Purpose

To reveal Jesus Christ in His glory and provide hope for persecuted Christians through visions of the end times.

Author

John the Apostle, the beloved disciple, writing from exile on the island of Patmos. At nearly 100 years old, John received the most spectacular visions in the Bible.

Historical Context

Written: 95-96 AD. Written during severe persecution under Emperor Domitian, providing hope for suffering Christians.

Significance

The climax of all Scripture, showing Christ's ultimate victory and the consummation of God's plan.

Key Themes

Jesus' Glory, End Times, Judgment, Victory, New Heaven and Earth

Interesting Facts

• The only book that promises a blessing for reading it (1:3)
• Contains more Old Testament allusions than any other New Testament book (over 400)
• Jesus is given 28 different titles - more than any other book

Prophecies

• Christ's second coming in glory (Revelation 19:11-16) Fulfilled: Still future - Christ's return as King of Kings (2000 years later)
• The final judgment and new heaven and earth (Revelation 20-22) Fulfilled: Still future - the eternal state (2000 years later)

Revelation Chapter 11 presents a vivid and powerful depiction of God's sovereignty and the unfolding events of the end times. The chapter begins with John being instructed to measure the temple of God, signifying God's ownership and protection of His people, while the outer court is left to be trampled by the nations for a designated period of 42 months. This measurement indicates a divine delineation between the faithful and the unfaithful, suggesting that while God protects His true worshipers, there will be a time of trial for those outside. The chapter introduces the two witnesses, who are described as prophetic figures endowed with great power to proclaim God's message and perform miracles. Clothed in sackcloth, they symbolize mourning and repentance, reflecting the need for people to turn back to God amid the chaos. Their authority to shut the sky and turn waters to blood echoes the plagues of Egypt, emphasizing the seriousness of their message and the divine judgment that accompanies it. However, the witnesses face fierce opposition from a beast that rises from the abyss, ultimately leading to their martyrdom. Their dead bodies lie in the streets of a city symbolically referred to as Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified, illustrating the deep spiritual decay and rebellion against God in the world. The joy of the earth’s inhabitants over their deaths starkly contrasts with the gravity of their prophetic witness, revealing the hostility toward God's messengers. After three and a half days, a miraculous resurrection occurs as God breathes life back into them, demonstrating His power over death and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. Their ascension into heaven in a cloud is a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty and a foretaste of the ultimate victory of the faithful. Following their resurrection, a great earthquake occurs, signifying God's judgment, and many give glory to Him, indicating a shift in perception among the earth’s inhabitants. The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, heralding the establishment of God's kingdom, as heaven rejoices at His reign. The twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty, power, and the impending judgment for the nations. The revelation of the heavenly temple and the ark of the covenant serves as a reminder of God's presence and covenant with His people, culminating in a dramatic display of divine majesty through natural phenomena. Revelation 11 thus encapsulates themes of judgment, resurrection, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Purpose

To reveal Jesus Christ in His glory and provide hope for persecuted Christians through visions of the end times.

Author

John the Apostle, the beloved disciple, writing from exile on the island of Patmos. At nearly 100 years old, John received the most spectacular visions in the Bible.

Historical Context

Written: 95-96 AD. Written during severe persecution under Emperor Domitian, providing hope for suffering Christians.

Significance

The climax of all Scripture, showing Christ's ultimate victory and the consummation of God's plan.

Key Themes

Jesus' Glory, End Times, Judgment, Victory, New Heaven and Earth

Interesting Facts

• The only book that promises a blessing for reading it (1:3)
• Contains more Old Testament allusions than any other New Testament book (over 400)
• Jesus is given 28 different titles - more than any other book

Prophecies

• Christ's second coming in glory (Revelation 19:11-16) Fulfilled: Still future - Christ's return as King of Kings (2000 years later)
• The final judgment and new heaven and earth (Revelation 20-22) Fulfilled: Still future - the eternal state (2000 years later)

Revelation Chapter 11 presents a vivid and powerful depiction of God's sovereignty and the unfolding events of the end times. The chapter begins with John being instructed to measure the temple of God, signifying God's ownership and protection of His people, while the outer court is left to be trampled by the nations for a designated period of 42 months. This measurement indicates a divine delineation between the faithful and the unfaithful, suggesting that while God protects His true worshipers, there will be a time of trial for those outside. The chapter introduces the two witnesses, who are described as prophetic figures endowed with great power to proclaim God's message and perform miracles. Clothed in sackcloth, they symbolize mourning and repentance, reflecting the need for people to turn back to God amid the chaos. Their authority to shut the sky and turn waters to blood echoes the plagues of Egypt, emphasizing the seriousness of their message and the divine judgment that accompanies it. However, the witnesses face fierce opposition from a beast that rises from the abyss, ultimately leading to their martyrdom. Their dead bodies lie in the streets of a city symbolically referred to as Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified, illustrating the deep spiritual decay and rebellion against God in the world. The joy of the earth’s inhabitants over their deaths starkly contrasts with the gravity of their prophetic witness, revealing the hostility toward God's messengers. After three and a half days, a miraculous resurrection occurs as God breathes life back into them, demonstrating His power over death and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. Their ascension into heaven in a cloud is a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty and a foretaste of the ultimate victory of the faithful. Following their resurrection, a great earthquake occurs, signifying God's judgment, and many give glory to Him, indicating a shift in perception among the earth’s inhabitants. The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, heralding the establishment of God's kingdom, as heaven rejoices at His reign. The twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty, power, and the impending judgment for the nations. The revelation of the heavenly temple and the ark of the covenant serves as a reminder of God's presence and covenant with His people, culminating in a dramatic display of divine majesty through natural phenomena. Revelation 11 thus encapsulates themes of judgment, resurrection, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.