Revelation 11

Revelation 11 is part of John's vision where he describes two primary elements: the measuring of the temple and the ministry of two witnesses. The chapter covers God's judgment upon His enemies, the testimony of the two witnesses, their persecution and eventual resurrection, and the proclamation of the final judgment. This chapter provides a dramatic glimpse into God's sovereignty in bringing justice, using the faithful witness of His people, and ultimately ushering in His eternal kingdom.

Revelation 11:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.
2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.

John is instructed to measure the temple, symbolizing God's care and protection over His people, especially those worshiping Him. The act of measuring emphasizes ownership and preservation. However, the outer court, which represents those who are not fully in communion with God, is left out. This area is given over to the Gentiles (unbelievers) for a time of judgment and tribulation, lasting forty-two months (or 3.5 years), which signifies a period of intense persecution or conflict.

Revelation 11:3-4 (NKJV)
3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.

The two witnesses, clothed in sackcloth (symbolizing mourning and repentance), are empowered to prophesy for 1,260 days (also 3.5 years). These witnesses represent faithful messengers of God who testify during a period of great tribulation. Their identity is linked to the two olive trees and two lampstands, which echo the vision in Zechariah 4, symbolizing God’s anointed ones who stand before Him to carry out His work and bring light to the world.

Revelation 11:5-6 (NKJV)
5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.

The two witnesses are given extraordinary power to defend themselves against any who would harm them. The fire proceeding from their mouths suggests the authority of their word and the divine judgment against those opposing God’s truth. Their abilities to shut the heavens (like Elijah) and bring plagues upon the earth (like Moses) emphasize their role in executing divine judgment, reminiscent of Old Testament prophets who demonstrated God’s power through miracles and signs.

Revelation 11:7-8 (NKJV)
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Once the witnesses have completed their testimony, the beast (a symbol of satanic opposition) rises to wage war against them and ultimately kills them. Their death takes place in a spiritually depraved location, referred to as "Sodom and Egypt," indicating a place of great wickedness and rebellion against God. The reference to the Lord’s crucifixion points to Jerusalem as the site, but the description also broadens it to represent any place steeped in sin and opposition to God's purposes.

Revelation 11:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.
10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

The death of the two witnesses is celebrated by the wicked inhabitants of the earth. Their bodies are left unburied as a sign of disrespect, symbolizing the world’s disdain for God’s messengers. The people rejoice because they view the witnesses as a source of torment, as their prophetic message condemned the sinful actions of the world. This celebration, however, is short-lived, lasting only three-and-a-half days.

Revelation 11:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.
12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.

After three-and-a-half days, God resurrects the two witnesses, breathing life into them. This miraculous event fills their enemies with fear, as they witness the undeniable power of God. The two witnesses are then called up to heaven, further emphasizing their divine mission and God's ultimate authority over life and death. Their ascension echoes the ascension of Jesus, signifying victory over death and the world’s evil forces.

Revelation 11:13 (NKJV)
13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Immediately after the resurrection and ascension of the witnesses, a massive earthquake strikes the city. This calamity causes the destruction of a tenth of the city and results in the death of seven thousand people. Those who survive are filled with fear and finally acknowledge the glory of the God of heaven. This response indicates a moment of repentance and recognition of God's power, though it comes in the wake of severe judgment.

Revelation 11:14-15 (NKJV)
14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

With the second woe (the great calamities) now past, the third woe is imminent. As the seventh trumpet sounds, a proclamation is made in heaven announcing the transfer of power from the kingdoms of the world to God and His Christ. This marks the establishment of God's eternal reign, where Christ’s rule is forever unchallenged, fulfilling the ultimate hope of His people for a kingdom of righteousness and peace.

Revelation 11:16-17 (NKJV)
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17 saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned."

The twenty-four elders, who represent the faithful people of God, respond to the proclamation of God's eternal reign by falling in worship. They give thanks to the Lord, acknowledging His eternal nature and His sovereign power. This moment of worship celebrates the completion of God's plan, as He takes up His rule over the earth in a visible and powerful way.

Revelation 11:18 (NKJV)
The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.

The anger of the nations represents the rebellion of the world against God’s rule, but His righteous wrath has come to bring judgment. This is the appointed time when the dead are judged, and the faithful servants of God—prophets, saints, and all who fear His name—are rewarded. At the same time, those who have caused destruction on the earth, through sin and rebellion, face their ultimate punishment.

Revelation 11:19 (NKJV)
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.

The chapter concludes with a dramatic vision of the temple of God being opened in heaven, revealing the ark of the covenant. The ark, which symbolizes God’s presence and faithfulness to His covenant, is seen, signaling God’s ultimate victory and the fulfillment of His promises. This revelation is accompanied by powerful natural signs—lightnings, thunderings, and an earthquake—demonstrating the might and majesty of God's final judgment upon the earth.