Bible Commentaries
Revelation 11

Verses 1-19

As a part of the interlude, John is presented with the two witnesses who will appear and prophesy during part of the Great Tribulation (11:3-6). At this time, the Holy City and its temple area will be trodden down by Gentile oppressors (11:2).^(F1) This Gentile force appears to be directed by the Beast or Antichrist himself.

At this point, the Beast is mentioned as coming up out of the Abyss and overpowering the witnesses (11:7-10). We will hear much more about this figure. It is important that we do not confuse this beast with the four beasts, or four living creatures of heaven that we met earlier. The Greek word for these heavenly creatures is zo-on, with the root meaning "life." This Beast on the other hand is called thay-re-on, meaning "wild, dangerous animal."

We are told here that the two witnesses will have power to work many miracles and mighty deeds during this difficult period. Although the Beast manages to eventually put them to death, they arise from the dead and ascend to heaven. Terror strikes those who observe them (11:11-12).

It has long been debated whether these two witnesses are actual people or companies of people (i.e. the believing Jewish and Christian remnant). If they are indeed individuals, one may well be the final appearance of Elijah, as prophesied in Malachi 4:5, "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes." Jesus said of John the Baptist, that if Israel would receive it, John was Elijah returned (Matthew 11:14). Obviously, Israel did not receive it, so what we likely see is Elijah appearing again.^(F2) It is good to know that even in the darkest hour of human history the Lord will not leave himself without a mighty witness.

At this, there is a great earthquake touching a tenth part of Jerusalem and causing the death of seven thousand people. The terrified survivors give glory to God (11:13). It should be noted that the response of Jerusalem's residents to disaster is far different than that of the Gentiles. In Zechariah 13:8-9, the prophet speaks of Israel's suffering in the end-days, "In the whole land, 'declares the LORD,' two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" (cf. Isaiah 13:12).

The prophet Malachi also remarks about this, "But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness" (Malachi 3:2-3).

After the two witnesses have ascended to heaven, the seventh trumpet sounds. We now hear these words of Revelation 11:15, "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'" At this announcement there is much thanksgiving in heaven (11:16-18). The heavenly voices note God's purpose in "destroying those who destroy the earth" (v.18). This would certainly include sinners who defile and corrupt the world, but it may even include terrorists who are determined to destroy the world and those in it.

The simple truth is that Jesus is coming for what is his (Genesis 49:10). After all, the scripture says that he made the world and everything in it (John 1:3). It all belongs to him. For these many centuries the world has been ruled by a usurper- the devil. He has kept his position by pretense and deceit. Soon his reign of terror will be over forever.