The Two Witnesses  

• 1^st – Third Temple… vs. 1-2
  • 1^st – Measure… vs. 1
    • The command…
      • Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. The angel stood saying…
      • Rise and measure the temple of God – the altar – and those who worship there!
      • John was given [passive] a REED – a stick with a specific length used to MEASURE…
      • He was commanded [imperative] to MEASURE the TEMPLE of God [ὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ]
    • Four Temples…
      • There are FOUR Temples of God in the Bible…
      • FIRST – Temple of Solomon – built 957 B.C. – I Kings 6 – destroyed 586 B.C. – II Kings 25:9
      • SECOND – Temple of Herod – built 516 B.C. – Ezra 3:8 – destroyed 70 A.D. – Matthew 24:2
      • THIRD – Tribulation Temple – which will be built by the Antichrist…
      • FOURTH – Millennial Temple – which will be built by Jesus Christ – Ezekiel 40
      • Daniel 9:27 – “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week.”
      • In the aftermath of the rapture [one BILLION people disappear]
      • After the Magog invasion [God destroys armies of Russia and the Arabs] – Ezekiel 38-39
      • The world will be in chaos – ONE man will offer peace and safety – I Thessalonians 5:3
      • He will make peace by offering to build the THIRD Temple for Israel…
      • The Jews have everything ready to rebuild the temple – waiting for their messiah…
      • The Antichrist will be received as the Jewish Messiah – because he rebuilds the TEMPLE!
      • John 5:43 – “I have come in My Fathers name and you do not receive Me. If another comes in his own name – him you will receive.”
    • False Worship…
      • This THIRD temple will NOT be dedicated to the LORD…
      • Note John was also to MEASURE [the heart] of those who came to WORSHIP there…
      • Because the TRUE church will NOT be out in the open during the TRIBULATION…
      • They are forced UNDERGROUND – because to follow Jesus means death – Revelation 20:4
      • Just because someone come to CHURCH – does not mean they have the right HEART…
      • If CHURCH is just a Sunday RITUAL – or if we come out of OBLIGATION…
      • Then we are missing the POINT – no BUILDING or RELIGION can save us – Acts 7:48
      • We come to SACRIFICE [Altar] – we come to KNOW Jesus Christ!
  • 2^nd – Outer Court… vs. 2
    • Do not measure…
      • But leave out the court which is outside the temple – and do not measure it.
      • John was NOT to MEASURE the OUTER court – also known as the court of the GENTILES!
      • The TEMPLE has FOUR parts…
      • HOLY OF HOLIES – where the Ark of the Covenant was [First temple] – Exodus 26:34
      • Only the High Priest could go here – only ONCE a year – [יוֹם כָּפַר] – Leviticus 16
      • HOLY PLACE – where the Menorah and Altar of Incense was – Exodus 40:4-5
      • Only the priests were allowed into the TEMPLE – II Chronicles 23:6
      • THE COURTYARD – where the Altar of Sacrifice was – Exodus 40:6
      • Only believers [Jews] were allowed to come and offer sacrifices for their sin…
      • There was even a SIGN that warned DEATH to any stranger who entered!
      • THE OUTER COURT – this was the MARKET of the Temple…
      • Anyone – believer or unbeliever was welcome to come here…
      • This is where Jesus came and chased out the MONEY changers – John 2:15-16
    • Trampled down…
      • It has been given to the Gentiles. They will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months!
      • The OUTER court was given [passive] to the GENTILES [ἔθνος]
      • They will CONTROL it for FORTY-TWO month – or THREE and a HALF years…
      • Presumably it will take the FIRST half of the tribulation to FINISH the TEMPLE…
      • But then it will be CONTROLLED by unbelievers – the Antichrist – for the LAST half!
      • When the Muslims captured Jerusalem in 637 A.D.
      • They built the Al-Aqsa mosque – it became the third holiest site in Islam…
      • Just to the north of the mosque they also built the Dome of the Rock…
      • The Dome is NOT a mosque – it is a shrine – commemorating the night ride of Mohamed…
      • This presented a DILEMMA when the Jews took control of the Temple Mount in 1967…
      • To this day the TEMPLE mount is administered by GENTILES – Jews are NOT allowed!
      • HOW can they rebuild the TEMPLE – since they site has the Dome and Mosque…
      • The solution – build the TEMPLE at the DOME of the Spirits – in line with Gate Beautiful…
      • Putting the Dome and Mosque will be in the Court of the Gentiles – Revelation 11:2
    • Holy City…
      • Not just the OUTER court – also the HOLY city – Jerusalem…
      • The city that even today is overrun [trampled down] by the Gentiles – Luke 21:24
      • When we were in Israel last year – we were talking the street on a Friday…
      • The Al-Aqsa mosque had just let out – a STREAM of people that lasted an HOUR poured out…
      • The HOLY city of God – packed with people who do NOT believe in God!

