The Book of Revelations Chapter 11
(1) John is told to use a measuring stick for the temple. Ezekiel once measured a temple too, showing God’s ownership, just as Habakkuk said the Lord “measured the earth” in Habakkuk 3:6. It is like looking at the plans of a house—you know who it belongs to.
Some think this temple is only a symbol of the church, since Paul and Peter called believers God’s temple. But the details—like the altar, courts, and worshippers—sound more like a real building.
Today there are some Jewish groups very focused on rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem and restarting sacrifices. At the Temple Institute in the Old City, they teach people about the temple and are even making items like pots and pans to use in future sacrifices. Another group, called the Faithful of the Temple Mount, is pushing to rebuild the temple, and in Israel some students are even being trained as priests.
Most Jewish people, however, are not interested in rebuilding the temple, and in modern times animal sacrifices would be very difficult. Still, a small, dedicated group continues to prepare, believing this will fulfil prophecy.
Christians often watch these efforts closely, but we also remember that Jesus’ death on the cross was the final sacrifice for sin. Any new sacrifice would deny the finished work of Christ. Some Jews believe the Messiah will rebuild the temple, but the Bible warns that the one they first accept may be the Antichrist.
(2) In the original temple, the outer courtyard was separated by a low wall, and only Jews could pass beyond it into the women’s courtyard. From there another barrier led into the inner court, where only Jewish men were allowed, and beyond that was the Most Holy Place, the inner sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
The outer court need not be measured because it has been given to the Gentiles. Perhaps this is because the outer courts of this rebuilt temple include the Islamic Dome of the Rock shrine, which currently stands on the temple mount and is a point of great contention between Jews and Muslims.
When the Romans conquered Jerusalem in A.D. 70, they destroyed the city so completely that the foundations of the old temple are not easily found. Most have long assumed that the Dome of the Rock shrine stands on the place of the old temple. But new research gives some evidence that the temple may have stood to the north of where the Dome of the Rock shrine is today, and that if the temple were to be rebuilt at its old place, the Dome of the Rock shrine would be in its outer courts. If this is the case (and the research is by no means settled), then it would explain why the angel told John leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles.
We also see the mention of 42 months, 1,260 days, or 3½ years, which many connect to the time of tribulation. Some interpret this as part of a full 7-year period spoken of in Daniel’s prophecy, with the 3½ years marking the halfway point when the most intense trials begin
(3) In the original Greek language, every word used to describe them is masculine, which means they are pictured as men, not as symbols like nations or churches.
So who are these men? Many Bible readers think they may be famous people from the past who will return at the end of time. The main possibilities are Elijah, Moses, and Enoch. Others believe the witnesses might be new believers who come with the same spirit and power that God gave to these great men.
Let’s take a closer look at each option.
Elijah
Elijah never died. Instead, God took him to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11).
He called down fire from heaven on his enemies (2 Kings 1:10–12).
The prophet Malachi said Elijah would return before the “great and terrible day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5–6).
He appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3).
Because of these reasons, almost everyone agrees Elijah will be one of the two witnesses.
Moses
After Moses died, the angel Michael fought with Satan over Moses’ body (Jude 9). This hints that God has a special plan for it.
His enemies were destroyed by fire (Numbers 16:35).
God used Moses to bring plagues on Egypt (Exodus 7–12).
Like Elijah, Moses appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3).
Moses represents the Law. When paired with Elijah, who represents the Prophets, the two together show the full witness of God’s Word.
Enoch
Enoch also never died. The Bible says, “God took him” (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5).
Jewish tradition remembers Enoch as a prophet who warned against evil, and the book of Jude (verses 14–15) refers to one of his prophecies.
Some people point to Hebrews 9:27, which says all men are appointed to die once. Since both Enoch and Elijah never died, they suggest these two must return to complete that.
Whoever the two witnesses turn out to be, their mission is clear: they will boldly speak God’s truth to the world during the end times, and no one will be able to silence them until their work is done.
(4-6) The witnesses are described as “two olive trees” and “two lampstands,” which points back to a vision in Zechariah 4. In that vision, olive trees poured oil directly into lamps, showing a never-ending supply of fuel. In the same way, the two witnesses are continually empowered by the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that anyone who wants to witness for Christ must first know Him personally and then rely on the Spirit’s power to share His truth.
The two witnesses also have great authority. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths to destroy their enemies. They can shut the sky so that no rain falls, like Elijah did, and they can turn water into blood and strike the earth with plagues, like Moses did in Egypt. With these powers, their mission is both prophetic and powerful, showing the world that God is real and calling people to turn back to Him.
