End Times
Who are the two witnesses in Revelation?A Scripture-grounded answer about two witnesses in revelation identity
Published Reviewed
Published Reviewed
The two witnesses (Revelation 11:1-14) prophesy for 1,260 days before being killed by the beast. After three and a half days, God raises them to life. Their identity is debated: candidates include Moses and Elijah (based on their powers), Enoch and Elijah (who never died), or symbolic representations of the Law and the Prophets testifying in the last days.
Why this answer? It starts with Revelation 11:3, then cross-checks Revelation 11:1-14 and Malachi 4:5 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
Revelation 11 describes two witnesses who prophesy during a period of tribulation, perform miraculous signs, are killed by 'the beast that rises from the bottomless pit,' and are publicly resurrected after three and a half days. Their powers — turning water to blood and striking the earth with plagues — echo Moses, while calling down fire from heaven and shutting the sky echo Elijah. Zechariah 4 identifies two olive trees and two lampstands with Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, representing priestly and royal authority. Some interpreters identify the witnesses as literal individuals who will appear in the end times, with Moses and Elijah being the most common candidates (both appeared at the Transfiguration, and Malachi 4:5 promises Elijah's return before the Day of the Lord). Others see them symbolically as the faithful testimony of the church throughout history, embodying both Old Testament witness (Law and Prophets) and New Testament proclamation. Their death and resurrection in the public square mirrors Christ's own pattern — apparent defeat followed by vindication.
“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
- Revelation 11:3
Revelation is apocalyptic prophecy revealing Jesus Christ's ultimate victory over evil. It contains visions given to John about churches, God's throne, judgments, the fall of Babylon, Christ's return, Satan's defeat, final judgment, and the new heaven and earth. Its message: God wins, so persevere faithfully.
The tribulation is a future period of intense suffering and divine judgment described in Daniel 9, Matthew 24, and Revelation 6-18. Many believe it lasts seven years, with the 'great tribulation' being the final three and a half years. Its purpose is both judgment on the unbelieving world and the purification of God's people.
Jesus described signs including wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, and the Gospel being preached worldwide (Matthew 24:4-14). Paul added increasing lawlessness and apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3). These signs serve as reminders to stay watchful, not as a timetable for predicting Christ's return.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.