• 2^nd – Two witnesses… vs. 3-13
  • 1^st – Their Identity… vs. 3
    • I will give power to my two witnesses!
    • The CHURCH is raptured BEFORE the Tribulation begins – Revelation 4:1
    • As have seen – God does NOT leave the world without a WITNESS for Jesus – Revelation 7:4-8
    • But He also gives TWO witnesses in Jerusalem – during the building of the THIRD temple…
    • The IDENTITY of these two men is hotly debated among scholars…
    • ELISHA – is ONE of the men – he must prepare the way for the MESSIAH – Malachi 4:5
    • ENOCH – might be the SECOND – only he and Elisha did not die – Hebrews 9:27
    • MOSES – is more likely the SECOND – because of the mount of TRANSFIGURATION!
    • Matthew 17:3 – “Behold – Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with [Jesus].”
    • Moses represent the LAW – Elisha represent the PROPHETS…
    • Together they represent the TESTIMONY of the OLD Testament – the WORD…
    • And the WORD of God is the ONE thing that has the POWER to save!
    • When the RICH man died – He asked Abraham to send back Lazarus to warn his family…
    • But Abraham told him – even if Lazarus was resurrected – they would NOT believe!
    • Luke 16:29 – “They have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear them!”
    • Do NOT underestimate the POWER of giving people the GOSPEL…
    • It is NOT our words that will convince sinners they need to be saved…
    • It is the POWER of the WORD – that can crack even the HARDEST of hearts!
    • Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ – for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”
  • 2^nd – Their Time… vs. 3
    • They will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days – clothed in sackcloth!
    • The TWO witnesses will PREACH in Jerusalem for THREE and half years [1260 days]
    • NOTE – the Bible counts years with 360 days [not 365]
    • We assume this will be the first THREE and a half years of the TRIBULATION…
    • They are PREACHING while the Antichrist is building the THIRD Temple…
    • Because this TEMPLE will not bring people to God – it will keep them from Him…
    • Clothed in SACKCLOTH – because they are morning his FALSE religion!
    • Many people believe their religion makes them strong in the Lord…
    • When in reality their religion makes them weak – taking their eyes off of Jesus… 
    • Because they trust in their religion – rather than looking to and depending on the Lord!
  • 3^rd – Their Purpose… vs. 4
    • These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth!
    • The TWO witnesses are called to be a LIGHT [lampstand] reflecting Jesus [Lord of the earth]
    • They are able to be His WITNESS – because they are filled with the SPIRIT [olive trees]!
    • Zechariah 4:2-3 – “There is a lampstand of solid gold… Two olive trees are by it.”
    • The prophet Zechariah saw this very same imagery in the OT…
    • And the LORD interpreted for him – exactly what it meant!
    • Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might nor by power – but by My Spirit – Says the LORD of hosts!”
    • The hearts of the Jews were hardened by sin – seemingly impossible to crack…
    • Yet the people saw their sinfulness – and pleaded with Peter – what should we do…
    • Not because of Peter – but because of the Word of God – and the power of the Spirit!
    • Act 2:37 – “When they heard this – they were cut to the heart.”
    • It seems people today are DEAF when it comes to their need for Jesus…
    • As if the message of the GOSPEL had lost all power to reach sinners…
    • A world is filled with EMPTY churches – pastors vainly preaching to hardened hearts…
    • But the problem is not in the MESSAGE – the problem is a lack of POWER…
    • I have been in many churches whose response to a lost world – create a COMMITTEE…
    • And in the end – NOTHING happens – it is just a lot of words with NO action…
    • But the POWER of the Spirit can shatter – bring the greatest sinners to their knees!
    • Jeremiah 23:29 – “My word is like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.”
      
