“But do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Revelation 11:2-3
Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11?
Smarter people than me have presented answers and concluded:
“The Bible does not say. All three views presented above are valid and plausible interpretations that Christians can have. The identity of the two witnesses is not an issue Christians should be dogmatic about.” (Got Questions)
That post (and most scholars) follow the assumption that there will be two literal men who fulfill this prophecy. That is certainly possible, maybe likely. But if we set aside the “Revelation as a code” approach to interpretation, the real message in this chapter is plain to see.
Whom did Jesus send out as His witnesses?
“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:7-8
This “it is not for you to know” response as it relates to details of the end times is vital for us as we walk through Revelation. What is for us to know? That we are all commissioned as witnesses and disciple-makers (Matt. 28:18-20). This was always God’s desire for His people.
“I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! All the nations gather together, and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and show us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right, and let them hear and say, It is true. ‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.'”
Isaiah 43:6-10
God loved to compare Himself to the gods of other nations. Through the prophets the Lord openly made fun of idols that cannot talk or move or eat or do anything. Here He defies the people of other nations to supply witnesses to the power of their gods. And whom does God call as His witnesses?
All of His people.
“These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed.”
Revelation 11:4-5
I think we can all be grateful that God does not entrust preachers with literal fire in our words. Will tribulation preachers receive this power? That would be cool to see. Notice what is like fire according to the prophets:
“Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord. Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”
Jeremiah 23:28-29
It is not the word of any prophet or preacher that has power to break through to people and nations. It is God’s Word alone that has that power. God’s Word is like a hammer; like fire.
And all of us have been entrusted with the Word of God to receive like fire in our veins and to share with those around us, whether they listen to us or not.
So be bold! Be strong and courageous. Stand firm like the prophets of old and speak out the words God gives you – through His power and for His glory alone! That’s what the two witnesses in the tribulation will do. And it’s what all of us are called to do!