Revelation 11
BSB1 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there. 2 But exclude the courtyard outside the temple. Do not measure it, because it has been given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed. 6 These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. 7 When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city—figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where their Lord was also crucified. 9 For three and a half days all peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will view their bodies and will not permit them to be laid in a tomb. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them, and will celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them. 11 But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered the two witnesses, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who saw them. 12 And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them. 13 And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand were killed in the quake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming shortly. 15 Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." 16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great— and to destroy those who destroy the earth." 19 Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
Study Notes — Revelation 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Revelation 11
- Themes from Revelation 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Revelation 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Revelation 11 begins with a vision of the two witnesses, who prophesy for 1,260 days, calling people to repentance and faith in God. They are eventually killed and resurrected, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. The chapter also introduces the seventh trumpet, which signals the third woe and the final judgment. The mystery of God is fulfilled, and the kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. The chapter concludes with a description of the temple in heaven, the ark of the covenant, and the response of the twenty-four elders, who worship and glorify God for His power and justice. Key verses include Revelation 11:1-14, which describes the two witnesses, and Revelation 11:15-19, which describes the seventh trumpet and the final judgment.
Context for the Chapter
Revelation 11 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which describes the ultimate triumph of God over evil and the establishment of His kingdom. The chapter follows the description of the seven trumpets in Revelation 8-10 and precedes the description of the woman and the dragon in Revelation 12. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it references the Old Testament and emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises. The book of Revelation is a prophetic book that describes the end times and the final judgment, serving as a reminder of God's power and authority.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful in the face of persecution and adversity, trusting in God's power and sovereignty. It also encourages believers to trust in God's plan and to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over evil. The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, serving as a reminder to believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His kingdom above all else.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Revelation 11 describes the ultimate triumph of God over evil, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, as the two witnesses remain faithful to God despite persecution and adversity. The chapter also references the Old Testament, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. As believers, we are reminded to trust in God's power and sovereignty, to remain faithful in the face of persecution and adversity, and to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over evil (Revelation 11:15).
Voices from the Church
“The seventh trumpet is a call to worship, a reminder of God's power and authority. It serves as a reminder to believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His kingdom above all else.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The two witnesses represent the prophetic voice of God, calling people to repentance and faith. They are a key element in the narrative, symbolizing the importance of faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:1-14) — The chapter begins with a vision of the two witnesses, who prophesy for 1,260 days, calling people to repentance and faith. They are eventually killed and resurrected, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
- The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19) — The seventh trumpet signals the third woe and the final judgment, marking the culmination of God's plan and the establishment of His kingdom. The loud voices in heaven celebrate the fulfillment of God's mystery.
- The Temple in Heaven (Revelation 11:19) — The temple in heaven is a symbol of God's presence and power, emphasizing the importance of worship and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
- The Ark of the Covenant (Revelation 11:19) — The ark of the covenant is a symbol of God's covenant with His people, representing the importance of faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
- The Response of the Twenty-Four Elders (Revelation 11:16-18) — The twenty-four elders worship and glorify God for His power and justice, serving as a reminder to believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His kingdom above all else.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of His kingdom. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and authority.
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, as the two witnesses remain faithful to God despite persecution and adversity. This serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful in their own lives, trusting in God's power and sovereignty.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God
- The chapter describes the ultimate triumph of God over evil, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and authority, and to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promises
- The chapter references the Old Testament, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, and to look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
Lessons from Revelation 11
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, as the two witnesses remain faithful to God despite persecution and adversity. This serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful in their own lives, trusting in God's power and sovereignty.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God — The chapter describes the ultimate triumph of God over evil, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and authority, and to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promises — The chapter references the Old Testament, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, and to look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as the twenty-four elders worship and glorify God for His power and justice. This serves as a reminder to believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His kingdom above all else.
- The Significance of the Seventh Trumpet — The seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom, marking the culmination of God's plan and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and authority, and to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
Themes from Revelation 11
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of His kingdom. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and authority.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, as the two witnesses remain faithful to God despite persecution and adversity. This serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful in their own lives, trusting in God's power and sovereignty.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God — The chapter describes the ultimate triumph of God over evil, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and authority, and to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promises — The chapter references the Old Testament, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. This serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, and to look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as the twenty-four elders worship and glorify God for His power and justice. This serves as a reminder to believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His kingdom above all else.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the two witnesses in Revelation 11, and how do they represent the prophetic voice of God?
- How does the seventh trumpet signal the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom, and what are the implications for believers?
- What is the importance of faithfulness in the face of persecution and adversity, and how can believers remain faithful in their own lives?
- How does the chapter reference the Old Testament, and what are the implications for our understanding of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises?