  • 4^th – Their Power… vs. 5-6
    • If anyone wants to harm them – fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies.
      • And if anyone wants to harm them – he must be killed in this manner!
      • IF – anyone even THINKS [θέλω] about hurting these WITNESSES…
      • FIRE will come out of their mouths and CONSUME them…
      • IF – anyone THINKS about hurting them – they MUST be killed this way!
      • MOSES and ELISHA – preaching at the construction site of the TEMPLE…
      • Telling everyone it is a FALSE Temple – people will WANT to kill them…
      • Because they are a LIGHT – revealing the LIES of false RELIGION – John 3:19
    • These have power to shut heaven – so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy.
      • They have the POWER to STOP rain – during the THREE and half years of their PREACHING… 
      • When we are FIRST introduced to Elisha in the Bible – he STOPPED the RAIN!
      • I Kings 17:1 – “As the LORD God of Israel lives – before whom I stand – there shall not be dew nor rain these years – except at my word.”
    • They have power over waters to turn them to blood.
      •  And to strike the earth with all plagues – as often as they desire!
      • They have the POWER to turn water to blood – and bring PLAGUES as often as they want!
      • When God sent MOSES to Pharoah – he was given the power of PLAGUES!
      • Exodus 7:17 – “By this you shall know… the LORD. Behold – I will strike the waters … and they shall be turned to blood.”
      • The PURPOSE of the FIRE – no RAIN – and the PLAGUES…
      • Was – and will be – to show the world who has the POWER [not Ahab – Pharoah – Antichrist]
      • And to let men see there is a CONSEQUENCE to rejecting Jesus!
  • 5^th – Their Death… vs. 7-10
    • The war… vs. 7
      • When they finish their testimony – the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit…
      • Will make war against them – overcome them – and kill them!
      • When the THREE and a half years are up – and their TESTIMONY is COMPLETE [τελέω]
      • THE beast – from the bottomless pit [ἄβυσσος] – will make WAR – DEFEAT – and KILL them…
      • BEAST – likely referring to the Antichrist [or satan in him] – Revelation 13:4
      • But note the Antichrist cannot TOUCH them – until their work was DONE!
      • We have NOTHING to fear from our ENEMY – we are UNTOUCHABLE…
      • We will NOT leave this life – until God says our WORK is DONE!
      • I John 4:4 – “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
    • The city… vs. 8
      • 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!
      • The BODIES of the TWO witness will lie in the streets of JERUSALEM…
      • We know it is JERUSALEM – because it is the CITY where Jesus was crucified…
      • But John give us insight into the SPIRITUAL state of the city in this time…
      • Like SODOM – a place that celebrated SEXUAL immorality – Genesis 19:13
      • Like EGYPT – a place where the people of God are in BONDAGE – Exodus 1:13
      • Today less than ONE percent of Israel believe in Jesus – they are in bondage – EGYPT…
      • But they have the one of the largest GAY pride celebrations in the world – SODOM!
    • Three days… vs. 9
      • Then those from the peoples – tribes – tongues – and nations will see their dead bodies…
      • The WHOLE world – every person – nation – language – will see their BODIES…
      • The idea of the WHOLE world seeing an event occur in real time…
      • Was NOT possible until the last few decades – internet and satellites…
      • But today if a major even happens – we can all watch in real time!
      • Three-and-a-half days – and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves!
      • THREE and a half DAYS [one day for every year] – no one will be allowed to touch them…
      • Why THREE days – the number should sound familiar – it was a SIGN!
      • Matthew 12:39 – “No sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
      • Just as JONAH was THREE days and night in the belly of the fish…
      • So Jesus was also THREE days and nights in the GRAVE…
