Revelation 11 – The two witnesses Teaching the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) Revelation 11 – The two witnesses Please visit our website: www.livingstonesnewforest.org.uk

The Reed – the measuring rod Asked to measure The temple – Isaiah 66: this temple not authorised by God The Altar – the place of Sacrifices God did not ask for Those who worship therein – unsaved, immoral and idolatrous people Not worshipping in spirit and in truth But don’t measure the court of the Gentiles The rule of the Gentiles over Israel is not yet over Israel will be oppressed of the Gentiles more during this time than in any other Jesus battles with these gentile nations at His 2nd coming It seems that this first period of three and a half years has been a time of measuring both the Gentile nations and the Jews. The two witnesses seem to have been witnessing during this time

The witnesses Clothed in sackcloth Who are they? Preaching repentance 1260 days – three and a half years (360-day years) – 42 months It suggests that this has been taking place up to the 7th trumpet Possible that some of the phenomena thus far were as a result of their ministry Who are they? Zechariah 3 & 4 – Zerubbabel and Joshua Preaching repentance and witnessed by two witnesses, so a fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy In the character of Moses and Elijah Probably or possibly in person

The witnesses Matthew 17 v 1 – 13 Two witnesses – Elijah and Moses – the Law and the Prophets Jesus referred to John the Baptist as Elijah ‘if they could receive it’ Therefore possible that rather than Elijah in person it will be someone ‘in the spirit of Elijah’ Rev 19 v 10 – the testimony (witness) of Jesus is the spirit (essence) of prophecy All prophecy is focussed on enthroning Jesus in the eternal kingdom The witnesses, therefore, are preaching repentance and measuring all that surrounds worship, with a view to the final enthronement of Jesus

The witnesses The similarities with Moses and Elijah Fire proceeds from their mouth 1 Kings 18 v 38 – Elijah calls down fire 2 Kings 1 v 10 – fire consumes two groups of 50 Shut off the rain 1 Kings 17 Water to blood Exodus 7 v 17 Plagues

The witnesses Plagues given in the book of exodus Plague 1 — water turned into blood; fish died. ... Plague 2 — frogs. ... Plagues 3 and 4 — biting insects and wild animals. ... Plagues 5 and 6 — livestock disease and boils. ... Plague 7 — fiery hail. ... Plague 8 — locusts. ... Plague 9 — darkness. Boils – Exodus 9 v 8 - 35

The plagues of revelation Plagues in Revelation 16 Sores or boils – also in Exodus Water to blood – also in exodus The sun burning - similar to Elijah’s drought Darkness they could feel – also in Exodus Frogs (unclean spirits) – in Exodus, a plague of frogs Darkness also in Ch 6 v 12 Earthquakes – sons of Korah – Numbers 16

Plagues of Revelation Fiery hail mingled with blood Rev 8 v 7 – Fiery hail in Exodus Rev 8 v 8 – water to blood again Rev 8 v 9 – the fish died, as in Exodus Rev 9 v 3 – special locusts – locusts in Exodus Rev 9 v 15 – death – Exodus – death of the first born People associate this with Enoch, as he was raptured This is the only link Elijah didn’t die Moses buried by The Lord and his body disputed over

The witnesses The language suggests the witnesses are two who we have seen before “The two witnesses of mine” two alluded to in Zechariah 4 Two alluded to and named at the mount of transfiguration Two witnesses at the resurrection (two men?) Two witnesses at the ascension (two men) (Acts 1 v 10) And now 2 witnesses here in Revelation 11 Could all be Elijah and Moses? Just a thought!

The death of the witnesses Could not be killed until their time was complete Such abhorrence that they would not even bury them The greatest insult A new feast-day – all relieved to be free of them Complete rejection of everything Godly Perhaps answers the question, “Why does God allow His servants to be martyred?” Israel deemed to be on a par with Sodom and Egypt.

The resurrection of the witnesses Why three and a half days – don’t know They rose up and great fear fell Sudden realisation of what they had done Also knowing their previous invulnerability Raptured – just like all the other saints Earthquake A tenth of the city and 7000 people dead The rest (remnant, so possibly believers) were afraid and gave glory to God. The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom

Now the 7th Trumpet sounds Loud voices in heaven The Kingdoms of this world Have become the kingdoms of our Lord And of His Christ And He shall reign forever and ever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

Teaching the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) Welcome to our service Please visit our website: www.livingstonesnewforest.org.uk