At the very outset of this chapter, the Apostle John is instructed to measure the sanctuary – the inner temple (holy place) and the holy of holies (v. 1). Many biblical scholars advance that a future temple will be built in Jerusalem during the Tribulation Period, and ancient rites will be carried out. This is the same temple that the Man of Sin (Anti-Christ) will emerge and demand to be worshipped and abolish Jewish worship (II Thessalonians 2:4). The Apostle John is told not to measure the outer court of the Gentiles (v. 2a). It seems the reason for leaving the outer court of Gentiles unmeasured because the city of Jerusalem will be trodden underfoot by the Gentiles for forty-two months (3½ years) (v. 2b). It is during the last part of the Tribulation Period (42 months or 3½ years) that the Man of Sin (Anti-Christ) will abolish Jewish worship and instead demand to be worshipped.
In verses 3-14, we are introduced to courageous ministry of two witnesses of the Tribulation Period. According to verse 3, the time limit of their ministry is said to be one thousand two hundred sixty days (or 3½ years). Many biblical scholars believe that these two witnesses will minister during the first half of the Tribulation Period because their witness will be terminated by the beast (Anti-Christ) in verse 7. According to verses 4-6, these two witnesses possess extraordinary character traits and will be able to exhibit unusual miraculous power similar to the ministry power of Elijah and Moses!
However, their ministry will be terminated by the beast (Anti-Christ) (v. 7). The bodies of these two witnesses will lay in the streets of Jerusalem, without even being buried (vv. 8-9). The hostile people of the earth will celebrate the death of the two witnesses (v. 10). These people of the Tribulation Period will indeed be overjoyed in the fact that their tormentors (two witnesses) are dead. However, in verses 11-14, a miraculous occurrence happens, in that the two witnesses are raised after lying in the streets for three and one-half days and translated to heaven.
After the raising of these two faithful witnesses, there was a great earthquake, with seven thousand men being slain (v. 13). A remnant is terrified and gave glory to God and an announcement was made in verse 14: “The second woe is past; and behold, the third woe cometh quickly.” As this chapter concludes, the sounding of the seventh trumpet brings an announcement that the dominion of the world is taken over by Christ (v. 15). The end of the Tribulation Period will be realized, and Christ taking what is rightfully His causes much praise from the elders (vv. 16-17), but anger from the nations (v. 18). In verse 19, John was blessed to look into the temple wherein he saw the Ark of Covenant. On the earth, however, there were lightning, thunder, and earthquake and a great hailstorm.
May God Bless!
DR. Johnny Calvin Smith
