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The two witnesses during the Tribulation
Introduction
In this session, Revelation Chapter 11:1-14, we focus on describing the two unique witnesses by listing their activities during the tribulation, and what happens after they complete their testimony. The measuring of the temple of God and the altar, with its worshippers, shows that God’s faithfulness is with Israel even though they are unfaithful to the promises of God. While God is securing his children, the nations which was not measured continue to plan how they could trample on the Holy city for 42 months, or the second half of the great tribulation.
Objectives
By the end of this session, the learner will have:
- Understood the results of the Second Terror and the beginning of the Third Terror by listing activities that would happen from the verses provided
- Appreciated that God’s temple on earth will still be in existence even during the tribulation time by listing the three main activities mentioned about it
- Described the two unique witnesses by listing their activities during the tribulation, and what happens after they complete their testimony
Outline
- Two unique witnesses
- Terror on Earth
- God’s temple on earth during tribulation times
Group Study Time
Revelation 11: 1-14
Connecting
- Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
- Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
- Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
- Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.
Comprehending
- What is the temple of God? why was the temple important? Identify the three main parts of the temple and list elements in each section. Identify the people who were allowed in each section.
- Read Rev 11: 1-2. What three main things are said about the temple during the time of tribulation?
- Who is the witness? What is the purpose of a witness in a case? How do we witness?
- Read Rev 11: 3-6. List 7 things revealed about the two witnesses during the tribulation time? Who do you think are the two witnesses?
- Read Rev 11: 7-12. List down 5 things that will happen after the two witnesses have completed their testimony or after 42 months?
- What three things will happen after the two witnesses have been called to heaven, which will mark the END of the second Terror? Rev 11: 13-14.
Committing
- Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
- List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
- Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
- Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
- Sin to confess
- Promise to claim
- Attitude to change
- Command to keep
- Error to change
- Prayer to make
- Example to copy
- Truth to obey and
- Something praiseworthy
Communicating
- Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
- Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
- Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.
Post Lesson Teaching Summary
Great job completing the study! Take a moment to listen to this summary to reinforce your group’s understanding of the text and ensure you’re all on the same page. We’re here to support your learning journey!
The two witnesses during the Tribulation
Revelation 11: 1-14
Audio Summary
Revelation 11:1-14
- Context:
- John’s vision in Revelation 11:1-14 occurs in the second half of the seven-year tribulation, post-rapture, focusing on the second 3.5 years when the Antichrist’s true nature is revealed.
- The church is raptured, and God uses two witnesses to evangelize Israel amidst Gentile oppression in Jerusalem, signaling the time of intensified judgment.
- Two Witnesses and Jerusalem’s Fate (Revelation 11:1-14):
- John is told to measure the temple, altar, and Jewish worshippers, signifying God’s ownership, but the outer court is given to Gentiles who trample Jerusalem for 42 months (3.5 years) (v. 1-2).
- Two witnesses, called prophets, olive trees, and lampstands, prophesy for 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth, performing miracles like withholding rain, turning water to blood, and striking with plagues, protected by fire from their mouths against enemies (v. 3-6).
- After completing their testimony, the beast from the bottomless pit kills them; their bodies lie in Jerusalem (called Sodom and Egypt for its sin) for 3.5 days, celebrated by the world, but God resurrects them, calling them to heaven as their enemies watch in terror (v. 7-12).
- A great earthquake destroys a tenth of Jerusalem, killing 7000, prompting survivors to glorify God in fear, marking the second woe’s passing (v. 13-14).
- Mercy is evident as the witnesses’ ministry saves all Jews (per Romans 11:26), and the earthquake prompts some to acknowledge God, though not necessarily repent.
- Application:
- Preach boldly like the two witnesses, trusting God’s protection until your mission is complete; repent now to join the redeemed, avoiding the beast’s wrath and embracing God’s salvation.