What is the purpose of these two witnesses?
Two Witnesses. One Mission. A World That Refuses to Listen.
Imagine standing in Jerusalem during the darkest period of human history.
The nations have turned against God. Jerusalem is being trampled as John wrote in verse 2. A future Jewish temple stands at the center of the conflict.
And then God does something extraordinary. He sends two witnesses.
They aren’t hidden or intimidated. They stand publicly in Jerusalem and proclaim God’s truth for 1,260 days (Second half of Tribulation).
Who are they? Why does God send them? And why does Revelation identify them as two olive trees and two lampstands? Revelation 11:2-4 gives us the opening clues.
Let’s slow down and examine them.
📍 Where Are We in Revelation?
Revelation 11 brings us back into the prophetic timeline following the interlude of Revelation 10. John is commanded to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those worshiping there. This remarkable prophecy points to a future Jewish temple and places Jerusalem at the center of God’s unfolding plan during the Tribulation.
In This Study
- Why Jerusalem Matters in Bible Prophecy
- Why Jerusalem Will Need the Two Witnesses
- How Will the Third Jewish Temple Be Built?
- Who Are the Two Witnesses in Revelation?
- Why Did the Two Witnesses Wear Sackcloth?
- Who Are the Two Witnesses? What Scripture Tells Us
- Joshua & Zerubbabel
- Elijah & Enoch
- Elijah & Moses
- God’s Mercy Has Not Ended
- Your Witness May Outlive You
Why Jerusalem Matters in Bible Prophecy
Bible Study Guide
As we zoom in closer to this passage, we see Revelation clearly places this scene around the temple in the holy city of Jerusalem.
What’s so significant about this? First, it’s the most contested piece of real estate in the entire world. Second, it’s the center and focal point of God’s timeline for the entire world.
As Paul, the apostle for Christ liked to say, “to the Jew first, then to the Gentile.” All of God’s will centers in Jerusalem and from there goes out to all the world.
Understanding God’s Prophetic Timeline
If you really want to understand where we are today on God’s prophetic timeline, you must keep your eye on the nation of Israel. More specifically, the Temple Mount. As the coming days, weeks, and months pass, we will see an increasing focus on the nation of Israel and the Temple Mount.
A future Jewish temple plays an important role in several prophetic passages, including Daniel 9, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, and Revelation 11.
Why Jerusalem Will Need the 2 Witnesses of Revelation (Revelation 11:2)
(Verse 2) John is not only standing on the most contested plot of land in the world, he’s measuring the most contested non-existent building in the world. At least not existent today.
A certain group of religious Jews want to build the third temple on the Temple Mount. The Muslims refuse to give Jews access to the Temple Mount, let alone allow them to build another temple.
John being asked to measure the temple, foretells of the coming Third Temple. But look closely, he’s being asked not to measure the outer courts. Because the Gentiles will trample on the Holy City for 42 months.
Wait! Aren’t the Gentiles trampling on the Holy City today. Yes! But it also says that the outer courts of the temple will be given to them to trample on for 42 months. Since there is no Jewish Temple today which means there are no outer courts of the temple, this is referring to a future time when the third temple will be built.
So, it’s clear that these two witnesses of Revelation will need to have a temple built on the Temple Mount to serve their purpose. What is that purpose? We’ll get to that in a moment.
How Will the Third Temple Be Built?
When the man, scripture calls the antichrist, is revealed to the world after the rapture according to 2 Thessalonians 2:7. The world will be in severe turmoil and chaos. People will be desperate for a world leader who can provide solutions to all their problems.
The antichrist is going to be that person. As he rises in the political ranks and gains the trust of people, they will gravitate to him for answers. He’s eventually going to address one of the oldest and most contentious problems facing the world. Israel and the Middle East.
He will form a covenant with many people and nations. He will some how, through this covenant convince the Muslims to allow the Jews to build their third temple on a plot of land on the Temple Mount. The Jews will consider this man a friend of Israel. In reality, he will be filled with deception and lies. Since his father is the devil, He will turn on the Jews in the very temple he help them build. This will take place at the midway point of the Tribulation period. Three and half years from the start and 42 months from the end.
It’ll be at this point that the antichrist will turn against the people of God. He’ll set himself up to be God and demand to be worshiped.
This context is important to understand in order that we can set the stage for the next several verses of Revelation 11.
Who Are the 2 Witnesses in Revelation? (Revelation 11:3)
(Verse 3) Then suddenly, it’s revealed to John that God will appoint two witnesses. These two witnesses will prophesy for 1,260 days in sackcloth. It’s important that we peel this apart bit by bit to explore the significance of this verse.