      • The SIGN God is going to give through these witnesses – is to remind the world of the CROSS!
    • Rejoicing… vs. 10
      • Those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them – make merry and send gifts… 
      • Because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth!
      • During these THREE and a half days – the world REJOICES…
      • They will even send GIFTS to each other – like it is CHRISTMAS day…
      • Because for those from this world – the words of these prophets were TORTURE!
      • Even today we live in a world that is LOST – that thinks the TRUTH is torture…
      • If we dare to say there are only TWO genders – that is hate speech…
      • We are evil if we believe marriage should be between a man and a woman!
      • Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe unto them that call evil good – and good evil…”
  • 6^th – Their Resurrection… vs. 11-12
    • Great fear… vs. 11
      • Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them…
      • And they stood on their feet – and great fear fell on those who saw them!
      • God was NOT done with the lesson – the WITNESSES did NOT stay dead…
      • After THREE and a half days – God who gives life – put the spirit back in them – Genesis 2:7
      • Moses and Elisha will stand back up – with the WHOLE world still watching…
      • The result will be GREAT [μέγας] fear – NOT of the MEN – but of the MESSAGE…
      • Their RESURRECTION proves their message – death is not the END!
      • When Paul was preaching at the Aerogapus in Athens – Acts 17:22
      • The people were willing to listen – UNTIL he talked about the resurrection…
      • The idea that DEATH is not the end seemed FOOLISH to them!
      • Act 17:32 – “When they heard of the resurrection of the dead – some mocked.”
      • The world today wants to believe there are no CONSEQUENCES…
      • We live our lives however we want – and then we die and cease to exist…
      • But because there is a RESURRECTION – then death is NOT the end…
      • The question then becomes – where will we go AFTER we die!
    • Ascension… vs. 12
      • They heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them – Come up here.
      • And they ascended to heaven in a cloud – and their enemies saw them!
      • God FINISHES the lesson – by calling the WITNESSES up to heaven…
      • The voice form heaven said – COME up [imperative] – and they ascended up into the clouds…
      • All of this was done as the WHOLE world [enemies] was watching!
      • Do NOT miss the connection – these witness were following the example of Jesus!
      • Acts 1:9 – “While they watched He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”
      • It is NOT enough for us to just TALK about the Gospel – tell others about Jesus…
      • We are called to LIVE our lives as a SACRIFICE – show them Jesus – Romans 12:1-2
  • 7^th – The earthquake… vs. 13
    • In the same hour there was a great earthquake – and a tenth of the city fell. 
    • In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed.
    • And the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
    • The MOMENT the WITNESSES were taken up into HEAVEN – a GREAT [μέγας] earthquake…
    • Not like the earthquake of the SIXTH seal – this was just LOCAL – just Jerusalem…
    • But a TENTH of the city will fall down – and SEVEN thousand will DIE…
    • Those who remain – will FEAR – and give GLORY to God!
    • Matthew 27:54 – “When the centurion and those with him… saw the earthquake and the things that had happened. They feared greatly – saying – Truly this was the Son of God!”
    • There are THREE parts to the WITNESS – that bring HARD men to bring GLORY to God…
    • FIRST – these men will share the WORD [law and prophets]
    • SECOND – these men will have the POWER of the SPIRIT [olive trees]
    • THIRD – these men LIVED and DIED to be an EXAMPLE for Jesus…
    • If we are wondering why our WITNESS is not changing the hearts of those AROUND us…
    • It is worthwhile to ASK – are we sharing His WORD – in His POWER – being His EXAMPLE…
    • Because when we do – even HARDENED men – will give GLORY to God!

