The two witnesses are two of God's prophets who were seen in a vision by the apostle John on the island of Patmos. It is apparent that these two individuals will appear during the first 3 and half years of the Tribulation, with the rapture of the church proceeding this event. Some try to put their appearance in the second half of the Tribulation, but in order to support a pre-Trib Rapture, placing these guys in the first half makes more sense.
Revelation 11:1-10
Then I was given, a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood saying, rise and measure the temple of God, the alter, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two-months. And I will give power to my two witnesses, and I will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm then, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy, and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues as often as they desire.
The witnesses killed
When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit, will make war against them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
Who Are They
We are not told specifically in revelation who they are, so we have to search the rest of scripture for clues to their identity.
God in his word tells us that they are Two olive trees or two lamps or lampstands. Zachariah 4:2,3 And he said to me, what do you see ? So I said, I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at it's left.
The 7 year tribulation will be a time of great trouble. The olive trees represent God's spirit, the lampstands will bring light to a very dark world. This will be the task of the witnesses to bring hope to mankind.
It is believed among scholars that Moses and Elijah are the ones God has chosen to call out judgement on the earth.
Malachi 4:4 describes Moses as the law giver. He was the one who delivered the law to the Israelites. God also used him as the promised deliverer who would free the Egyptians from slavery and bondage. Thus freeing them from sin and sinners. Through the power of God he brought terrible plagues on the people of Egypt.
The Transfiguration account in Matthew 17:1-5 also shows Moses and Elijah. God is thus making the point that Jesus is far greater than both Moses and Elijah.
The book of Malachi also speaks of Elijah's service. In Malachi 4:5 it says. behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
Who Are They
We are not told specifically in revelation who they are, so we have to search the rest of scripture for clues to their identity.
God in his word tells us that they are Two olive trees or two lamps or lampstands. Zachariah 4:2,3 And he said to me, what do you see ? So I said, I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at it's left.
The 7 year tribulation will be a time of great trouble. The olive trees represent God's spirit, the lampstands will bring light to a very dark world. This will be the task of the witnesses to bring hope to mankind.
It is believed among scholars that Moses and Elijah are the ones God has chosen to call out judgement on the earth.
Malachi 4:4 describes Moses as the law giver. He was the one who delivered the law to the Israelites. God also used him as the promised deliverer who would free the Egyptians from slavery and bondage. Thus freeing them from sin and sinners. Through the power of God he brought terrible plagues on the people of Egypt.
The Transfiguration account in Matthew 17:1-5 also shows Moses and Elijah. God is thus making the point that Jesus is far greater than both Moses and Elijah.
The book of Malachi also speaks of Elijah's service. In Malachi 4:5 it says. behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
Moses turned water into blood and he also struck the earth with various plagues. Elijah prayed and God shut up the heavens for 3 and a half years. 1 Kings 17:1 Also those who commanded Elijah to appear before King Ahaziah were devoured by fire.
Moses and Elijah's earthly lives seem to represent the miracles spoken of in Revelation.
God in his mercy will send these two men to witness to the world one last time. God loves all people, his word says he desires that no man is destroyed, but all will come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9
But all who receive their testimony and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ will be filled by the Holy Spirit as symbolized by their having an inexhaustible supply of oil as the two olive trees of the LORD (Rev. 11:4; Zech. 4:1-14)
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