Chapter Twenty-Six – The Two Witnesses
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Mystery is a word used often in regard to prophecy. Few subjects elicit more curiosity and interest due to mystery than the next one—the Two Witnesses.
We have seen that Christ and other New Testament writers spoke and warned often of false prophets infecting the Church and corrupting the truth of understanding. But there are also two final true prophets described in the Bible. This chapter strips away the mystery and confusion about who and what they are—and what they do—what is their commission—what it is they “witness.”
Two Men
The Bible specifically foretells the arrival of two special servants just before the outset of the Tribulation, who wield tremendous—unprecedented—power. Guided by and imbued in a special way with God’s Spirit, they will contend with the Beast, the False Prophet, and all under their sway. Surrounded by hostile forces, but in direct contact with Jesus Christ (Zech. 4:14), these final prophets will issue God’s final warning to a deceived world.
The subject of the Two Witnesses is one of great speculation. These little-understood figures have brought almost unending commentary from people who have no idea what they are talking about. With the passing of time, this interest will only increase as their arrival becomes more imminent. Very few, however, understand what they do and where they will come from.
When all relevant verses are combined, the picture is clear. But before examining the also unprecedented commission given to the Two Witnesses, questions about their origin must be answered.
Where Will the Two Witnesses Come From?
Many seem to have the idea that the Two Witnesses will appear “out of nowhere” without warning. It is as though they will suddenly—and dramatically—emerge, perhaps overnight. Or that they will have been hiding somewhere, waiting to be revealed! Popular prophecy writers have simply been unable to unravel the puzzle of their origin.
The first indication of where these men will come from can be found in the office they hold. First notice Revelation 11:3: “And I will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore [1,260] days, clothed in sackcloth.” In Rev 11:10, they are referred to as “these two prophets.” Clearly then, these men hold the office of prophet. But “witness” in the Greek comes from the word “martoos,” meaning “to witness, literally, judicially, and figuratively, to be a martyr.”
This is important. Everyone knows what a witness is in a courtroom. He is one who testifies to the truth about past events, generally involving a crime, civil transgression or a disputed contract. The Two Witnesses are no different, except that martyrdom is tied to the meaning of “witness” in the Greek. There is a reason for this.
The form of government that Jesus Christ installed into His Church—that we learned is also called the Body of Christ in I Corinthians 12:1-31 and Ephesians 4:1-32, among other places—consists of various ordained offices. The unified, organized, uncompromising Church that Jesus Christ built is the only place where His government can be found. It is the only place where Christ gives offices. And Christ’s Body is not divided (I Cor. 1:10, 13). Now notice: “And He [Christ] gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11). Why? “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ” (Eph 4:12).
The rank of prophet—seen to be the second-highest New Testament office—is occasionally given within the Body of Christ, the Church (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18-19). This means the Two Witnesses will be given their office by Jesus Christ from within His one Church! Jesus would not—and does not ever—work any other way—in any other place!—else He would work against Himself. I Corinthians 12:27-28 makes clear that such men will not—actually cannot!—be given their offices from outside the Body of Christ! This would be contrary to Scripture.
These men will have to appear well before the Tribulation, and everyone within Christ’s Body will have no doubt about their arrival. If this point is not understood, the reader will never be able to correctly discern the only possible origin of the Two Witnesses. Recognition of what is Christ’s Church and Body makes understanding their identity easy. No discernment will be involved—or needed. It becomes vital then to identify where is the true Church. (The book Where Is the True Church? – and Its Incredible History! becomes even more important.)
Defining “Prophet”
Some general background would be helpful in regard to what is a prophet.
First, let’s understand the Greek word translated “prophet.” Interestingly, much like its English equivalent, it is prophetace—pronounced pro-fay’-tace. It means “a foreteller [prophet], by analogy an inspired preacher.” The Hebrew equivalent is virtually identical—“a prophet or (generally) inspired man.”
The word “prophet” is found 160 times in the New Testament. This is largely because New Testament Scripture quotes the Old Testament prophets so often. The apostles wrote in a fashion that could be described as intermingled with the office and writings of (the early) prophets.
The mission of prophets in the first century was to receive messages or prophecies directly from God and to convey these to the apostles.
Now remember II Peter 1:1-21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God [Old Testament prophets] spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2Pet 1:21). And remember, prophecy comes from God. He inspires His servants to record His words.
So then a prophet is an “inspired man”—one who is a tool of God and not acting on his own—but he is also one who “foretells,” meaning one who reveals things yet to come. Plainly, prophets foretell events before they happen. This summarizes both the chief duties of prophets.