Revelation Chapter 11 — The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet
John is told to measure the temple while two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days before the seventh trumpet announces the eternal reign of God.
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Notable Verses
Revelation 11:3
“I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
This verse introduces the two central figures who represent God's authority and testimony on earth during this period.
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
This is the climactic announcement of the seventh trumpet, declaring the ultimate victory and eternal reign of God.
Revelation 11:19
“God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple.”
The appearance of the ark signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant and the accessibility of His presence.
Chapter Summary
Revelation 11 begins with John being given a reed to measure the temple of God and the altar, while leaving out the outer court which is given to the nations. Two witnesses are introduced, empowered to prophesy for 1,260 days while wearing sackcloth. They possess extraordinary power over nature and their enemies until they are killed by the beast from the abyss. Their bodies lie in the street of a great city for three and a half days as the world celebrates, but God breathes life into them and calls them up to heaven. Following a great earthquake, the seventh angel sounds his trumpet. This final trumpet blast leads to a heavenly proclamation that the kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of the Lord and His Christ. The twenty-four elders worship God for taking His great power to reign, and the chapter concludes with the opening of God's temple in heaven, revealing the ark of the covenant amidst thunder, lightning, and hail.
Frequently Asked Questions
The text describes two prophets who are given power to prophesy for 1,260 days. They are referred to as two olive trees and two lampstands, and they have the authority to perform miracles, such as stopping rain and striking the earth with plagues.
The beast from the abyss overcomes and kills them, and their bodies lie in the street for three and a half days while people rejoice. After this time, God restores them to life, and they ascend into heaven in a cloud in the sight of their enemies.
The sounding of the seventh trumpet marks a major transition where the kingdoms of the world are declared to belong to God and Christ. It triggers worship among the twenty-four elders and the opening of the heavenly temple.
Study Note
The duration of 1,260 days for the witnesses' ministry is equivalent to the 42 months mentioned for the nations treading the holy city, representing a specific period of divine timing.
Related Chapters
Zechariah 4
The description of the two olive trees and lampstands mirrors the imagery found in Zechariah's vision.
Exodus 7
The witnesses' power to turn water into blood and strike the earth with plagues parallels the signs performed by Moses.
Daniel 7
The theme of an eternal kingdom being given to the Most High is a central focus of Daniel's prophecies.
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