of measuring Jerusalem indicates God’s protective care over His city.)
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (The endurance of believers in the face of persecution mirrors the faithful depicted in Revelation 11.)
  • Luke 21:24 (Jesus speaks of Jerusalem being trampled by Gentiles, aligning with the outer court being given to the nations.)

II. The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6)
God empowers two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days, granting them authority to perform miracles and to defend against their adversaries, symbolizing the power of God’s truth in confronting opposition.

  • Zechariah 4:11-14 (The two olive trees in Zechariah’s vision are connected to the two witnesses, indicating God’s chosen instruments.)
  • Malachi 4:5-6 (The coming of Elijah before the day of the Lord prefigures the role of the witnesses.)
  • Jeremiah 5:14 (The fire from the mouths of the witnesses reflects the power of God’s word as a consuming fire.)
  • James 5:17 (Elijah’s ability to control the rain is mirrored in the witnesses’ power to shut the heavens.)

III. The Beast’s Attack (Revelation 11:7-10)
After completing their testimony, the beast from the abyss wages war against the witnesses, killing them. Their bodies lie in the streets as the world rejoices, showcasing humanity’s rebellion against God.

  • Daniel 7:21 (The beast’s war against the saints echoes the conflict described in Daniel.)
  • Psalm 79:2-3 (The psalmist laments the disrespect for the bodies of God’s servants, paralleling the treatment of the witnesses.)
  • Jeremiah 51:7 (Babylon as a cup of gold that made the earth drunk resonates with the world’s intoxication with the witnesses’ death.)
  • John 16:20 (Jesus predicts sorrow turning into joy, contrasting the world’s temporary joy at the death of the witnesses.)

IV. The Witnesses’ Resurrection (Revelation 11:11-14)
After three and a half days, God resurrects the witnesses, causing fear among their enemies, and they ascend to heaven. A great earthquake follows, signifying God’s judgment and the partial destruction of the city, leading to the repentance of some.

  • Ezekiel 37:10 (The vision of dry bones coming to life prefigures the resurrection of the witnesses.)
  • Matthew 27:52-53 (The resurrection of the saints after Jesus’ crucifixion is a foretaste of the witnesses’ resurrection.)
  • Hosea 6:2 (The promise of revival on the third day aligns with the timing of the witnesses’ resurrection.)
  • Philippians 2:10-11 (Every knee shall bow, as seen in the fear and glorification of God following the earthquake.)

V. The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19)
The seventh angel sounds the trumpet, leading to declarations of God’s reign and the final judgment. The temple in heaven is opened, revealing the ark of the covenant, signifying God’s faithfulness and the approaching reward for His servants.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 (The last trumpet signals the change from mortality to immortality.)
  • Daniel 7:27 (The kingdom and dominion given to God’s people are proclaimed in the sounding of the seventh trumpet.)
  • Exodus 25:21-22 (The ark of the covenant in the temple symbolizes God’s presence and promises.)
  • Psalm 98:6 (The trumpet call aligns with Psalms announcing the Lord’s kingship.)

Conclusion: Revelation 11 teaches believers about judgment and hope, where God’s two witnesses embody the resilience and power of divine truth. Despite persecution and apparent defeat, their resurrection and ascension affirm God’s ultimate authority and the inevitability of His kingdom. The opening of the temple and the sounding of the seventh trumpet herald the fulfillment of God’s promises, assuring believers that despite current tribulations, victory is certain. This chapter echoes through the corridors of Scripture, from the prophetic measurements of Ezekiel to the resounding trumpets of Paul’s letters, all converging to inspire faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. As we reflect on these verses, let us hold fast to the truth that God measures, protects, and ultimately vindicates His people.

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The Nicolaitans were a group mentioned in the book of Revelation in the New Testament, specifically in Revelation 2:6, 2:15. They were a heretical sect in the early Christian church that was condemned by Jesus in his messages to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. The exact beliefs and practices of the Nicolaitans are not clearly described in the Bible, but early church leaders such as Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria suggested that they promoted sexual immorality and the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. Some scholars believe that the Nicolaitans were followers of a false teacher named Nicolas, who may have been one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles in Acts 6:5. However, the exact identity and teachings of the Nicolaitans remain a matter of debate among theologians and historians.