Chapter 11 opens with John being given a measuring rod like a staff and commanded to measure the Temple of God. This isn't about architectural blueprints—it's about separating the true Church from apostate Israel. The inner sanctuary represents the faithful believers, while the outer court is cast out and given to the Gentiles.
Then we meet the Two Witnesses who prophesy for 1,260 days in sackcloth, are killed by the Beast, lie dead for three and a half days, then rise and ascend to heaven. Finally, the seventh trumpet sounds, announcing that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ."
Based on Ezekiel's vision of the ideal Temple, this measuring represents God's protection of the true Church. John, as an authoritative priest of the New Covenant, is commanded to cast out (excommunicate) the unbelievers. The verb used is the same one for casting out demons and ejecting moneychangers from the Temple.
The Two Witnesses represent the complete prophetic testimony against Jerusalem. Drawing from Zechariah's vision of two olive trees and lampstands, they symbolize the Spirit-inspired witness of the royal priesthood—the Church as God's covenant people bearing testimony against apostate Israel.
After completing their testimony, the Witnesses are killed by the Beast from the Abyss (representing the demonic forces behind Israel's rebellion). Their bodies lie in the street of "the Great City"—Jerusalem, which has become spiritually equivalent to Sodom and Egypt, places of rebellion and oppression.
"Those who dwell on the Land will rejoice over them and make merry; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the Land."
For three and a half days (a "broken seven" representing oppression), the enemies celebrate and exchange gifts like a twisted Christmas, relieved that the prophetic witness has finally been silenced.
The Witnesses' resurrection parallels Christ's own death and resurrection. In His death, the entire covenant community and its testimony lay dead in Jerusalem's streets. But through His resurrection, the Church and her testimony became unstoppable.
Prophetic testimony silenced by beast's power
God's Spirit enters - New Creation power
Vindication and power demonstrated
Exaltation to heavenly authority
7,000 Faithful remained in Israel
Minority preserved, majority apostate
7,000 Apostates destroyed in earthquake
Minority destroyed, majority converted!
The tables have turned: "The rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven" - biblical language for mass conversion. The New Covenant tendency is judgment unto salvation!
The climactic seventh trumpet announces the complete establishment of Christ's kingdom. This isn't about His future return but about His present victory being fully manifested through the destruction of the old covenant order and the establishment of the New.
Heavenly voices proclaim Christ's universal rule - past enemies now serve the King
The ark of the covenant appears - God's faithful promises fulfilled
Theophanic signs marking the New Creation - God's presence revealed
"We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets."
The elders recognize this as the fulfillment of God's eternal plan - Christ has taken His rightful throne and is actively reigning over all creation.
Key Difference: Instead of future individuals performing miracles, this view shows us the Church's ongoing prophetic witness being vindicated through Christ's resurrection power. We're not waiting for the kingdom—we're already living in it!
True Temple: How does being part of God's "measured" temple affect your understanding of your identity and security in Christ?
Prophetic Witness: In what ways is the Church today called to bear testimony like the Two Witnesses, even if it results in opposition?
Death and Resurrection: How does the pattern of apparent defeat followed by vindication encourage you in current struggles?
Kingdom Present: If Christ's kingdom is already established, how should this change your prayers, priorities, and expectations?