Did you notice that 42 months and 1,260 days represent the same amount of time? So why is John given two different measures for the same amount time? What’s the purpose of these two witnesses? Why are they dressed in sackcloth?
These are all really great questions. It’s crucial that we address all of this. But first, let’s see who these two witnesses in revelation are. Then we can address these questions and more.
Reflect & Apply:
God Still Sends His Witnesses
The world described in Revelation 11 will be hostile to God’s truth, yet God will not leave humanity without a witness.
Where has God placed you to be a faithful witness today?
You don’t have to know everything about prophecy to faithfully point people toward Jesus.
Why Did the Two Witnesses Wear Sackcloth?
“And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
(Revelation 11:3)
In Scripture, sackcloth was commonly associated with mourning, repentance, humility, and a call to return to God.
The 2 witnesses in revelation aren’t simply appearing in Jerusalem to announce coming judgment because they will already be in the midst of judgment many consider to be the earth’s worst days. Their clothing communicates the seriousness of their message: God is calling people to repentance in the midst of judgment before it is too late.
We see this pattern throughout Scripture.
- Jonah 3:5 — The people of Nineveh believed God and put on sackcloth in response to Jonah’s warning.
- Joel 1:13 — God’s people are called to put on sackcloth during a time of coming judgment.
- Daniel 9:3 — Daniel seeks God with fasting, prayer, and sackcloth while confessing sin.
- Matthew 11:21 — Jesus refers to Tyre and Sidon having responded in repentance with sackcloth and ashes.
So when Revelation tells us that the two witnesses wear sackcloth, John is giving us more than a description of their clothing.
Their Clothing Carries Their Message
Their appearance essentially says:
“Repent. The door to salvation is about to close. Turn back to God.”
That makes their ministry especially powerful. They will stand in Jerusalem during one of the darkest periods in human history and proclaim God’s truth while the world around them follows the Antichrist.
And there’s an important connection here: the 1,260 days of their ministry are not merely a countdown to judgment. They are also a testimony to God’s mercy.
God will still send witnesses. He will still proclaim truth. He will still call people to repentance. Even during the Tribulation, God’s mercy has not yet ended.
That gives the sackcloth a deeper meaning. Before judgment falls, God continues to call people home.
And that is a powerful truth for us today as well: God’s warnings are expressions of His mercy, not His absence.
The Mystery of the Two Witnesses in Revelation.
(Verse 4) Is the identity of these 2 witnesses a mystery or a secret? Let’s find out. We have a few clues so far. This verse will give us a few more. Will this be enough to solve this mystery?
John is told the two witnesses are “two olive trees” and “two lampstands, and they stand before the Lord of the earth.” These are good clues and can help us get closer to the answer.
Since scripture does not clearly reveal to us who these two individuals are, we’re left with one option. Let’s see if scripture can reveal to us who they are.
The clues to the 2 witnesses we have are these.
The scene is the temple in Jerusalem.
The characters are the Jews and the Gentiles of the area.
They’re there to prophecy.
Their ensemble is nothing more than sackcloth.
Olive trees and lampstands are the two symbolic representations of these 2 witnesses.
Based on what scripture teaches us from Genesis to Revelation, we could all come up with our own ideas as to who these two Revelation witnesses might be. But, we’re going to narrow it down the best we can based on the clues that John records.
Revealing the Two Witnesses in Revelation: What Scripture Tells Us—and Doesn’t
Based on the scene, their purpose, and their target audience, these 2 witnesses are going to be Jews. Looking at their dress attire, this points to the possibility that they’re two former prophets of the Old Testament. Old Testament prophets were very familiar with wearing sackcloth while prophesying under God’s command.
The olives trees being symbols of the sovereignty of the nation of Israel reveals again that the two are Jews. The lampstands confirm that they will be the light of Christ shining on a very dark Tribulation induced world. But their focus will be specifically on the people and land of Israel.
They will serve as both prophets and evangelist. This will align with the evangelistic efforts of the 144,000 sent across the globe to be the lampstands to the world. Here are the likely options for the two witnesses based on the examination of several prominent Bible scholars.
Joshua & Zerubbabel
In Zechariah 3, Joshua is crowned a high priest by Zechariah the prophet under the command of God. This is not the same Joshua who lead the Israelites into the Promise Land. Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah and an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus. Both of these men traveled together from Babylon to help rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem.
Zechariah 4 mentions the two lampstands and two olive trees. This is referring to Joshua and Zerubbabel.
Elijah & Enoch
Both of these men are the only two characters of the Old Testament that never experienced physical death. They were both raptured into heaven. Both of these men had good standing with God. It also serves to be a foretelling of the rapture of Christ’ church of believers before the Tribulation.
