◄ Revelation 11 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet Revelation 11, despite its severe depictions, is a chapter of hope. The trials and tribulations are profound, yet they signify the advent of a divine kingdom where God's authority reigns supreme. Amid the seeming chaos, we are reminded of God's unwavering sovereignty and the ultimate victory of righteousness. Verses 1-2: Measuring the Temple John is commanded to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there, symbolizing the divine protection over them. Yet, the outer court and the holy city are given to the nations, who will trample them for forty-two months. Verses 3-6: The Two Witnesses Two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These witnesses, symbolized as two olive trees and lampstands, have divine authority, able to bring drought and plagues upon the earth. Verses 7-10: Death of the Witnesses When the witnesses finish their testimony, the beast from the abyss kills them, and their bodies lie in the streets of the great city for three and a half days. The inhabitants of the earth celebrate their deaths. Verses 11-14: Resurrection of the Witnesses God resurrects the witnesses and calls them to heaven in a cloud, causing great fear among the onlookers. A severe earthquake follows, destroying a tenth of the city and killing thousands, prompting the survivors to give glory to God. Verses 15-19: The Seventh Trumpet With the sounding of the seventh trumpet, loud voices in heaven proclaim the establishment of God's kingdom. The twenty-four elders in heaven worship God, acknowledging His reign. The temple in heaven opens, revealing the Ark of the Covenant, and there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. Revelation 11, a key chapter in the final book of the New Testament, chronicles John's prophetic vision, illuminating the divine plan through metaphoric events. This chapter explores the fate of the holy city, the mission of two powerful witnesses, and the announcement of the seventh trumpet, which signifies the dominion of God's kingdom over the world. The text is a riveting testament of divine authority, judgment, and hope for the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Teaching Points The Measuring of the Temple (Revelation 11:1-2) The act of measuring signifies God's ownership and protection over His people. The exclusion of the outer court symbolizes the distinction between the faithful and the unbelieving world. The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12) The two witnesses are granted authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, symbolizing repentance and mourning. Their power to perform miracles and their eventual martyrdom reflect the church's mission and suffering in the world. Their resurrection and ascension into heaven demonstrate God's ultimate victory over death and evil. The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19) The sounding of the seventh trumpet heralds the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. The heavenly worship and declaration that The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15) emphasize the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The opening of the temple in heaven and the appearance of the ark of the covenant signify God's faithfulness to His promises. Practical Applications Faithfulness in Witnessing Like the two witnesses, we are called to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. Hope in Resurrection The resurrection of the witnesses reminds us of the hope we have in Christ's victory over death and the promise of eternal life. Anticipation of God's Kingdom The seventh trumpet encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, eagerly anticipating the full realization of God's kingdom. People 1. The Two Witnesses These are two prophetic figures who are given authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" (Revelation 11:4). The imagery of olive trees and lampstands is reminiscent of Zechariah 4, symbolizing anointed ones who serve God. The Greek term for "witnesses" is "μάρτυρες" (martyres), which can also mean "martyrs," indicating their role in testifying to God's truth. 2. The Beast This figure ascends from the abyss and makes war against the two witnesses, ultimately overcoming and killing them (Revelation 11:7). The beast is a recurring symbol in Revelation, representing opposition to God and His people. The Greek word for "beast" is "θηρίον" (thērion), often used to denote a wild, dangerous animal, symbolizing chaos and evil. 3. The Nations These are the peoples and tribes who witness the death of the two witnesses and celebrate their demise (Revelation 11:9-10). The term "nations" in Greek is "ἔθνη" (ethnē), which can refer to Gentiles or non-Jewish peoples, often symbolizing those opposed to God's covenant community. 4. The Twenty-Four Elders These elders sit on thrones before God and worship Him, giving thanks for His reign and judgment (Revelation 11:16-17). The elders are seen throughout Revelation as representatives of the redeemed, possibly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, thus encompassing the whole people of God. 5. The Lord God Almighty He is the central divine figure who reigns and is worshiped by the elders (Revelation 11:17). The Greek term "Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Παντοκράτωρ" (Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokratōr) emphasizes God's sovereignty and omnipotence. Places 1. The Temple of God Revelation 11:1 mentions "the temple of God" which John is instructed to measure. This refers to the holy place where God dwells, symbolizing His presence and the worship of His people. The Greek word used here is "ναός" (naos), indicating the inner sanctuary. 