WHO ARE THE TWO WITNESSES?
Matthew Maher
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. — Revelation 11:4
• God's work has always been accomplished by His Spirit through His truth.
• The Spirit never contradicts the Truth He inspired.
And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. — Revelation 11:5-6
When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. — Revelation 11:7-8
• Our days are numbered by God, not by the Devil.
Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. — Revelation 11:9-10
• What God intended as mercy, they experienced as misery.
Now 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 on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. — Revelation 11:11-12
In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. — Revelation 11:13
• God's purpose for judgment → punishment for the defiant, refinement for the remnant.
The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly. — Revelation 11:14
Additional Scriptures Referenced: Zechariah 1-4; John 4:23-24; Jeremiah 5:14; Revelation 9; Revelation 20; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18
Discussion Questions
1. What stood out to you most about the ministry of the Two Witnesses, and why do you think God sends them during the Tribulation?
2. The sermon emphasized that "God never leaves Himself without a witness." Where do you see that pattern throughout Scripture, and what does it reveal about God's character?
3. Zechariah 4 reminds us that God's work is accomplished by His Spirit through His truth. Why is it dangerous to separate the Holy Spirit from God's Word? Which extreme do you think the church is more tempted toward today—a truthless spirit or a spiritless truth?
4. The Beast could not kill the Two Witnesses until they had finished their testimony. What does this teach us about God's sovereignty over Satan, evil, and even death? How should that shape the way believers face fear today?
5. The world viewed the Two Witnesses as tormentors, while God sent them as an act of mercy. Why can the same truth soften one heart while harden another? What does this reveal about the human heart?
6. The Two Witnesses boldly proclaimed God's truth in an increasingly hostile world. What does faithful witness look like for believers today, and what fears or obstacles keep us from speaking openly about Christ?
7. Despite rejection, persecution, and death, God ultimately vindicated His witnesses. How does Revelation 11 strengthen your confidence in God's ultimate victory and encourage you to remain faithful until the end?