Bible Commentaries
Revelation 11

Verses 1-19

John is called on to measure the temple. In such measurements the court of the Gentiles is not to be recognized. It shows God dealing with the world through His chosen people.

The account of the two witnesses must be taken in connection with the recognition of the temple. Their work will be to tell the will of God to an age in rebellion against Him. No malice is able to accomplish the destruction of these witnesses until their work is ended. When that is done they are slain, and there is the appalling sound of an apostate race rejoicing in the silencing of the voices of truth. The triumph of evil is terrible, but it is short- lived. Ultimately, the witnesses are raised from the dead and taken into the heavenly places. Through them God sets the supernatural ministry of truth over against the supernatural influences of demon power and worship. When at last evil seems to triumph, it secures its own defeat.

At last, the seventh angel sounds and ushers in the final movements before the complete victory of the King. Voices in heaven declare that the rule of the world has been taken over by God and His Christ. The occasion gives cause for profoundest thankfulness, and the elders in the presence of the Supreme Royalty fall on their faces and worship. In their praise impending events are set forth, to be more fully described later.