Interpretation of the Two Witnesses in Revelation
The Two Witnesses in Revelation 11 are symbolic figures representing God's faithful witnesses during a period of persecution and apostasy. The passage describes them as having the power to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, signifying mourning and repentance [4].
The identity of the Two Witnesses has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some see them as literal individuals, while others understand them as symbolic representations of the Church or specific aspects of God's witness. one commentary tradition by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown suggests that the Two Witnesses are likely symbolic, referencing Zechariah 4:3, 12, where two olive trees represent "the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth" [4, 5].
One common interpretation is that the Two Witnesses represent Moses and Elijah, who appeared with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30). This view is supported by the fact that the Two Witnesses have powers similar to those of Moses and Elijah, such as the ability to call down fire from heaven and to control the weather [3].
The Nonconformist/Puritan commentary by Matthew Henry emphasizes the faithful witness of the Two Witnesses, noting that they represent the remnant of God's people who remain faithful during times of persecution and apostasy. Henry sees the Two Witnesses as a symbol of the Church's witness to God's truth and worship [6].
The Protestant academic commentary from Tyndale House suggests that the Two Witnesses are part of a larger theme in Revelation 11:1-13, which pictures God's continuing call for repentance despite human attempts to silence his witnesses. This commentary notes that the Two Witnesses are likely symbolic figures representing the faithful witness of God's people [3].
The concept of "testimony" or "witness" is a significant theme in Revelation, as seen in Revelation 1:2, where John "testified to everything he saw," which is described as "the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ" [1, 2]. This theme is echoed in the description of the Two Witnesses, who are said to prophesy and testify to God's truth during a time of great tribulation.
The varied interpretations of the Two Witnesses reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the Book of Revelation. While different traditions and commentaries offer distinct understandings of the Two Witnesses, they collectively emphasize the importance of faithful witness and testimony in the face of adversity. The Two Witnesses remain a powerful symbol of God's presence and activity in the world, even in the midst of great challenge and opposition [3, 4, 6].
Sources
- Revelation “who testified to God’s word, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw. -- Revelation 1:2”
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 1:2 (BSB) — who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 11:1: 11:1-13 This section pictures the willful rejection of God’s continuing call for repentance. The many attempts to silence his witnesses ultimately fail, and God triumphs. • Many attempts have been made to identify the two witnesses of this chapter. Moses and Elijah, who appeared with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matt 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30), are likely candidates (see Rev 11:6); they represent the law and the prophets. Others have suggested Enoch and Elijah because they did not die (see Gen 5:21-24; 2 Kgs 2:11-12). Other possibilities include Peter and Pau”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 11:3: I will give power--There is no "power" in the Greek, so that "give" must mean "give commission," or some such word. my two witnesses--Greek, "the two witnesses of me." The article implies that the two were well known at least to John. prophesy--preach under the inspiration of the Spirit, denouncing judgments against the apostate. They are described by symbol as "the two olive trees" and "the two candlesticks," or lamp-stands, "standing before the God of the earth." The reference is to Zac 4:3, Zac 4:12, where two individuals are meant, Joshua a”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 11:4: standing before the God of the earth--A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, Coptic, and ANDREAS read "Lord" for "God": so Zac 4:14. Ministering to (Luk 1:19), and as in the sight of Him, who, though now so widely disowned on "earth," is its rightful King, and shall at last be openly recognized as such (Rev 11:15). The phrase alludes to Zac 4:10, Zac 4:14, "the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." The article "the" marks this allusion. They are "the two candlesticks," not that they are the Church, the one candlestick, but as its represe”
- Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 11:3: In this time of treading down, God has reserved to himself his faithful witnesses, who will not fail to attest the truth of his word and worship, and the excellency of his ways. Here observe, I. The number of these witnesses: it is but a small number and yet it is sufficient. 1. It is but small. Many will own and acknowledge Christ in times of prosperity who will desert and deny him in times of persecution; one witness, when the cause is upon trial, is worth many at other times. 2. It is a sufficient number; for in the mouth of two witnesses every cause shall ”