2. The Holy City In Revelation 11:2, the "holy city" is mentioned, which is to be trampled by the Gentiles for forty-two months. This is traditionally understood as Jerusalem, a central place in biblical prophecy and history. The Greek term "ἡ πόλις ἡ ἁγία" (hē polis hē hagia) is used, emphasizing its sacredness. 3. Sodom and Egypt Revelation 11:8 refers to the "great city" symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, where the two witnesses are killed. This is often interpreted as a symbolic reference to Jerusalem, highlighting its spiritual corruption at the time. The Greek text uses "Σόδομα" (Sodoma) and "Αἴγυπτος" (Aigyptos), drawing on Old Testament imagery of sin and oppression. Events 1. The Measuring of the Temple John is given a measuring rod and instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. However, he is told to exclude the outer court because it has been given to the Gentiles. ^Revelation 11:1-2 :^ "Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, 'Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.'" 2. The Two Witnesses Two witnesses are appointed to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are described as the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the Lord of the earth. ^Revelation 11:3-4 :^ "And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth." 3. The Power and Protection of the Witnesses The witnesses have the power to devour their enemies with fire from their mouths and to shut the sky so that no rain falls during their days of prophecy. They can also turn waters into blood and strike the earth with plagues. ^Revelation 11:5-6 :^ "If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish." 4. The Death of the Witnesses When they have finished their testimony, the beast from the abyss will wage war against them, conquer them, and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city for three and a half days. ^Revelation 11:7-9 :^ "When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also crucified. For three and a half days all peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will view their bodies and will not permit them to be laid in a tomb." 5. The Resurrection and Ascension of the Witnesses After three and a half days, the breath of life from God enters them, and they stand on their feet, causing great fear among those who see them. They hear a loud voice from heaven saying, "Come up here," and they ascend to heaven in a cloud. ^Revelation 11:11-12 :^ "But 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 upon those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Come up here.' And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them." 6. The Earthquake and Its Aftermath At that moment, a great earthquake occurs, and a tenth of the city collapses. Seven thousand people are killed, and the survivors are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven. ^Revelation 11:13 :^ "And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand were killed in the quake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven." 7. The Seventh Trumpet The seventh angel sounds his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven proclaim the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever. ^Revelation 11:15 :^ "Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.'" 8. The Worship in Heaven The twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fall on their faces and worship Him, giving thanks for His reign and the time of judgment. ^Revelation 11:16-18 :^ "And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: 'We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.'" 9. The Opening of God's Temple in Heaven God's temple in heaven is opened, and the ark of His covenant is seen within His temple. There are flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. ^Revelation 11:19 :^ "Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm." Connections to Additional Scriptures Zechariah 4:2-3 The vision of the lampstand and olive trees, which parallels the imagery of the two witnesses. Matthew 24:14 The proclamation of the Gospel to all nations before the end comes, similar to the mission of the two witnesses. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 The victory over death through Christ, echoing the resurrection of the witnesses. Prayer Points Pray for courage and boldness to be faithful witnesses for Christ in our daily lives. Ask for strength and perseverance in the face of trials and opposition. Give thanks for the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Pray for the hastening of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises. As we study Revelation 11, may we be encouraged by the assurance of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the image of the temple's measurement (verses 1-2) reflect on the idea of God's protection? 2. In what ways do the two witnesses symbolize resistance and faith in a time of tribulation? 3. How can you relate the death of the two witnesses to the persecution of believers in today's world? 4. What does the resurrection of the two witnesses teach us about God's promise of eternal life? 5. How does the world's reaction to the death and resurrection of the witnesses reflect society's attitude towards righteousness? 6. How can the events of Revelation 11 be seen as a call to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations? 7. How does the seventh trumpet's sound and the subsequent events redefine our understanding of God's sovereignty? 8. In today's context, how would you interpret the phrase "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ"? 9. How does Revelation 11 inspire you to maintain hope during challenging times? 10. What lessons can we learn from the reaction of the twenty-four elders when the seventh trumpet sounded? 