(7-10) The two witnesses are finally killed by the beast that comes up from the bottomless pit, most likely Satan himself (first mentioned in Revelation 9:11). But even in this, their mission is not cut short. They finish the work God gave them before their lives are taken. This shows us an important truth: the devil does not control our lives. We cannot leave this world until God says our testimony is complete.
This passage also teaches the difference between being a witness and giving a testimony. A witness is not just about what we do, but about who we are in Christ. Because we belong to Him, our whole lives serve as a witness. Giving testimony, then, is when we speak and share what God has done.
This city is given three symbolic names: Sodom, Egypt, and Jerusalem. Each name carries an important meaning. Sodom stands for immorality and corruption, reminding us of the sinful city destroyed in Genesis. Egypt points to slavery and oppression, where God’s people were once held captive. Finally, Jerusalem is the real place where Jesus was crucified, showing the city’s rejection of God’s messengers. The fact that the witnesses’ bodies are not buried shows their enemies’ desire to shame and dishonour them. What seemed impossible in Bible times—that the whole world could see this event—now makes sense in our day through satellite TV, the internet, and global media. This vision shows both the depth of human rebellion and the way God’s Word continues to be fulfilled.
The whole earth celebrated the death of the two witnesses, rejoicing because their message was no longer heard. Their preaching and call to repentance had been a torment to many, not because it was false, but because people could not bear to hear the truth while they clung to the lies they loved.
(11-13) As the whole world watches, the enemies of the two witnesses are shocked and filled with fear. The world was not worthy of them, so God called them back to Himself. Then an earthquake brings God’s judgment, shaking the city and causing many people to give glory to Him. Yet it is uncertain if this fear and respect will lead to true repentance and salvation.
(15) In the ancient Greek, the verb “has now become” shows absolute certainty about Jesus’ coming reign, even before it is fully seen. The seventh trumpet declares that God’s plan is complete. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished,” and this trumpet is the echo of His victory over sin, Satan, and death.
In John’s vision, voices in heaven celebrate, saying that the kingdom of the world now belongs to the Lord and His Christ, who will reign forever. This is not the beginning of Christ’s reign but the full celebration of it, proving that His victory and kingdom are eternal.
(16-18) Heaven is filled with worship and celebration, while the nations of the world are filled with anger. The world wants anything but the reign of God, just as Jesus said in His parable, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). The praise in heaven is not just for what God has already done, but because the time has now come for judgment, reward, and the final setting of all things in motion.
(19) The ark points to God’s throne, because in the Old Testament it was the earthly symbol of His throne and His presence with His people. The thunder, lightning, earthquake, and hail are like what happened on Mount Sinai in Exodus 19, showing God’s power and holiness. By letting John see the ark in heaven, God was reminding him that He always keeps His promises, rules over everything, and will bring both judgment and victory.
In simple terms: God opened heaven to show that He is on the throne, He remembers His promises, and nothing can stop Him.
The rebuilding of the Temple
In Revelation 11 the temple of God is shown as a key part of the vision. Some people believe this temple is a symbol of the church, while others believe it points to a future temple that will be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Today, one Jewish group called The Faithful of the Temple Mount is working toward rebuilding the temple on the Mount. This idea also connects with the prophecy in Daniel, which says that an abomination will take place in the temple in the last days.
In history, Israel has already built two temples. Both were built when Israel was walking with God in covenant, and both were destroyed when Israel turned away from Him. The first temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, and the second temple was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. Since then, almost 2,000 years have passed with no temple in Jerusalem. Today, rebuilding seems impossible because the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim holy site, stands on the temple mount.
However, Bible prophecy tells us that a third temple will one day be built. Unlike the first two, this one will not come from God’s command. Instead, it will come through the trickery of the antichrist. He will make a false covenant with Israel, allowing them to rebuild the temple and restart sacrifices. But then he will break the covenant, stop the sacrifices, and take his seat in the temple to claim it for himself (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). This shows how he will deceive Israel into building the temple for his own purposes.
Some scholars think the Dome of the Rock stands exactly where the old temple once stood. Others believe the temple may have stood a little to the north. If that is true, then a new temple could be built without destroying the Dome of the Rock. In that case, the Dome could even stand in the “outer courts” of the temple. This would match Revelation 11:2, where John is told not to measure the outer court, because it is given to the Gentiles.
In the end, Revelation 11 reminds us that God is still in control. Even when people plan and nations rage, His purposes will stand.