The Two Witnesses of Revelation and Their Purpose
Bible Study Guide (Jewish Chapter)
Before we continue to explore these two witnesses, let’s go back to address something we skimmed over in the previous Bible study guide.
In (Verse 3), John is given two different measures of time. First, he records 42 months as the time the Gentiles will trample the temple courts. We know that 42 months equals 3.5 years.
Secondly, John writes that the two witnesses will prophesy for 1,260 days. If you follow our typical calendar, you’ll see that it doesn’t quite coincide with 3.5 years. But if you reference a Hebrew calendar which is has 360 days in a year, then you have exactly 3.5 years or 42 months. The Hebrew calendar is also the same as the solar calendar.
This shows the time period for the trampling of the Gentiles on the temple court and the 2 witnesses prophesying will coincide with one another. 3.5 years is exactly the midway point of the Tribulation (Daniel’s 70th Week).
Two Witnesses and the Great Tribulation
We can gain greater understanding of this Revelation chapter if we’re familiar with Daniel’s prophesy of this time period. It also becomes easier to understand if we’re familiar with Jesus’ teaching (Olivet Discourse) of these end of the age events.
The midway point of the Tribulation is a very significant moment. Both Daniel, speaking from God and Jesus pointed to this halfway date of Daniel’s 70th week. Most notably for the Jews. This is the reason why Christ’ Olivet Discourse and Revelation 11 point specifically to events that will occur in Israel, to the people of Israel, and in the Jewish Temple.
This event is so significant that Christ called it the Great Tribulation (second 3.5 year period of the Tribulation).
“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)
This will be a horrific time for the world and those who come to believe in Christ. Even greater will it be for the Jews, because the epicenter of this abominable event will be Jerusalem. The cross hairs of the antichrist will be pointed squarely on the Jewish people.
We’ll talk a bit more about that in a moment.
Purpose of the Fire Breathing Witnesses
(Verses 5-6) Imagine for a moment that you’re getting cut off by some rude driver. Or you experience a nasty moment with someone that drives you crazy. Now think about how it would be if you had the fire breathing power of these two witnesses. I think the roads would be witness to many charred people, especially today.
For obvious reasons, we don’t have the ability to destroy our enemies like these two witnesses.
If that wasn’t enough, they’ll have supernatural powers to control the heavens and what comes out of it. You have to admit, these are rather cool powers. But nothing that we should ever possess.
A few things to keep in mind. The first 3.5 years of the Tribulation, the Jews will have built and will occupy their third temple. They’ll be performing their sacrificial rituals just as their ancestors did in the Old Testament. But something hideously terrible will happen at the 3.5 year mark.
“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.” (Daniel 9:27)
Here, Daniel speaks of the Tribulation as his prophesied 70th week. A “week” being a period of 7 years. Jesus will echo Daniel’s words from God. He will point specifically to the midway period. The beginning of the Great Tribulation.
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),” (Matthew 24:15)
These two witnesses will need their supernatural powers to protect themselves. The antichrist is about to turn on the Jews.
The Two Witnesses vs. The 144,000 Evangelists
The greatness of God’s love and mercy upon mankind will extend into the 7 year time of judgment upon the earth. He’ll still be calling people to come to Him who choose to believe.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9
This is clearly evident in the plan He has laid out for the evangelizing of those left behind to endure judgment. The purpose of the two witnesses are a part of the that plan.
It began with the 144,000 Jews who were sent out across the globe to share the gospel with the lost people under judgment. Unlike these two witnesses, the 144,000 Jews have a supernatural seal placed upon them. There is nothing that can harm them because they’re protected by God.
The next component of God’s plan to share the gospel are these two Jewish witnesses. Their focus is much more narrowed than the 144,000. They’ll be in Jerusalem sharing the scriptures with the people of Israel. The ones saved will be part of the one-third of the Jews who will finally accept Jesus as their Messiah. These are called the “Remnant.”
While the 144,000 have a supernatural shield protecting them, the two witnesses will have supernatural powers. It seems a bit extreme to have such powers. Why don’t they just have a supernatural shield to protect them like the 144,000?
There will be one more component to God’s evangelism plan. This third part of the plan is to make sure everyone hears the gospel before Christ returns to judge. We’ll explore and study this in chapter 14.
It’ll Be a Time of Horrific Distress
The man called the antichrist will form a covenant at the beginning of the first 3.5 period of the Tribulation. This covenant will allow the Jews to rebuild their temple. They will look upon this man as a friend of the Jews. Midway point of the Tribulation, he will turn against the Jews. He’ll place himself in the Jewish Temple. He will put an end to all Jewish sacrifice. Then he’ll proclaim himself to be God and demand to be worshiped.
“He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
There will be such great distress during this time period that Christ advised the Jews to run for their lives.
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:15-22)
According to these words of Christ, this will be greater than any persecution that the Jews have ever encountered in their entire existence. That says quite a bit, considering the Jews are the most persecuted people on the planet.
Why Will They Need Supernatural Powers?
All evidence points to the fact that the purpose these two witnesses will need these incredible powers are for protection. This will be a period of vile wickedness that the world has ever experienced.
They will face the worse evil known on the earth. It’s likely God’s intention is not merely protection for them. He also gives them the ability to bring judgment upon their enemies for their willing desire to do evil against His people.
The purpose of these two witnesses of Revelation are specifically to share the gospel with their fellow lost Jews. Unfortunately, for them it’ll be the most horrifically evil period in the history of the world. But not to worry, God has equipped them for success. God’s word always accomplishes its purpose.
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
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