Revelation 11

April 30, 2023

Revelation 11 #

Revelation 11:1-2

Introduction

In chapter 10, we started a parenthetical statement, in which relevant information is added to the story.

Example:

  1. George was driving the car, and he was doing a fabulous job.

  2. George was driving the car (he was only 12 years old), and he was doing a fabulous job.

The sounding of the trumpets was introduced to us in Chapter 8, continued in chapter 9, when in chapter 10, the thought is put on pause, and relevant information is given to us in chapter 10, and partially through chapter 11. Where in the rest of chapter 11, it continues the thought of the sounding trumpets that are proclaiming judgment on the earth.

I. The Temple #

  • Measuring throughout the Bible stands for measuring up to God’s standard, as God ordained.

2Cor. 10:12 ¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

  • Zechariah 2 likely pertains to all this.

A. The temple of God (1) #

1. Earthly Temple, the Bible is clear when it is a heavenly vision, as we see later in the chapter. (vs 15) #

2. Future Temple – not representative of the church #

  • I have been to the temple mount, there is a Mosque standing where the temple belongs.
  • In order for the Temple to be measured, it must be rebuilt there! Solomon built it in 7 years, without a doubt, it could be constructed faster with the tools we have.

3. Was it built to God’s standard? #

B. The Altar (1) #

  • This is an altar for sacrifice, as originally instituted.
  • Was it built to God’s standard? - no answer is given us, just measure it.

C. The Worshippers (1) #

  • Did the worshippers measure up to God’s standard?

    • There is coming a day of reconcile, when we will be held accountable for our actions, obedience to God!

D. The Court yard (2) #

1. Not measured #

2. Given to the Gentiles #

E. The holy city #

1. Tread under foot #

2. Time – 42 months = 3.5 years #

  • This is the first mention of a marked time, and it is the half-way point through the great tribulation.

II. The Two Witnesses (3-13) #

  • There is not a new angel introduced to us in chapter 11, but rather it is a continuation of chapter 10. The only angel referenced is that of Chapter 10:1, giving strong

A. Who are they? #

  • Their names are not given, and much speculation has been held as to who exactly they are.

1. Earliest: Elijah & Jeremiah #

2. Other early commentators: Elijah & Enoch (not having died), many escape death @ rapture! #

3. Elijah & Moses? Reading their actions, seems to fitting, but we are only left with our best guesses. #

B. Two Olive trees #

1. Zechariah 4:3, 11-14 #

C. God given power! (3) #

1. Fire from heaven (5) "fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies" - Elijah called fire down, devoured the troops of 50. (2 Kings 1:10) #

2. No rain (6) - Like Elijah (1 Kings 17:1) #

3. Water to blood (6) Like Moses #

4. Plagues - Like Moses #

5. The purpose of all these, were a demonstration that these were true prophets of God! #

D. War (7) #

1. God protects them till they are finished #

2. Satan will kill them! (the purpose is not merely that they should die because they escaped death) #

E. Left in the street! (8-9) #

1. God's powerful display with the witnesses, and yet, we see a temporal transition where God allows Satan to get the upper hand. #

Psa. 79:1-3

2. Jerusalem "where also our Lord was crucified." #

  • Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, that is fact.

3. Literalness of this chapter "spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt" #

  • This substantiates that this is to be taken literally, and this phrase is a spiritualization...
  • Jerusalem was called Sodom and Egypt for it's wickedness by the past prophets!

F. Worldly Celebration & fear (10-13) #

1. Wicked people in the world will celebrate! (10) #

  • Giving of gifts!
  • "tormented them" - tormented by righteousness

2. Resurrected (11) #

  • "Spirit of life entered into them" - work of the Holy Spirit!
  • Fear, because they celebrated their death. Fear, because no one buried them! Fear, because of their openly expressed hatred for them!

3. Ascension! (12) - "Come up hither." #

Rev. 4:1 ¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

  • this very purposeful wording, corresponds completely with Revelation 4:1. They will ascend in much the same fashion as those who were raptured out!

G. The earthquake! (13) #

1. 10% of Jerusalem is destroyed #

2. 7,000 people die! #

3. Remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to God! #

  • This is not to be confused with being converted, or saved...

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

  • You can be fearful of the great power of God, but that is NOT equal to salvation!

III. The Third Woe (14-19) #

Tags: Preaching Outlines Revelation Woes Witnesses