TWO WITNESSES OF REVELATION
“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth (Rev.11:1-4).
It is interesting to note that Jesus spoke of 2 witnesses. He said “scripture says a word is confirmed by 2 witnesses… I bear witness of myself and my Father in heaven bears witness of me…” Later in the book of Acts he says “you shall be Witnesses unto me.”
But before we examine the symbolism of the witnesses perhaps we should address the symbolism of the candlestick. The 7 churches in the 1st few chapters of Revelation are likened unto the temple candlestick with its 7 extensions. Hence the Candlestick represents the Church of Jesus Christ. From the olive branch comes oil that fills the candlestick, which I believe represents the Holy Ghost or the anointing.
But the church has an altogether greater value when it is not just filled with the Holy Ghost, but also ignited. So I believe the 2 witnesses are a faithful remnant within the church of Jesus Christ filled with the Holy Ghost and on Fire. How do we know? Because the chapter starts out “Rise and measure the temple and them that worship therein, but the Outer Court, leave it out for it is given unto the Gentiles to be trodden underfoot” for a stated period of time.
Why measure the temple? To see if it comes “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Leave out the Outer Court. This is a reference to Christians who are not filled with the Holy Ghost nor are they on Fire. They know only of the work of forgiveness associated with the outer court blood sacrifice and the water laver (like water baptism). So there is coming a remnant who are like Gideon’s 300, which incidentally are the dimensions of the combined Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (10 cubits X 30 cubits).
These Saints, who will be revealed at the end of this age, are the Corporate Body of Christ and not two reincarnated individuals like Moses and Elijah. They are possessed by Jesus Christ. They fulfill the words of John when he said “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” And what is remarkable about this inner Court remnant – “they loved not their lives unto death.” The ministries of Moses and Elijah are described because these Witnesses foster other outer court believers to come out of “Egypt” and at the same time encourage believers to end their “worship of Baal.”
Or we might even say that the two witnesses are represented by the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was intended for God’s presence and the High Priest once a year (or in this case, our High Priest, Jesus). And the Holy Place was intended for Priests and Kings (like David who entered and ate the shewbread). But now that the middle wall of partition that separated these two rooms is rent in twain, and God has made of both one new man. “Christ in you the hope of glory.” It is no more two rooms but the Temple of the Lord. “What, know ye not ye are the Temple of the Holy Ghost?”
But why 2 olive branches and 2 candlesticks. Most conclude an erroneous parallel insisting that God is talking about natural Israel and Christians, who are the spiritual Israel. Instead I believe he is referring to the Former Rain and the Latter Rain. The former rain was the Apostolic Age. The Latter Rain, which is greater, is that Manchild Company that is even now being born of an Incorruptible seed and is being prepared to rule the nations with a rod of iron. God is calling forth this remnant known as the Sons of God through whom all of creation will be set free, because the meek shall inherit the earth. Yes indeed, “God shall shortly bruise Satan under your foot.”
Remember “the Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” And at the same time we are “in the world but not of it.” So we conclude that there is a difference between the Earth and the World. The world is worldly and will be swept away “as in the days of Noah.” Instead, we are called To Rule and Reign with Him on the Earth.
I pray that you “receive the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him” that you might see this glorious vision “which is the hope of your calling.” Be blessed in Jesus name.