Revealing the Two Witnesses of Revelation

[Who are they? What will they do? And why do they matter in the end-time plan of God?]

THE book of Revelation unveils a breathtaking prophetic sequence: the rise of deception, war, global famine, plagues, martyrdom, cosmic signs, trumpet judgments, and ultimately, the return of Jesus Christ.

Right in the heart of this end-time panorama is one of the Bible’s most mysterious and powerful prophecies—the appearance of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3–13).

The Chronology of Judgment

The Day of the Lord—often misunderstood—refers not merely to a single day, (or confuses with Sunday as 'Lord's Day'), but to a prophetic period when God directly intervenes in human affairs. The prophet Joel warns, “The day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand” (Joel 2:1–2). Isaiah calls it a “cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger” (Isaiah 13:6–9).

Revelation outlines the seven seals (Revelation 6), which parallel Jesus’ own prophecy in Matthew 24, leading to the Lord's wrath:

1) False religion (1st seal/Matthew 24:4–5),

2) War (2nd seal/Matthew 24:6),

3) Famine (3rd seal/Matthew 24:7),

4) Pestilence and death (4th seal/Matthew 24:7),

5) Martyrdom of saints (5th seal/Matthew 24:9–10),

6) Heavenly signs (6th seal/Matthew 24:29), and ultimately,

7) The 'Day of the Lord' begins with the 7th seal. It introduces seven trumpet plagues (Revelation 8–9), culminating in the seven (7) last plagues or "woes".

But before the trumpets are fully unleashed, God raises up two bold servants—His witnesses—who prophesy for 1,260 days.

Measuring the Temple and the Rise of the Witnesses--

Revelation 11 opens with John being told to “measure the temple of God”—a symbolic act of spiritual evaluation. This imagery echoes Ezekiel 40 and Zechariah 2:1–2, where measuring represents divine assessment, not mere dimensions. God is about to act—and prepares His messengers:

“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation 11:3)

Their 3-1/2 year mission unfolds during the Great Tribulation and early Day of the Lord. They confront the Beast system, call the world to repentance, and perform miracles with divine authority.

Who Are the Two Witnesses?

Scripture does not name them, but Revelation 11:4 gives a critical clue:

“These are the two olive trees, and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.”

This directly links to Zechariah 4, where two olive trees provide oil to a lampstand—a vision explained by the angel as “the two anointed ones” who stand by the Lord (Zechariah 4:14).

In prophetic symbolism:

Olive trees signify God's anointing and a life choosen and dedicated for Him (e.g., house of Israel).

Lampstands represent churches and God's light in a dark world (Revelation 1:20).

This implies the two witnesses are not isolated figures but deeply connected to the works God's Spirit (Israel) and His faithful remnant (the Church).

Some scholars and teachers suggest Moses and Elijah (due to the miracles they perform—plagues and drought), or Enoch and Elijah (because neither saw death). But the Bible leaves their identity ambiguous, emphasizing instead their role and mission.

Their Miraculous Ministry

The witnesses wield extraordinary power:

“If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies… They have power to shut heaven… to turn water to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues…” (Revelation 11:5–6)

These signs echo the ministries of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 1:10) and Moses (Exodus 7–12), showing these witnesses operate in the prophetic spirit and power of old. Their miracles are a divine judgment against a rebellious world.

Death... and Resurrection

Eventually, “the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit” will kill them (Revelation 11:7). Their bodies lie unburied in the streets of Jerusalem—spiritually called “Sodom and Egypt” (v. 8)—a city of corruption. The world rejoices over their death, even exchanging gifts (v. 10)—a perverse celebration.

But after 3-1/2 days:

“The spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet… and they ascended up to heaven in a cloud” (Revelation 11:11–12).

This event shocks the world. It mirrors Ezekiel’s prophecy of dry bones coming to life (Ezekiel 37:1–14) and previews the resurrection of the saints at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

The Fall of the Beast and Christ’s Return

Immediately afterward, a great earthquake strikes, and the seventh trumpet sounds:

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

This signals the return of Jesus Christ as "King of Kings" (Revelation 19:11–16). The Beast and False Prophet are destroyed (Revelation 19:20), and the world’s false system collapses.

Why the Two Witnesses Matter Today

This prophecy is a final warning before the return of Christ. It calls us not just to watch for the two witnesses, but to heed their message and examine ourselves:

Do we walk in obedience and truth?

Are we light-bearers like lampstands?

Will we side with them—or resist them like the world?

In the Churches of God, the two witnesses are believed to be two literal human beings whom God will raise before Jesus returns. They will be given powers and specific roles to stand and witness to the sin and wickedness of the world (just like the two angels as witnesses in Sodom and Gomorrah).

Evangelical prophecy writer, John F. Walvoord notes that “these two witnesses are God's last preachers of righteousness before the world plunges into final judgment.”

The two witnesses remind us that even in earth’s darkest hour, God is not silent. He will raise bold voices to proclaim His truth—and prepare the way for His Son’s return.

Let us be found ready, faithful, and on the side of God—when the seventh trumpet sounds! --Rh.