The Two Witnesses in Revelation 11 are two prophetic figures who are given extraordinary power to prophesy for 1,260 days (42 months or 3.5 years) during the tribulation period, immediately preceding the return of Jesus Christ. Their ministry involves proclaiming God's message, calling people to repentance, and performing miraculous signs and judgments, including bringing plagues upon the earth and stopping the rain.[1] They are described as "two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth."[2] After completing their testimony, they are overcome and killed by the "beast that comes up from the Abyss." Their bodies lie in the street of Jerusalem for three and a half days, during which time the world rejoices at their death. However, after this period, the "breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet," causing great fear among those who saw them. They are then called up to heaven in a cloud.[3] Their ascension is immediately followed by a great earthquake that destroys a tenth of Jerusalem and kills 7,000 people, leading the survivors to give glory to the God of heaven.[4]

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:

The identity of the Two Witnesses is a subject of much theological debate, with several prominent interpretations. The most common interpretations suggest they are either two specific historical figures, two symbolic representations, or two unknown individuals yet to be revealed.

Interpretations of Identity

1. Literal Interpretation: Moses and Elijah

One of the most widely held literal interpretations identifies the Two Witnesses as Moses and Elijah.[5] This view is supported by several biblical parallels:

• Elijah: He was known for calling down fire from heaven (2 Kings 1:10-12) and stopping the rain (1 Kings 17:1). These actions directly correspond to the powers attributed to the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11:5-6, which states, "If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies... They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying."[6] Elijah also ascended to heaven without experiencing death (2 Kings 2:11), making his return a possibility for a literal fulfillment of the prophecy.[7]
• Moses: He was known for turning water into blood and bringing various plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7-12). Revelation 11:6 states, "They have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want."[8] Moses also appeared with Elijah alongside Jesus during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3), suggesting a significant role for both in end-times prophecy.[9] Furthermore, the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah) are foundational to God's revelation, making them fitting representatives for a final prophetic ministry.[10]

2. Literal Interpretation: Enoch and Elijah

Another literal interpretation proposes Enoch and Elijah.[11] The primary argument for this view is that both Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) are the only two individuals recorded in the Bible who did not experience physical death but were taken directly to heaven by God.[12] This interpretation suggests that since "it is appointed for man to die once" (Hebrews 9:27), these two individuals must return to fulfill this appointment and die as the Two Witnesses.[13]

3. Symbolic Interpretation: The Church or Israel

Some interpretations view the Two Witnesses symbolically, representing either the Church or the nation of Israel.[14]

• The Church: This view suggests that the "two olive trees and the two lampstands" symbolize the Church, which is called to be a light to the world and bear witness to God's truth during the tribulation.[15] The Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, collectively prophesies and endures persecution, ultimately triumphing over evil.
• Israel: Another symbolic interpretation sees the Two Witnesses as representing the faithful remnant of Israel during the end times, who will turn to God and bear witness to His truth amidst global apostasy.[16] The "olive trees" can be linked to Israel's biblical imagery (Romans 11:17-24).

4. Unknown Individuals

A simpler interpretation suggests that the Two Witnesses are two specific, yet currently unknown, individuals whom God will raise up for this specific purpose during the tribulation period.[17] This view avoids the speculative nature of identifying them with historical figures and emphasizes God's sovereign choice in selecting His instruments for His end-time plans.

Powers and Ministry

The Two Witnesses are endowed with extraordinary divine power to fulfill their mission:

• Prophecy and Judgment: They prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, signifying mourning and repentance.[18] They have the power to bring plagues upon the earth, including turning water into blood and striking the earth with every kind of plague, reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt.[19]
• Divine Protection: Fire proceeds from their mouths to consume anyone who tries to harm them, indicating divine protection during their ministry.[20]
• Control over Nature: They have the power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during their period of prophecy, similar to Elijah's actions.[21]

Death and Resurrection

After completing their testimony, the "beast that comes up from the Abyss" (often identified with the Antichrist) will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.[22] Their bodies will lie in the street of the "great city" (spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified, referring to Jerusalem) for three and a half days.[23] The inhabitants of the earth will rejoice over their death, exchanging gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them with their message and judgments.[24]

However, after three and a half days, the "breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet," causing great fear among those who saw them.[25] They then hear a loud voice from heaven saying, "Come up here!" and they ascend to heaven in a cloud in the sight of their enemies.[26] This miraculous resurrection and ascension serve as a powerful vindication of their ministry and a clear sign of God's power.

Aftermath

Immediately following their ascension, a severe earthquake occurs, destroying a tenth of the city and killing 7,000 people.[27] The survivors are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven, indicating a significant impact on those who witnessed these events.[28] This event marks the end of the second woe and precedes the coming of the third woe, signaling further divine judgments.[29]

Significance

The ministry of the Two Witnesses serves several crucial purposes within the broader narrative of Revelation:

• Final Call to Repentance: Their powerful prophecy and judgments serve as a final warning and call to repentance for a rebellious world before the ultimate judgments of God.[30]
• Divine Sovereignty: Their protection, death, resurrection, and ascension demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all events, even in the face of intense opposition.[31]
• Witness to Truth: They stand as unwavering witnesses to God's truth in a world that has largely rejected Him, embodying faithfulness even unto death.[32]
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Their ministry fulfills specific prophecies related to the end times, confirming the reliability of God's Word.[33]

Answer Provided by iAsk.ai – Ask AI.