Who are the two witnesses in this passage supposed to be?

This passage does not give their names, and faithful readers have seen this in more than one way. Some understand them as two specific prophets God will send near the end, like earlier prophets he used in hard times. Others see them as a picture of God’s faithful servants or teachers during a long period of trouble. In both readings, the point is that God keeps a clear witness to his truth, even when the world seems dark and hostile, and he decides when their work is finished.

What does it mean that the beast from the bottomless pit kills the witnesses?

The beast from the bottomless pit stands for a power that is stirred up by evil and set against God and his people. When it “makes war” on the witnesses and kills them, that shows a time when those who speak God’s truth seem to be completely silenced. Their work is stopped, they lose public support, and their enemies appear to have won. Yet this happens only after they finish the work God gave them, which shows that even their suffering is under God’s timing and control.

Why is the great city called Sodom and Egypt where the Lord was crucified?

The city is called Sodom and Egypt “spiritually” to show its moral and spiritual character. Sodom points to open sin and corruption. Egypt points to oppression and stubborn resistance to God. Saying it is also where the Lord was crucified ties this wickedness to the very place where Jesus was rejected and killed, and can also point to a powerful center that opposes true faith. The picture is of a world system that is rich and strong, but hard against God and cruel to his servants.

Why do people rejoice and send gifts when the witnesses are dead?

The people who live on the earth rejoice because these witnesses had “tormented” them with their message. God’s truth exposed their sin and warned of judgment, which they hated. When the witnesses are silenced, it feels like a holiday, so they celebrate and even send gifts. This shows how hard the human heart can become, taking joy in the fall of those who speak for God. It reminds us that real repentance does not come from removing God’s word, but from listening to it humbly.

What is the meaning of the three days and an half before the witnesses rise?

The three and a half days match other “three and a half” periods in this book, and picture a set but limited time of suffering. Many understand this not as a literal three and a half days, but as a short season when evil seems to triumph and God’s people appear defeated. The enemies think the witnesses are finished. Then God breathes life into them and raises them up, showing that his servants’ defeat is only temporary and that he can quickly turn shame into honor.

What does the resurrection and ascension of the witnesses teach about God?

When the spirit of life from God enters the witnesses and they stand up, it shows that God alone gives life after apparent defeat. Their ascension in a cloud at God’s call, while their enemies watch, shows that he publicly honors those who were despised for his sake. This points ahead to the resurrection of all who belong to him. It teaches that God does not forget faithful witness, and that no earthly power can keep his people from the life and glory he has promised.

Why is there a great earthquake and why do some give glory to God?

The great earthquake and the fall of a tenth of the city show that God’s judgment shakes what looks firm and safe. Seven thousand people die, which is a large, complete number in picture language. The “remnant” who survive are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven. This seems to show that, for some, these events lead to a real recognition of God’s hand and a turning to him. Even in judgment, God can use fear and loss to wake people up to his reality and greatness.

How can this passage encourage believers who face opposition today?

This passage shows that God’s people may be mocked, pushed aside, and even seem totally defeated. Their message can be hated and their loss can be celebrated. Yet God sets the length of their witness, guards them until their work is done, and then raises and honors them. For believers today, this helps us not to be surprised by hostility, but to keep speaking the truth in love, trusting that God sees, God remembers, and in his time he will make all things right.

Why is this vision difficult and read in different ways?

This vision is hard because it uses strong pictures: a beast from the pit, a symbolic city, numbers like three and a half, and the deaths and rising of the witnesses. Faithful readers have seen the witnesses as either future individuals or as a picture of God’s people over many years. Some connect the beast and city to specific powers in church history. When reading it, it helps to hold to the main point that is shared: evil’s victory is short, and God will raise and vindicate his witnesses.

Rev.11.7

Revelation 11:7

KJV

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

The Witnesses Killed and Raised

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.