The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11

There has been much speculation about the two witnesses over the years. A common idea is that these are Moses and Elijah. However it is just speculation and is not based on the evidence of Scripture given in verse 4.

These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

When we look at the two olive trees and the two lamp stands, there are references to these in the Scriptures.

Also based on the continuity of the book of Revelation. After the 5th Trumpet comes the 6th Trumpet, being a major war. It is after this war that there is a peace treaty, which is a false peace, in that the peace is a good idea, but the differences are unresolved with much hatred and deception. Revelation 10 has this as the small book, or the small scroll, depending on translation version. It is sweet in the mouth and bitter in the stomach.

The peace treaty is mentioned in Daniel 9:27 as being for 7 years. Many know of this event in the prophecy time line, and know that it is the final week (seven) of Daniel's 70 weeks (sevens). This means it is the final 7 years before the return of the Messiah, which is Jesus Christ. This will be a sign that all those who understand these things will give understanding to others. It will be a time of evangelism when everyone who believes speaks out about it as a significant event.

This is mentioned in Daniel 11:32-35. Those who know their God will take action and display great exploits. This is very much in alignment with the signs miracles that the two witnesses will do in Revelation 11:6.

Currently there is a doctrine about that says the rapture will happen before the Great Tribulation. Others says Mid Tribulation, and others say at the end of the Tribulation and before the Wrath. There is debate as to how long this tribulation goes for, some saying 7 years and other 42 months.

To add another angle some say the two witnesses are the two testament, that is the Old Testament and the New Testament. This however lacks the people who walk the streets and prophesy and are put to death, which is the job description of real prophets.

So we see these clues pointing to the reality of who these two witnesses are. The Old Testament have people associated with it. Likewise the New Testament has people associated it. To those who understand the atonement of Jesus Christ, they know that we come directly to God in fellowship in Spirit and in Truth. All in this are adopted as sons of God, and are called saints. The bible saying we are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus.

There are many references to olives and lamps, with olive oil being used to light the lamps in the temple which are to burn always and never go out. The things in the temple were symbolic of the spiritual realities.

Paul uses the comparison of the olive tree as Israel and the wild olive tree as the Gentiles who have come to know God through the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus, being grafted into the cultivated olive tree.

For once one comes to God, they are sons of God, that is sons of the light, which makes them also lights. It is only by fellowship with God, and the Holy Spirit in the believers that they maintain their light. The Holy Spirit is also called the oil, as in the parables of the ten virgins.

The revelation of Jesus Christ (the Morning Star Revelation 22:16) is said to rise in the hearts of believers as a lamb shining in a dark place.

Now we go back to Daniel 3 when the three Israelites would not bow down to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into the fire. They were saved from the fire by trusting in God, and actually were thrown in and didn’t even smell of smoke, with not even a hair singed.

If we will do greater works than Jesus, then we should also consider what others like Elijah and Moses did. This is the reason why many think the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah, because they are doing similar miracles. However, nothing is impossible for God. And if it is God's will that you do these various things like they did, then He will give you the power to do these things. If you recognise yourself in the Scriptures, then you have the backing of God when He calls you do His Will.

Jesus also powered up His disciples with authority over sickness and demons and sent them out in pairs. Here is a reference to a group of seventy sent out in the Gospel of Luke.

Now back to the prophecy of the protection of the Two Witnesses…

Moses did many miracles by the power and authority of God. Part of these were to inflict plagues on the Egyptians. Which you can read about in Exodus Chapter 7 onwards.

Finally the Gospel Message was given to the disciples to go out into the world to preach and that signs and wonders would follow the message of the Gospel.

Mark 16:17
"These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18
they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Mark 16:19
So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.] [And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. ]

So who are the two witnesses? Any believer who feels strongly enough to step out in faith and go forth and warn the world. When are the two witnesses? At the time of the Peace Treaty being signed, which also has Israel in the treaty.

You are the light of the world, you are seated with Jesus in heavenly places. You have the Spirit of God, and greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world. Simply believe and do not doubt in your heart and all things are possible for you. And what is impossible for man is possible for God. Trust in the Lord and you will be like a tree planted beside waters, bearing fruit in season.