- What is the significance of the temple in heaven and the ark of the covenant, and how do they symbolize God's presence and power?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:1-14)
| Revelation 11:1 | The chapter begins with a vision of the two witnesses, who prophesy for 1,260 days, calling people to repentance and faith. |
| Revelation 11:2 | The two witnesses are given power to perform miracles and to call down fire from heaven, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:3 | The two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days, calling people to repentance and faith, and are eventually killed and resurrected, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:4 | The two witnesses are described as the two olive trees and the two lampstands, symbolizing the importance of faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:5 | The two witnesses have power to perform miracles and to call down fire from heaven, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:6 | The two witnesses have power to shut up the sky and to turn the waters into blood, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:7 | The beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:8 | The bodies of the two witnesses will lie in the street of the great city, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:9 | People from every tribe and language will gaze on their bodies for three and a half days, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:10 | The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:11 | But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:12 | Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, 'Come up here,' symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:13 | And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:14 | The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
2. The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19)
| Revelation 11:15 | The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever! |
| Revelation 11:16 | And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:17 | Saying: 'We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:18 | The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small—and for destroying those who destroy the earth, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| Revelation 11:19 | Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two witnesses in Revelation 11?
The two witnesses represent the prophetic voice of God, calling people to repentance and faith. They are a key element in the narrative, symbolizing the importance of faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of God over evil (Revelation 11:1-14).
What is the seventh trumpet, and what does it signal?
The seventh trumpet signals the third woe and the final judgment, marking the culmination of God's plan and the establishment of His kingdom (Revelation 11:15-19).
What is the significance of the temple in heaven and the ark of the covenant?
The temple in heaven and the ark of the covenant are symbols of God's presence and power, emphasizing the importance of worship and the ultimate triumph of God over evil (Revelation 11:19).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 11:1 → Ezekiel 40:3 | The measurement of the temple in Revelation 11:1 is similar to the measurement of the temple in Ezekiel 40:3, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. |
| 2 | Revelation 11:4 → Zechariah 4:3 | The two olive trees and the two lampstands in Revelation 11:4 are similar to the olive trees and lampstands in Zechariah 4:3, symbolizing the importance of faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| 3 | Revelation 11:7 → Daniel 7:3 | The beast that comes up from the Abyss in Revelation 11:7 is similar to the beast in Daniel 7:3, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| 4 | Revelation 11:15 → Psalm 2:7 | The seventh angel's announcement in Revelation 11:15 is similar to the announcement in Psalm 2:7, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| 5 | Revelation 11:16 → Isaiah 66:1 | The twenty-four elders' worship in Revelation 11:16 is similar to the worship in Isaiah 66:1, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| 6 | Revelation 11:17 → Psalm 97:1 | The giving of thanks in Revelation 11:17 is similar to the giving of thanks in Psalm 97:1, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| 7 | Revelation 11:18 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The time for judging the dead in Revelation 11:18 is similar to the time for judging the dead in Matthew 25:31-46, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
| 8 | Revelation 11:19 → Exodus 25:10 | The ark of the covenant in Revelation 11:19 is similar to the ark of the covenant in Exodus 25:10, symbolizing the importance of faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. |
Sermons on Revelation 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jude #5 - Michael, Satan and the Body of Moses by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of apostasy and highlights three basic marks of apostasy: defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and railing at dignities. The serm |
|
Moody 100th Anniversary 1986 the Wonder of Worship by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wonder and celebration in worship. He highlights how we have lost our sense of wonder and take things for granted, includi |
|
The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu |
|
The Kingdom vs. Patriotism by Art Katz | The video is a sermon transcript discussing the book written by John ML Young, a missionary in Japan. The speaker describes Young as an evangelical, fundamental Christian missionar |
|
(Basics) 28. the New Song of Praise by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of praising God in the book of Revelation. He highlights several instances where heavenly beings and angels are seen praising God |
|
|
Commanded of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the significance of the last days and the events that will unfold. He highlights the need for the church to b |
|
(Through the Bible) Revelation 10-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how nature reveals the glory of God and serves as a means for humans to come to know Him. He distinguishes between rational and irrational i |
|
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2 of 10 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance and importance of the book of Revelation. He states that it is not just a printed book, but a revelation of Jesus Christ and |
|
Week of Meetings-06 the Old Roman Empire Coming to Life by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the vision that Daniel had regarding the future history of Israel until the coming of the Messiah. Daniel saw four winds of heaven striving up |
|
(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 11
In Revelation 11, we see the ultimate triumph of God over evil, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of His kingdom. The two witnesses represent the prophetic voice of God, calling people to repentance and faith. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, as the two witnesses remain faithful to God despite persecution and adversity. The seventh trumpet and the final judgment are also connected to Christ, as they signal the fulfillment of God's plan and the reign of Christ. The chapter serves as a reminder to believers to trust in God's power and authority, to remain faithful in their own lives, and to look forward to the ultimate triumph of God over evil. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, as the two witnesses remain faithful to God despite persecution and adversity. This serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful in their own lives, trusting in God's power and sovereignty.
The Ultimate Triumph of God
The chapter describes the ultimate triumph of God over evil, as the seventh trumpet signals the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. This serves as a reminder of God's power and authority, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty.
The Connection to the Old Testament
The chapter contains several references to the Old Testament, including the two witnesses and the ark of the covenant. These references serve to emphasize the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises.