The Two Witnesses of Revelation

In the heart of Revelation's prophecy, we see a powerful image: two witnesses, sent by God, who prophesy and perform great signs during a time of extreme tribulation. These two individuals are clothed in sackcloth and are described as olive trees and lampstands (Revelation 11:4), empowered to proclaim the truth in a world consumed by darkness. But their mission is far from easy. The world around them hates their message and rejoices at their deaths. Yet, as we'll see, their story is far from over.

Who Are These Two Witnesses?
One of the central questions surrounding these two figures is their identity. Many have speculated over the centuries, offering various theories based on biblical precedent. Some suggest that these two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. Why? Both of these prophets had the power to bring plagues and control the weather. In fact, we see in Revelation 11:6 that the witnesses "have power to shut the sky that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying" and they can "turn the waters into blood and strike the earth with every kind of plague."

Other theories propose that one of the witnesses is Elijah, along with figures like John the Baptist, Enoch, or even New Testament apostles like Peter or Paul. Each of these individuals represents God’s power in both miraculous acts and prophetic declarations. But as we examine the text, it’s less important who they are and more crucial to understand what they do and why they’re so feared by the world.

What’s the Mission of the Two Witnesses?
These witnesses are more than just prophets; they are a light in the darkness of the Tribulation period. They stand against the Antichrist, the false one-world government, and a false system of worship. Their task is simple, yet challenging: they are sent to prophesy for 1,260 days—three and a half years—clothed in sackcloth, symbolizing their mourning over the world's sin. Their job is to proclaim God's message of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

Imagine the reaction they will provoke. These men preach during a time when the world is steeped in unbelief and rebellion. Their words of judgment are not well-received. Instead, they are seen as a torment to those who reject God (Revelation 11:10).

In today's world, even rhetoric can be viewed as a threat. These witnesses' bold declarations are seen as direct attacks on the world's false peace. Their power, given by God, will even include the ability to shut the sky, preventing rain, and strike the earth with plagues. It’s no wonder the world despises them.

Why Will the World Celebrate Their Deaths?
After three and a half years of prophesying, the Antichrist will rise up and make war against the two witnesses. He will kill them, and their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem, symbolically called Sodom and Egypt (Revelation 11:8). But here’s the shocking part: the world will not mourn their deaths. Instead, people from all nations and tongues will celebrate. They’ll exchange gifts, as though it’s a global holiday—what might be described as a satanic Christmas celebration (Revelation 11:10). Why this celebration? Because these two prophets were seen as a torment to the world, constantly challenging their sin and rebellion.

The reaction speaks to the condition of the human heart. Even after the plagues, the judgments, and the chaos that fills the world during the Tribulation, people will still refuse to repent. Instead of seeing the two witnesses as messengers of truth, they view them as a nuisance, something to be rid of.

The Resurrection Nobody Expected
But the story doesn't end there. After three and a half days, something miraculous happens: God breathes life back into these witnesses, and they rise to their feet in full view of the world. Imagine the shock and terror that will grip those who had just celebrated their deaths. These witnesses, once despised and defeated, are now alive again, and they ascend into heaven as a loud voice calls them, saying, "Come up here!" (Revelation 11:12).
At that moment, a great earthquake strikes, destroying a tenth of the city and killing 7,000 people. Fear will spread like wildfire, and those who remain will give glory to the God of heaven. It’s a powerful reminder that God is always in control, and His purposes will be fulfilled—even in the midst of the greatest rebellion the world has ever seen.

What Can We Learn from the Two Witnesses?
As remarkable as the story of the two witnesses is, it also carries a message for us today. Their mission—to prophesy, testify, and speak against the wickedness of their time—mirrors the role of the church in our current world. We are called to be lampstands in a dark world, fueled by the Holy Spirit, shining light in a time of moral and spiritual darkness. Like the two witnesses, we are not promised that everyone will accept our message. In fact, some may even view it as a torment.

But just as God protected and empowered these two witnesses, we can trust that He will be with us as we carry out His mission. Their story reminds us that no matter how hard things may get, God's purposes will not be stopped. And in the end, He will have the final word.

The Choice: Treasure or Torment?
The response to the two witnesses also invites a personal reflection. Is God’s Word a treasure to you, or is it a torment? For those who are in Christ, the Word of God is a source of life, hope, and instruction. But for those who reject Him, His truth feels like a torment, a constant reminder of the judgment to come.

In this world, where the message of Christ is often met with hostility, we are reminded that we too must be bold in our witness. We are untouchable until we’ve completed the task God has given us. The two witnesses show us that God’s timing is perfect, and He is in control—even when the world seems to be spiraling into chaos.

Conclusion
The two witnesses of Revelation represent God’s bold declaration of truth in a world that rejects it. Their story reminds us that no matter how much the world may rebel, God's purposes stand firm. Their resurrection and ascension point to the power of God over death, while their testimony is a challenge to every believer: Will you stand firm in your witness, no matter the cost?

This blog is based on the message shared by Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson on Sunday September 22, 2024. Check out the full message below!