11. How might the concept of divine judgement in Revelation 11 influence the way we view justice in our contemporary society? 12. In what ways do the events of Revelation 11 influence your personal faith journey? 13. How can the endurance of the two witnesses inspire believers to withstand persecution? 14. What actions can you take to mirror the steadfastness of the two witnesses in your own life? 15. How does the imagery of the Ark of the Covenant's revelation impact your perception of God's promises? 16. How does the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom in Revelation 11 comfort you in times of global crisis? 17. In what ways does Revelation 11 shape your understanding of the dichotomy between good and evil? 18. How can the prophetic events of Revelation 11 serve as a motivation for believers to live a life worthy of God's kingdom? 19. In the face of adversity, how can you ensure that your faith remains unshaken, just like the two witnesses? 20. How does the divine intervention in the events of Revelation 11 inspire you to rely on God's power in your personal struggles? Topics 1. The Measuring of the Temple (Revelation 11:1-2) John is given a measuring rod and instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. The outer court is excluded and given to the Gentiles. The Greek word for "measure" (μετρέω, metreo) implies a divine assessment or judgment. 2. The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6) God appoints two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands" standing before the Lord. The Greek term for "witnesses" (μάρτυρες, martyres) indicates their role in testifying to God's truth. 3. The Death of the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:7-10) Upon completing their testimony, the beast from the abyss makes war against them and kills them. Their bodies lie in the street of the great city, symbolically called Sodom and Egypt. The Greek word for "beast" (θηρίον, therion) suggests a ferocious and destructive entity. 4. The Resurrection and Ascension of the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:11-12) After three and a half days, the breath of life from God enters them, and they stand on their feet, causing great fear among onlookers. They hear a loud voice from heaven calling them to "Come up here," and they ascend to heaven in a cloud. The Greek word for "ascend" (ἀναβαίνω, anabaino) denotes a rising or going up. 5. The Earthquake and the Tenth of the City (Revelation 11:13) A great earthquake occurs, and a tenth of the city falls. Seven thousand people are killed, and the survivors are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven. The Greek term for "earthquake" (σεισμός, seismos) indicates a significant shaking or upheaval. 6. The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19) The seventh angel sounds his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven proclaim the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ. The twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His reign. The Greek word for "trumpet" (σάλπιγξ, salpinx) signifies a call to attention or action. Themes 1. The Measuring of the Temple Revelation 11 begins with John being given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there (Revelation 11:1). This theme emphasizes the idea of divine assessment and protection of God's people. The Greek word for "measure" (μετρέω, metreo) suggests a careful evaluation, indicating God's sovereignty and authority over His dwelling place and worshippers. 2. The Two Witnesses The chapter introduces two witnesses who prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). This theme highlights the role of prophetic testimony and the perseverance of God's messengers. The Greek term for "witnesses" (μάρτυρες, martyres) underscores their role as testifiers to God's truth, even in the face of opposition. 3. Divine Protection and Power The two witnesses are granted power to perform miracles, such as shutting the sky and turning waters into blood (Revelation 11:6). This theme illustrates God's provision of supernatural protection and authority to His servants. The Greek word for "power" (ἐξουσία, exousia) indicates the divine authority given to them to carry out their mission. 4. Persecution and Martyrdom The witnesses are eventually killed by the beast that rises from the abyss (Revelation 11:7). This theme reflects the reality of persecution and martyrdom faced by God's people. The Greek word for "beast" (θηρίον, therion) symbolizes the forces of evil that oppose God's work. 5. Resurrection and Vindication After three and a half days, the witnesses are resurrected and ascend to heaven (Revelation 11:11-12). This theme emphasizes the hope of resurrection and ultimate vindication for believers. The Greek term for "spirit of life" (πνεῦμα ζωῆς, pneuma zoes) signifies the divine breath that restores life, affirming God's power over death. 6. Judgment and the Seventh Trumpet The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, signaling the establishment of God's kingdom and the judgment of the nations (Revelation 11:15-18). This theme underscores the certainty of divine judgment and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The Greek word for "kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia) highlights the reign and authority of God being fully realized. 7. Worship and Praise The heavenly response to the seventh trumpet includes worship and praise, acknowledging God's eternal reign (Revelation 11:16-17). This theme reflects the appropriate response of worship to God's sovereignty and justice. The Greek word for "worship" (προσκυνέω, proskyneo) conveys the act of reverence and adoration directed towards God. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions