Questions From Readers

Who are the two witnesses mentioned in  Revelation chapter 11?

Revelation 11:3 speaks of two witnesses who would prophesy for 1, 260 days.  The account then says that the wild beast would "conquer them and kill them."  But after "three and a half days," these two witnesses would be brought back to life, much to the amazement of all onlookers." - REVELATION 11:7, 11. 

Who are these two witnesses?  The details of the account help us to identify them. First, we are told that they  "are symbolized by the two olive trees and the  lamp-stands." (Revelation 11:4) This reminds us of the lamp-stand and two olive trees described in the prophecy of Zechariah.  Those olive trees were said to picture "the two anointed ones," that is Governor Zerrubbabel and High Priest Joshua,  "standing alongside the Lord of the whole earth." (Zechariah 4:1-3, 14)  Second, the two witnesses are described as performing signs similar to those performed by  Moses and Elijah. - Compare  REVELATION 11:5, 6;  with NUMBERS 16:1-7; 18:41-45.

What is the common denominator that links these references?  In each case, the account refers to God's anointed ones who took the lead during a difficult time of testing.  So in the fulfillment of Revelation chapter 11, the anointed brothers who took the lead at the time of the establishment of God's Kingdom in heaven in 1914 preached  "in sackcloth" for three and a half years.

At the end of their preaching in sackcloth, these anointed ones were symbolically killed when they were thrown into prison for a comparatively short period of time, a symbolic three ad a half days. In the eyes of the enemies of God's people, their work had been killed, causing those opponents much joy. - REVELATION 11:8-10.

Next time: Questions From Readers/ Conclusion of  Who are the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation chapter 11? 

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