Rev. David Holwick
Interpretation Summary
October 27, 1991
Revelation 11
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I. Dispensational (Jewish) interpretation of Revelation 11.
A. The temple is a literal, rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.
1) Other New Testament passages assume a temple will be in Jerusalem in the End
Times.
2) "Measuring" the temple signifies God's protection of the Jewish people.
B. The two witnesses are sent to preach the gospel to the Jews.
1) Options on identification:
a) Two individuals with the power and ministry of Moses and Elijah.
b) They are representative of a group of converted Jews within Israel.
2) They preach during the first half of the Tribulation.
3) Their death, resurrection and ascension signifies God's rapture in the middle
of the Tribulation of the believing Jews who are martyred by the Antichrist.
C. Significance of passage:
God will fulfill all the promises he made to Israel and the nation as a whole
will return to God through Jesus, as is taught in Romans 11:25-27.
II. Christian interpretation of Revelation 11.
A. The temple represents God's people, both Jewish and Gentile Christians.
1) "Temple" is often used in reference to the Church in the New Testament and
even in Revelation (3:12).
2) The "outer court" is either false Christians or the endangered status of
Christians in the world (apart from their spiritual protection by God).
B. The two witnesses represent the evangelistic ministry of the Church.
1) Note the worldwide scope of their ministry.
2) The reference in 11:13 to repentance ("giving glory to God") is the only
direct reference to conversion during the Tribulation and represents the
multitudes of Jews and Gentiles who will convert to the gospel at that time.
C. Significance of passage:
God will spiritually protect the Church during the Tribulation though
believers will endure terrible physical suffering, just as their Savior did.
Through it all, believers will witness to the world of God's saving grace and
multitudes of both Jews and Gentiles will be saved.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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