The prophecy of the Two Witnesses is a significant eschatological event described in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 11:3-12. This prophecy is a key component of the apocalyptic narrative, detailing the role of two divinely appointed prophets during the end times.

Biblical Account

The account of the Two Witnesses is found in Revelation 11:3-12. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage begins with God declaring, "And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth" (Revelation 11:3). This period of 1,260 days is often interpreted as three and a half years, aligning with the prophetic timeline of the Great Tribulation.

The Two Witnesses are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" (Revelation 11:4). This imagery echoes the vision of Zechariah 4, where two olive trees supply oil to a lampstand, symbolizing anointed ones who serve the Lord.

Role and Ministry

The Two Witnesses are granted authority to prophesy and perform miraculous signs. Revelation 11:5-6 states, "If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed. They have authority to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and 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 wish."

These powers are reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets Elijah and Moses, who performed similar miracles. Elijah called down fire from heaven and shut the sky to prevent rain (1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 1:10), while Moses turned water into blood and brought plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7-11).

Death and Resurrection

The prophecy continues with the death of the Two Witnesses. Revelation 11:7-10 describes how, upon completing 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 streets of the great city, symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, for three and a half days, during which time the inhabitants of the earth will rejoice over their demise.

However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn with their resurrection. Revelation 11:11-12 states, "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. Then 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."

Interpretations and Significance

The identity of the Two Witnesses has been the subject of much speculation and debate. Some interpretations suggest they are symbolic representations of the Church or Israel, while others propose they are literal individuals, possibly Elijah and Moses or Enoch, who return to fulfill this prophetic role.

The prophecy of the Two Witnesses serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. Their ministry, death, and resurrection highlight the themes of witness, judgment, and redemption that permeate the apocalyptic literature of Revelation. The Two Witnesses stand as a testament to the enduring power of God's word and the certainty of His promises in the face of opposition and unbelief.