Revelation 11: The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet

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Revelation 11 unveils God’s sovereign power through the Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet, showcasing divine judgment and ultimate victory. Amid persecution, God empowers His witnesses (Rev. 11:3-6) before their martyrdom and resurrection (Rev. 11:11-12). The chapter climaxes with the Seventh Trumpet, declaring Christ’s eternal reign (Rev. 11:15). This passage reassures believers of God’s justice, His protection over His people, and the certainty of His kingdom. The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet reveal God’s faithfulness in tribulation and His ultimate triumph over evil.

Revelation 11 Overview

The Measuring of the Temple (Rev. 11:1-2)
The Two Witnesses (Rev. 11:3-13)
The Seventh Trumpet Sounds (Rev. 11:14-19)

The Measuring of the Temple

1 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise, and measure God’s temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don’t measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months.

The Two Witnesses

3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands, standing before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. 8 Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 10 Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

11 After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” They went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies saw them.

13 In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The Seventh Trumpet Sounds

14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe comes quickly. 15 The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”

16 The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God’s throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power, and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” 19 God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.

Bible Commentary

▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.

Revelation 11:1-2

This prophetical passage about measuring the temple seems to refer to Ezekiel’s vision. The design of this measuring seems to be the preservation of the church in times of public danger; or for its trial, or for its reformation. The worshippers must be measured; whether they make God’s glory their end, and his word their rule, in all their acts of worship.

Those in the outer court, worship in a false manner, or with dissembling hearts, and will be found among his enemies. God will have a temple and an altar in the world, till the end of time. He looks strictly to his temple. The holy city, the visible church, is trodden under foot; is filled with idolaters, infidels, and hypocrites. But the desolations of the church are limited, and she shall be delivered out of all her troubles.

Revelation 11:3-13

In the time of treading down, God kept his faithful witnesses to attest the truth of his word and worship, and the excellence of his ways, The number of these witnesses is small, yet enough. They prophesy in sackcloth. It shows their afflicted, persecuted state, and deep sorrow for the abominations against which they protested. They are supported during their great and hard work, till it is done.

When they had prophesied in sackcloth the greatest part of 1260 years, antichrist, the great instrument of the devil, would war against them, with force and violence for a time. Determined rebels against the light rejoice, as on some happy event, when they can silence, drive to a distance, or destroy the faithful servants of Christ, whose doctrine and conduct torment them.

It does not appear that the term is yet expired, and the witnesses are not a present exposed to endure such terrible outward sufferings as in former times; but such things may again happen, and there is abundant cause to prophesy in sackcloth, on account of the state of religion. The depressed state of real Christianity may relate only to the western church.

The Spirit of life from God, quickens dead souls, and shall quicken the dead bodies of his people, and his dying interest in the world. The revival of God’s work and witnesses, will strike terror into the souls of his enemies. Where there is guilt, there is fear; and a persecuting spirit, though cruel, is a cowardly spirit. It will be no small part of the punishment of persecutors, both in this world, and at the great day, that they see the faithful servants of God honoured and advanced.

The Lord’s witnesses must not be weary of suffering and service, nor hastily grasp at the reward; but must stay till their Master calls them. The consequence of their being thus exalted was a mighty shock and convulsion in the antichristian empire. Events alone can show the meaning of this. But whenever God’s work and witnesses revive, the devil’s work and witnesses fall before him. And that the slaying of the witnesses is future, appears to be probable.

Revelation 11:14-19

Before the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet, there is the usual demand of attention. The saints and angels in heaven know the right of our God and Saviour to rule over all the world. But the nations met God’s wrath with their own anger. It was a time in which he was beginning to reward his people’s faithful services, and sufferings; and their enemies fretted against God, and so increased their guilt, and hastened their destruction.

By the opening the temple of God in heaven, may be meant, that there was a more free communication between heaven and earth; prayer and praises more freely and frequently going up, graces and blessings plentifully coming down. But it rather seems to refer to the church of God on earth. In the reign of antichrist, God’s law was laid aside, and made void by traditions and decrees; the Scriptures were locked up from the people, but now they are brought to the view of all.

This, like the ark, is a token of the presence of God returned to his people, and his favour toward them in Jesus Christ, as the Propitiation for their sins. The great blessing of the Reformation was attended with very awful providences; as by terrible things in righteousness God answered the prayers presented in his holy temple now opened.

Sermon Themes

Revelation 11 reminds us that God’s people may face opposition, but His victory is certain. How does the promise of Christ’s eternal reign strengthen your faith in times of trial? These themes and applications help believers connect Revelation 11 to their spiritual walk—encouraging faithfulness, true worship, perseverance, and hope in God’s ultimate triumph.

Measuring True Worship (Revelation 11:1): Focusing on the genuine devotion and inner life of believers as the true measure of God’s people.
Light and Anointing for God’s Service (Revelation 11:4): Recognizing the vital role of divine illumination and empowerment for those who stand for God.
Divine Protection Against Opposition (Revelation 11:5-6): Trusting in God’s ability to defend His messengers and His truth, even through supernatural means.
Measure Your Heart (Revelation 11:1): Focus on inner spiritual growth and genuine faith, not just outward religious activities.
The Beast’s Futile Victory (Revelation 11:7): Understanding that even when evil seems to triumph, its victory is temporary and ultimately defeated.
Resurrection as Ultimate Vindication (Revelation 11:11-12): Holding onto the hope of resurrection and eternal glory as the final answer to earthly suffering and persecution.
The Inevitable Arrival of God’s Kingdom (Revelation 11:15): Having unwavering faith in the ultimate establishment of Christ’s reign over all.
Empowered Testimony in Adversity (Revelation 11:3): Understanding that God equips His witnesses with the strength and message needed even in hostile environments.
Speak Truth Boldly (Revelation 11:3): Share your faith and convictions even when it’s challenging or unpopular.
Be a Source of Light (Revelation 11:4): Let your life shine with the truth and love of God in a dark world.
Resist Worldly Approval (Revelation 11:10): Don’t seek validation from those who reject God’s ways.
The Earthquake and God’s Glory (Revelation 11:13) A moment of divine judgment that leads to reverence and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
Hope in Resurrection (Revelation 11:11-12): Find comfort and strength in the promise of eternal life with God.
Practice Gratitude Always (Revelation 11:16-17): Cultivate a heart of thankfulness for God’s power and blessings.
Heavenly Worship in Response to God’s Reign (Revelation 11:16-17): The establishment of God’s kingdom evokes profound worship and gratitude.
Seek God’s Presence (Revelation 11:19): Desire a deeper connection with God and recognize His nearness.
The Excluded Court (Revelation 11:1-2) Represents areas of life surrendered to worldly influences, challenging us to stay spiritually guarded.

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▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.