Jesus has the VICTORY – and that is the end of the STORY!

3^rd – Seventh Trumpet… vs. 14-19

1^st – Kingdom of God… vs. 14-15

The second woe is past. Behold – the third woe is coming quickly!

With the conclusion of the TWO witnesses – the SECOND woe [SIXTH trumpet] is done…

Meaning it is time for the FINAL woe – the SEVENTH trumpet to blow! 

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven – saying…

The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ…

and He shall reign forever and ever!

When the SEVENTH trumpet sounded – there was a LOUD [μέγας] voice in heaven…

The KINGDOMS of this world are done – our Lord and His MESSIAH shall now REIGN forever!

This is NOT a question – it is a statement of FACT – God has already [aorist] WON…

Although the SEVENTH trumpet only marks the HALF way point in the TRIBULATION…

The CONCLUSION is already a guarantee – God and Jesus win!

2^nd – The Song… vs. 16-18

The Elders… vs. 16

The twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped!

The MOMENT the declaration is made – God has the VICTORY…

The ELDERS who sit before the throne – fall down and WORSHIP…

ELDERS – who seem to represent the CHURCH [12 apostles] and ISRAEL [12 tribes]!

FIVE out of the SIX times we read about these ELDERS in REVELATION…

They are FALLING down on their faces and WORSHIPING!

The Almighty… vs. 17

We give You thanks – O Lord God Almighty. The One who is and who was and who is to come.

Because You have taken Your great power and reigned!

The ELDERS give THANKS – because our Lord [κύριος] – is God [θεός]

He is the ALMIGHTY – He has ALL [πᾶς] POWERFUL [κράτος]

He is ETERNAL – He IS [present] and WAS [past] and is to COME [future]

And through His POWER [δύναμις] – He has [aorist] established His KINGDOM [reign]!

There is only ONE God – who has ALL power – and is ETERNAL…

Therefore there really is NO question as to how the story will end…

Even if we are just halfway through – it is time to start singing His PRAISE!

The Nations… vs. 18

The nations were angry – [but] Your wrath has come.

[Indeed] the time of the dead – that they should be judged!

There are TWO possible responses to the inevitable VICTORY of God!

FIRST – the UNBELIEVERS [nations] will be ANGRY…

They do NOT want God to REIGN – they do NOT want Jesus…

But it does not matter what they WANT – the WRATH of God has come…

And they will DIE – after which they will be JUDGED!

Psalm 2:1-4 – “Why are the nations so angry… the one who rules in heaven laughs.”

The Saints… vs. 18

[But] that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints.

And those who fear Your name – small and great!

SECOND – the BELIEVERS – those who proclaim the Gospel [prophets]

Those who are SAINTS [ἅγιος] – live for God – whether small or great [worldly standard]

They will receive a REWARD [μισθός] from the LORD – heaven!

Matthew 5:12 – “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad – for great is your REWARD in heaven.”

The Choice… vs. 18

And should destroy those who destroy the earth!

It is a simple CHOICE everyone needs to MAKE – stand with God who WINS…

Or stand with those who CORRUPT [present] this WORLD – and be DESTROYED [infinitive]

Knowing how it all ends – should make the choice easy – CHOSE life!

Deuteronomy 30:19 – “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh – that you would choose life.” [NLT]

3^rd – The Ark… vs. 9

The temple of God was opened in heaven – and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple!

With the CONCLUSION of the SONG – the real TEMPLE – the one in heaven was opened…

And John could see the ARK of the COVENANT…

The Ark was held the TESTIMONY – the TEN commandments – Exodus 25:16

It was meant to keep the most important of all treasures – the Word of God!

The Ark was lost to history after Babylon conquered Jerusalem – 586 B.C.

Some say it was hidden by Priests in the tunnels under the Temple mount…

Others say that it was taken by Jeremiah to Egypt – Jeremiah 43

They even made a movie about where the ARK might be – warehouse in the USA…

But here we see the TRUTH – God took the ARK to heaven!

And there were lightnings – noises – thundering – an earthquake – and great hail!

And like when God met with Moses on Mount Sinai – there was a SHOW – Exodus 19:16 

If you have even been to a THEME park – there is always an evening SHOW…

Lots of LIGHT – and loud NOISE – so that the earth shakes!

When God establishes His KINGDOM – when the real TEMPLE is opened…

The ARK comes out as the finale – and the CELEBRATION begins…