The Tribulation Temple & Timetable
Matthew Maher
• Study Key: Chapter order does not always equal chronological order.
Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. — Revelation 11:1
But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. — Revelation 11:2
• Regardless of Israel's apostasy and the world's general animosity, Jerusalem is still God's city.
"I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive." — John 5:43
And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. — Revelation 11:2
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. — Revelation 11:3
• God never leaves Himself without a witness.
• Living to be biblical is not popular; and living to be popular is not biblical.
• God's messenger is immortal until the mission is final.
Discussion Questions
1. Why is it important to remember that chapter order does not always equal chronological order when studying Revelation? How does the telescope analogy help us understand chapters 6–18?
2. Why is it important to interpret the Tribulation Temple literally rather than symbolically, and how does the surrounding context support that conclusion? (Revelation 11:1–2; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4)
3. How do Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John work together to explain the significance of the Tribulation Temple and the events surrounding the midpoint of the Tribulation? (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15–21; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Revelation 11:1–2)
4. Scripture repeatedly refers to the same period as 42 months, 1,260 days, and "time, times, and half a time." Why do you think God gives us these repeated prophetic time markers? What do they teach us about His sovereignty over history? (Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7; Revelation 11:2–3; Revelation 12:6, 14; Revelation 13:5)
5. Why does God send two witnesses, and what does their ministry teach us about His faithfulness to proclaim the truth? (Revelation 11:3; Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1)
6. The Two Witnesses preach repentance in a world that hates their message. Why is repentance just as unpopular—and just as necessary—today? (Revelation 11:3; Jonah 3:5–10; Mark 1:14–15; Acts 17:30–31)
7. The key takeaway of this passage is: "God never leaves Himself without a witness." What does that truth mean for your responsibility to faithfully represent Christ where God has placed you? (Matthew 5:14–16; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Revelation 11:3)