Revelation Chapter 11

Revelation 11:1

1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

measure when John is told to measure the temple of God, the alter, them that worship therein, it is referring to the spiritual house of God made up of true believers. The Holy City Jerusalem, which is above, is made up of only vessels of honour, unlike the earthly Jerusalem below, which is the corporate churches (1 Corinthians 3:9-17), (2 Timothy 2:20-21)
(1Peter 2:5). see also Revelation Chapter 21. Here John is measuring those who God predestined to save during the church age, the 144,000 in
(Revelation 7:4-8) (Revelation 14:1-5). This verse corresponds with verses 3-6.
Our God is a God of precision, and perfection. To see an example of how God uses the term "measure" relating to those He elected to save
see (2 Samuel 8:1-2) (Revelation 21:15-17).

Revelation11:2

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

court which is without the temple John is told not to measure this court because before God saves the great multitudes before He returns (Revelation 7:9-14), there must first be a falling away
(2 Thessalonians 2:3). This is the beginning of The Great Tribulation.

Gentiles to be given over to the Gentiles refers to unbelievers. True believers are Spiritual Israel, and therefore are Jews (Romans 2:28-29). We have learned that when Satan is loosed during the tribulation, he will have tyrannical and blasphemous control over the whole world.
see Revelation chapter 13

holy city/tread under foot This refers to the beginning of the great tribulation when there will be a spiritual famine, and Satan will kill the true witness in the church. This corresponds with (Revelation 11:7) and (Revelation 11:10).

tread under foot note language God uses. Compare with (Daniel 8:13) (Luke 21:24). These describe the same event. The Bible uses several different references to the Great Tribulation, particularly the beginning, immediately after the church age.
The following are some references:
-Two witnesses killed, see Revelation chapter 11
-Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21)
-Beast comes out of earth and sea, see Revelation chapter 13
-Fourth Beast that devours whole world (Daniel 7:23)
-Little Horn of Daniel who magnifies himself and causes the sanctuary to be trodden under foot, see Daniel chapter 8
-Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15)
-Jerusalem compassed with armies (Luke 21:20)
-All stones thrown down (which is the destruction of the corporate churches), (Matthew 24:2) (Mark 13:2) (Luke 21:6)
-Holy Spirit departs church, Satan takes his seat (2 Thessalonians 2:3-11)
-Destruction of the ships of Tarshish, see Isaiah Chapter 23
-Destruction of Tyrus and Zidon, see Ezekiel chapters 27 and 28
-Jacobs Trouble, when he fled to Egypt, see Genesis chapter 46
-Destruction of Judah by Babylon, see Jeremiah chapter 39
-Ship destroyed, see Acts chapter 27

"The Lord saith thus; Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land." (Jeremiah 45:4)

forty and two months this corresponds with (Revelation 13:7), as well as (Revelation 11:9), which is again the same event, but given in a different perspective. This time is given in figurative language. In prophecy, the Bible often divides time into two parts, as we know the tribulation is divided into two parts. See (Revelation 8:1). Often when referring to God's sovereign complete time, the number seven is used. See Numbers in the Bible. This reference of forty and two months refers to half of seven years, prophetically, half the tribulation. God also uses one thousand two hundred and threescore days, referring to half of seven years, and also three days and a half, referring to half a week. Both of these terms used in the Study of this chapter.

Revelation 11:3

3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

power See (Acts 1:8)

two witnesses refers to the church during the church age, and the true believers who witness during the tribulation.

two represents witness See Numbers in the Bible. Many have misinterpreted these two witnesses to be Moses and Elijah because of the references in (Revelation 11:6). We will learn this represents all who are caretakers of the Gospel during the church age, and also during the latter part of the tribulation. The whole New Testament age.

shall prophesy to give the Gospel of Jesus (Revelation19:10)

thousand two hundred and threescore days although this is an equivalent amount to the forty and two months, this is referring to a different period of time. This period is referring to the witness of the Gospel during the New Testament age, from the cross all the way to the last day, including the tribulation period. This also corresponds with (Revelation 12:6). To understand this properly, we need to do a little research concerning (Daniel 9:27). As we have gone over previously, God uses the term week, or seven as a period of time, often divided into two parts. These two parts are not necessarily equal in duration. Sometimes this week is referred to as seven years (Genesis 29:27). Now back to (Daniel 9:27).