“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.” (2 Kings 2:1, 11-12)
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:24)
Elijah & Moses
Many believe these two are the strongest possibility for being the two witnesses in Revelation.
First, they’re both mentioned in the very last book of the Old Testament, Malachi.
Malachi, speaking from God is prophesying about the last days events of the Tribulation and the wrath that will come upon the earth. And he mentions both, Moses who represents the law of God and Elijah, the prophet. It appears that God is not finished with these two servants.
Also, both of these two men appear to Jesus at His transfiguration recorded in Matthew 17. Peter, James and John are all there standing near Jesus as this is taking place. There is one thing most interesting about this scene. Peter, who has never met Elijah or Moses, recognized both as they appeared and spoke with Jesus.
Only God could’ve revealed this to Peter.
While Scripture doesn’t clearly tell us who these two witnesses are, it gives us a few good ideas. To affirm any of these would not be a wise practice. It’s not for us to postulate but take only what the scriptures reveal and move on from there.
More important than who these two witnesses might be are what the purpose is. We’ll explore this in the next study guide.
Also, we need to address the difference between 42 months and 1,260 days. What’s the significance of this?
Start from the beginning and continue studying: Book of Revelation Chapters 1–11 Study Guides
Reflect & Apply:
Don’t Confuse Curiosity With Conviction
We can become fascinated with the identities of the two witnesses, the timing of prophecy, and the details of future events.
But the greater question is this:
Am I allowing what God has revealed to change how I live today?
Prophecy isn’t merely information about tomorrow.
It is a call to faithfulness today.
What Will the Two Witnesses Do?
We’ve identified what Revelation tells us about these mysterious witnesses. But John hasn’t finished describing them.
The next verses reveal something astonishing. The 2 witnesses will possess supernatural authority. They will shut the heavens and turn water into blood. They will strike the earth with plagues.
Why would God give 2 witnesses such extraordinary power?
Continue to Revelation 11:5-6: What Is the Purpose of the Two Witnesses?
God’s Mercy Has Not Ended
The Tribulation will unleash unprecedented judgment upon a world that has repeatedly rejected God’s warnings. Yet even in the midst of His judgment, God continues to extend mercy.
The two witnesses are part of a much larger evangelistic mission unfolding during this terrible period.
First, the 144,000. God seals 144,000 from the tribes of Israel and sends them into a world desperately in need of the gospel. Their ministry produces an enormous harvest of people who turn to Christ.
Then, the two witnesses. God raises up these two prophetic witnesses in Jerusalem. For 1,260 days, they proclaim His truth and call a rebellious world to listen.
Finally, the angel. Revelation 14:6 reveals an angel flying overhead with “the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.”
Think about what John is showing us.
God judges sin, but He continues to offer salvation.
He sends witnesses and messengers. He sends the gospel. Even during the Tribulation, God gives humanity opportunity to turn to Christ.
A Mercy That Should Make Us Tremble
This also makes the two witnesses more than fascinating prophetic characters. They are evidence of God’s incredible patience.
Judgment has arrived, but the door of salvation remains open.
Yet Scripture also warns us that God’s patience will not continue forever.
There will come a point when judgment is final.
God’s mercy extends into the Tribulation—but we should never mistake His patience for an endless opportunity. The door will close at the end of the seven year Tribulation.
Your Witness May Outlive You
God’s mercy does not end with the Rapture.
Revelation shows us that even during the Tribulation, God will continue calling people to repentance. The 144,000 will proclaim the gospel. The two witnesses will testify in Jerusalem. And an angel will proclaim the eternal gospel to the entire world.
But what if God also wants to use the witness you leave behind?
You may not be here to preach to those who come after the Rapture, but you can leave behind something that speaks when you cannot—a collection of God’s truth preserved for someone who desperately needs to find it.
A Bible. A Christian book. A prophecy study. A testimony of faith. A library of truth.
You cannot know who might one day discover it.
Your library could become someone’s first encounter with the truth after everything they once depended on has disappeared.
That is why preserving truth isn’t an act of fear. It’s an act of faith.
Learn how you can prepare a Christian home library that could become a witness for those left behind.
Leaving Truth Behind for Those Left Behind: Preparing a Witness for Those Who May Come After
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that even in the midst of judgment, Your mercy still reaches a lost world. You never stop calling people to repentance and salvation.
Keep our hearts faithful to You today. Give us courage to proclaim Your truth while there is still time, and never let us take Your grace for granted.
Lord Jesus, help us trust Your Word above the words of men, and keep our eyes fixed on You—not on the darkness around us, but on the victory You have already secured.
May we be found faithful when You come.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.