1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.
3 And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Overview of Revelation Chapter 11
Revelation Chapter 11 presents a significant portion of the apocalyptic vision attributed to John. This chapter introduces themes of prophecy, judgment, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. It is divided into two main sections: the measuring of the temple and the ministry of the two witnesses, followed by the seventh trumpet and the proclamation of God’s kingdom.
Measuring the Temple (Verses 1-2)
In the opening verses, John is instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. This act of measuring can be interpreted in several ways:
- Symbol of Protection: The measuring signifies God’s protection over His people and the sanctity of the temple.
- Judgment: It may also indicate a coming judgment, as the outer court is excluded, symbolizing the rejection of those who do not belong to God.
- Restoration: The act can be seen as a promise of restoration for the faithful remnant of Israel.
The Two Witnesses (Verses 3-13)
Following the measurement, John introduces the two witnesses, who are granted authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. This section is rich with symbolism and significance:
- Identity of the Witnesses: The two witnesses are often interpreted as representing the Law and the Prophets, or they may symbolize the Church and Israel.
- Power and Authority: They are given power to perform miracles, such as shutting the heavens and turning waters into blood, echoing the plagues of Egypt.
- Opposition and Martyrdom: The witnesses face opposition and are ultimately killed, reflecting the persecution of God’s messengers throughout history.
- Resurrection and Ascension: After three and a half days, they are resurrected and ascend to heaven, symbolizing the victory of God over death and evil.
- Impact on the World: Their resurrection causes great fear among those who witness it, demonstrating God’s power and the seriousness of His judgment.
The Seventh Trumpet (Verses 14-19)
The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which heralds the establishment of God’s kingdom:
- Proclamation of God’s Reign: The voices in heaven declare that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of Christ, emphasizing the ultimate sovereignty of God.
- Judgment: The time for judging the dead and rewarding the faithful is announced, highlighting the themes of accountability and divine justice.
- Temple Imagery: The opening of God’s temple in heaven signifies the direct access believers have to God and the reality of His presence among His people.
Theological Themes
Revelation Chapter 11 encapsulates several key theological themes:
- Faithfulness in Persecution: The chapter encourages believers to remain faithful amidst trials, as God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter affirms God’s control over history and His plan for redemption and judgment.
- Hope and Restoration: The imagery of the temple and the resurrection of the witnesses provide hope for restoration and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Conclusion
Revelation Chapter 11 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the book, illustrating the tension between the present suffering of believers and the future hope of God’s kingdom. Through the measuring of the temple and the testimony of the two witnesses, the chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty, the call to faithfulness, and the assurance of ultimate victory over evil.
