6.3 The Two Witnesses Are Killed
The Martyrdom of Truth: The Killing of the Two Witnesses

Read Revelation 11:7–9, keeping in mind that the language is symbolic. According to the prediction of these verses, what will happen to the two witnesses of God, representing the Old and New Testaments?

According to the symbolic language of Revelation, the two witnesses of God, representing the Old and New Testaments, are depicted as being killed. In Revelation 11:7-9, it states:

“And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. And for three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb.”

Symbolically, this means that the divine truth and authority represented by the Old and New Testaments are attacked and defeated. This is symbolized by the “beast” rising from the bottomless pit, indicating the powers of evil and deception. The “great city” spiritually called Sodom and Egypt represents moral corruption and idolatry that reject God’s truth.

The killing of the witnesses and the lying of their bodies in the street symbolize the temporary triumph of evil over divine truth and authority. This is represented by the French Revolution and the state-sponsored atheistic movement that denied the authority of the Bible and the existence of God.

The three and a half days during which the bodies of the witnesses remain in the street symbolically correspond to three and a half literal years of hostility toward the truth of God. This period reflects the peak of atheism and rejection of religious values during the French Revolution before some recovery occurred.

Overall, this passage illustrates the symbolic depiction of the struggle between good and evil, truth and lies, and shows the temporary suppression of divine truth by the forces of evil before ultimately triumphing.

The connection between the martyrdom of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:7–9 and our everyday lives in faith lies in several important aspects:

1. Perseverance in faith despite resistance: The killing of the two witnesses symbolizes the resistance and persecution faced by the truth of God. This reminds us that as Christians, we may face similar challenges when living out our faith and proclaiming the gospel. Nevertheless, we must remain steadfast and hold fast to the truth of God.

2. Willingness to suffer for faith: The prediction of the witnesses’ martyrdom calls us to be willing to suffer for our faith if necessary. Even though we may not necessarily be physically killed, we may still face resistance, rejection, and persecution in our daily lives because of our confession of faith in Christ.

3. Recognition of spiritual struggles: The symbolic language of Revelation points to the spiritual battle taking place between the forces of evil and divine truth. In our everyday lives, we must be aware of these spiritual struggles and prepare ourselves to fight against the powers of darkness with God’s help.

4. Encouragement to hope and trust in God: Although the witnesses are temporarily defeated, Revelation also prophesies their eventual triumph and restoration. This promise encourages us to trust in God and have hope even amidst difficulties and sufferings in our daily lives, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

Overall, the martyrdom of the two witnesses reminds us that our faith may often be tested but also of the promise that God will ultimately triumph and establish His truth. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our daily lives in faith and trust in God’s guidance and support.

The martyrdom of truth stands as a testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness, even in the darkest hours of history, reminding us that His Word cannot be broken, even if the forces of unbelief seem to have temporarily triumphed.

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