he refers to Jesus, the Messiah

confirm the covenant the New Covenant, the New Testament

one week the ministry of Jesus, and the New Testament age.

midst of the week Jesus' ministry was three and a half years.

sacrifice and oblation to cease Jesus was the last and perfect sacrifice.

overspreading of abominations the church age, remember throughout the history of the church, it was mingled with true and false believers, wheat and tares, sheep and goats etc... See study notes on Revelation Chapters 2 and 3.

desolate the great tribulation when the corporate churches become desolate, also referred to as the Abomination of Desolation
(Matthew 24:15).

until the consummation till the last day when Jesus comes

that determined poured upon the desolate judgement day

note: prophetic time is not always literal time.
Jesus' ministry was a literal 3 1/2 years. The New Testament Age is a figurative 1260 days or the equivalent of 3 1/2 years. Adding the two periods together gives us 7 years or One week.

sackcloth believers prophesy in sackcloth, in humility, knowing they themselves are unworthy of the Grace of Jesus Christ, and also as they are deeply affected with the distressed state of the churches and lack of interest of Jesus in the world.

Revelation 11:4

4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

two olive trees believers (Romans 11:16-24)

two candlesticks church represented by (Revelation 1:20)
(Revelation 2:1) The candlesticks and olive trees come together in a prophecy concerning the New Testament church (Zechariah 4:1-14)

Revelation 11:5

5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

fire proceedeth out of their mouth believers speak Gods word which is represented by fire (Jeremiah 5:14) (Jeremiah 23:29)

if any man hurt, he must in this manner be killed (2 Thessalonians 1:6)

Revelation 11:6

6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

shut heaven/rain not Elijah had power to shut the rain (1 Kings 17:1) (James 5:17-18).

waters to blood/plagues Moses had power to turn the waters to blood and smote Egypt with plagues. see Exodus chapters 7-10
Believers spiritually perform these tasks through the power of the Gospel. The entire Word of God is the Gospel. These references alluding to Elijah, who represents the prophets, and Moses, who represents the law, which both are part of the Gospel (Luke 16:16) (Luke 16:29). When believers are not preaching the Gospel, they shut up heaven.

Revelation 11:7

7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

finished their testimony at the end of the church age when the great tribulation begins.

beast ascendeth out of the bottomless pit see (Revelation 20:7)
This corresponds with Revelation chapter 13, particularly
(Revelation 13:3), when satins deadly wound is healed. The wound that Jesus gave him at the cross. Also (Revelation 13:7) describes this event, again from a different perspective. The killing is referring to spiritually killing the true witness during the first part of the tribulation. A season of spiritual famine throughout the world (Amos 8:11-12). The churches go completely apostate and the true believers will come out of the fallen churches, now referred to as Babylon (Revelation 17:5)
(Revelation 18:4).

See prophecies concerning (Jeremiah 14:16) (Jeremiah 21:8-10) (Jeremiah 38:2-3) (Daniel 7:19-28).

Revelation 11:8

8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

dead bodies/great city the corporate church is now become spiritually dead. The great city refers to the corporate church, now called Babylon (Revelation 18:21-24).

spiritually called Sodom and Egypt in addition to being referred to as Babylon, it is also referred to as Sodom and Egypt, due to the fact that the church has been given over to fornication and worldly lusts.
(Genesis 19:17)(Matthew 24:16) (Revelation 18:4).

Sodom known for its depravity and rebellion against God

Egypt known for its persecution of God's people

where our Lord was crucified refers to Jerusalem which is spiritually the churches in the New Testament see: (Isaiah 1:21-24)
(Jeremiah 23:14-15).
Note: The self righteous spiritual leaders have always been the true believes worse enemies (Luke 13:34-35).

Revelation 11:9

9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

three days and a half spiritual reference to the first part of the tribulation. The season of spiritual famine in between the former and latter rains.

