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Who Are the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3)?

Bible Questions & Answers

The Two Witnesses are described as two human beings endowed with extraordinary power for 3 1/2 years before Christ's return. They are referred to as the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth, linking to a prophecy in Zechariah 4:14. This imagery, combined with the interpretation of lampstands in Revelation 1:20, suggests that the Two Witnesses will have a significant ministry to the church of God, supplying it with oil and spiritually feeding it during a time of famine of the Word. Additionally, they will be affiliated with and teaching the members of God's church before, and possibly during, their broader worldwide ministry of warning and rebuke.

God's Two Witnesses

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the prophetic narrative of the end times, the Two Witnesses are identified as the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth, as declared in Revelation 11:4. This imagery connects directly to Zechariah 4:14, where the angel describes the olive trees as the two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth. The symbolism in Zechariah 4 portrays a golden lampstand with a bowl on top, flanked by two olive trees on the right and left, suggesting a flow of oil from these trees into the bowl and then to seven lamps. This oil represents God's Spirit manifested in visible works, often through words of teaching and instruction, indicating that the Two Witnesses will provide substantial spiritual guidance to the seven churches just before the end. Their role is critical, as they are God's direct representatives during the last years of man's civilization, testifying about Him not only in words but in all their actions during their prophetic ministry. These two men are model Christians, reflecting the life of Christ to such an extent that the world will see human reproductions of His righteousness, drawing opposition and hatred as He did. God will endow them with power to preach, to plague, and to defend themselves during their mission in a time of great violence, ensuring they can reveal Him for a final time before Christ's intervention in world affairs. At this time, the focus should be on identifying Christ-like servants who fulfill the type of the two olive trees, feeding the churches through Holy Spirit-inspired works and laboring intensely to equip the saints for the challenging days ahead and the return of Christ.

The Two Witnesses (Part Five)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the vision of Zechariah 4, the Two Olive Trees stand prominently beside the central lampstand, topped by a golden bowl. These trees, each with a cluster or branch extending towards the bowl, pour golden oil through two large pipes into it. This oil then flows through forty-nine pipes to the seven lamps, symbolizing the worldwide church of God. The Two Olive Trees are identified in Revelation 11:4 as the Two Witnesses, who are men and prophets. They serve as conduits, supplying the church with oil, representing their vital role in sustaining and nourishing God's people during the end times. These Two Witnesses, also described as the two lampstands standing before the God of the whole earth, are the primary source of light during a time when the church is hidden in a place of safety. With the church's light under a basket, the Two Witnesses shine brightly, drawing the world's attention through their powerful works and glorifying God. Their influence and work are not localized but extend throughout the whole earth, emphasizing their critical role in the final days. God endows them with extraordinary authority, ensuring that no one can hinder their mission until it is complete, reinforcing their importance as His servants in preparing the church for the return of Christ.

The Two Witnesses (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Revelation 11:4 declares, "These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth." This verse directly references Zechariah 4:14, pointing to a profound symbolic meaning. In Zechariah 4:2-3, the vision describes a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top, seven lamps with seven pipes to each lamp, and two olive trees, one on the right and one on the left of the bowl. The prophet, puzzled by this imagery, seeks understanding from the angel, who seems to expect clarity but finds the prophet in need of explanation. Further in Zechariah 4:11-14, the two olive trees are identified as significant elements in the vision, symbolizing a source of oil that flows through an abundance of pipes to the lamps. This oil represents the Spirit of God, not in its raw essence, but as it manifests in works within the world and the church. The two olive trees, therefore, stand as a picture of divine provision, ensuring a superabundance of spiritual sustenance to the lamps, which symbolize the churches of God. In the context of Revelation 11, the Two Witnesses are explicitly called the two olive trees and the two lampstands, embodying both the source of spiritual power and the light-bearing role of the churches. Their designation as lampstands suggests they are individual representatives, yet they carry the authority and purpose of the broader church, standing before God to fulfill a unique witness during the end times.

The Two Witnesses (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Revelation 11:4, the Two Witnesses are identified as the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. This description is presented as something that should be familiar, directly referencing Zechariah 4:14, where they are called the two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth. This connection implies a deep significance rooted in biblical imagery, though the exact meaning remains complex and challenging to discern. In Zechariah 4:1-5, a vision is described involving a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top, seven lamps with seven pipes to each, and two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl. The angel questions Zechariah's understanding of these symbols, suggesting an expectation of recognition, yet the interpretation is not straightforward. The lampstand's structure differs slightly from the traditional menorah, featuring a central post topped by a large golden bowl, with seven branches each bearing a lamp, connected by forty-nine tubes to the central bowl, likely radiating around the post to supply oil continuously to the lamps. This imagery ties to Revelation 1:12-20, where seven golden lampstands are seen, representing the seven churches, with Jesus Christ in their midst as the central figure of authority and control. Similarly, in Zechariah 4, the central post is understood to represent Christ, with the seven lamps symbolizing the churches. However, the bowl atop the post is distinct from Christ; He supports it as the foundation, holding it up, suggesting a deeper symbolic role that requires further exploration. The two olive trees, positioned beside the bowl, are integral to this vision, reinforcing their identity as the Two Witnesses who stand before God, anointed for a significant purpose in the divine plan.

The Two Witnesses (Part Six)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Revelation 11:4-5, the Two Witnesses are described as the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. Drawing from Zechariah 4:11-14, these two olive trees are depicted as human beings rooted in the ground, nourished by God through sunlight, rain, and minerals from the soil. They produce golden oil, which represents manifestations of the Spirit, primarily in the form of words. As Jesus stated in John 6:63, the words He speaks are spirit and life. At the end time, during the last 3½ years of this present evil world, God uses these two olive trees to speak words that fill a golden bowl, supplying the churches through pipes or tubes, enabling them to light up as the lights of the world, as described in Matthew 5:14-16. During this period of spiritual drought, the church's activity will be nearly nonexistent, with the Two Witnesses bearing the entire burden of God's Word and testimony. They first feed the church with this reservoir of nourishment, then warn the world. Their role is crucial in God's plan, ensuring the church is sustained even in dark times. Additionally, Revelation 11:5 highlights their authority, granting them the power to protect themselves by devouring their enemies with fire from their mouths, ensuring no one can stop their mission during their appointed 3½ years of preaching and warning.

God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's hand was definitely involved in the scattering of the church. We should respond by growing and preparing ourselves for His Kingdom.

Biblical Symbolism (Part Four)

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Understanding biblical symbols gives a reader insight into what God is teaching His people through common metaphors. It also aids in opening up prophecy.

A Calendar Summary

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.