Revelation 11:10

10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

rejoice over them the true believers have been driven from the corporate churches, and now those apostates can go on with their false doctrines without criticism from the faithful. They are completely deceived and under the influence of Satan and his false sense of security
(1 Thessalonians 5:3) (Jeremiah 6:13-15).

Revelation 11:11

11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

after refers to the latter part of the tribulation.

spirit of life the final fulfilment of (Joel 2:28-32) (Acts 2:17-21)

stood upon their feet this language never refers to the rapture as some teach, but rather an infilling of the Holy Spirit for service (Ezekiel 2:1-4) (Acts 26:16). This begins the greatest, and quickest work of bringing multitudes that no man can number into the eternal kingdom of God (Romans 9:28) (Matthew 24:22). This group is described in
(Revelation 7:9-17), and they will come to the knowledge of the truth outside the apostate churches. It will begin with the work of those who were saved during the church age, who were spiritually killed during the famine when the tribulation began. Now the true believers stand upon their feet and partake in the greatest evangelical work to have ever occurred. They bring the urgent message that the Day of the Lord is at hand, and to pray God to save them, and to trust in the complete atonement work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

fear fell upon them refers to those who believe the true witnesses (Proverbs 1:7). They will be the John the Baptists' crying in the wilderness preaching (Revelation 14:7). Unbelievers do not fear the Lord or His judgements (Romans 3:10-18).
Note: John the Baptist The truth was being proclaimed in the wilderness rather than God's external representation on earth at that time, which was the temple in Jerusalem. We find the same scenario during the great tribulation. Truth will be proclaimed by the John the Baptists' who are not found in the temple "the corporate churches", but in the wilderness. This referring to the true believers of course (Psalms 105:38).

Note: Up until now, we have focused upon events concerning the prophecy of Revelation, but let us not be slack in our greatest duty, regardless of the season. We must continue to occupy till our Lord cometh preaching the gospel of grace to every creature.
(2 Timothy 4:1-4) (Mark 16:15).

Revelation 11:12

12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

come up hither This refers to the rapture
(1 Corinthians 15:51-53) (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) (Mark 13:24-27) (Luke 21:25-28) (Matthew 24:36-41)

Revelation 11:13

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

same hour this verse gives a brief overview of the entire tribulation period, "hour" see notes on Revelation 3:10

great earthquake identifies with God's judgement, probably the same earthquake in (Revelation 16:18).

tenth refers to tithe, which is the Lord's portion (Leviticus 27:30-33)

slain/seven thousand seems to refer to the fact that none shall escape God's sovereign perfect complete judgement. See Numbers in the Bible

remnant those referred to in (Revelation 11:11). The great multiple saved during the latter part of the tribulation. The latter rain saints. The Lord always has a remnant (Joel 2:32) (Romans 9:27-28) (Romans 11:5)

Revelation 11:14

14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

Introduces the third woe, which is the seventh trumpet. This the second coming of our Lord Jesus.

Revelation 11:15-18

15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

These verses have no need of expounding upon. We see our Lord Jesus as the ultimate victor, righteous judge, and King of Kings and Lord of Lords. All the promises of God are now fulfilled, as all God's people enter into eternal life in His new Perfect Universe, unmolested by those who hate them and unfettered by the sins that has so easily beset them. Praise the Lord!

Revelation 11:19

19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Here we see the ark of God's testament is in God's temple, because that is where it always belongs. The ark brings to mind many things, one being the law of God which was placed inside of it (Exodus 25:16). The idea is that the law of God abides forever, always part of the church. The law is the expression of the perfect will of God and describes how His people can show their loving, grateful obedience to Him. The ark also reminds us of the mercy seat or the lid which covered its contents. The mercy seat was a picture of Jesus who covered the law, which condemned sinners. Note: The word "propitiation" in (Romans 3:25), is the same word translated as "mercy seat" in (Hebrews 9:5). The idea in this case is that Jesus' removal of the condemnation of the law is eternally effective (Romans 8:1). The people of God both remember and glorify Jesus as Saviour forever.