Revelation 11:11 Commentary and Bible Study

‘After three days and a half’ – this very short time, Satan’s little season – ‘the Spirit of life from God entered into them’, the two witnesses, once again. ‘And they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.’ What is this? Those who understand the passage to teach that the testimony of the two witnesses is finished, think this is just about the fear that comes from the knowledge of impending judgement. But if the apparent completion of the ministry of the two witnesses was only for the time being, and it doesn’t include their being stood on their feet once again, then verse 11 might indicate a last revival. We could put that together with other Scriptures which suggest a final burst of grace. If we combine it with Paul’s words in Romans 11, we will even include vast numbers of Jewish people. We hope for a last revival. To use just some simple human reasoning, that does accord with the manner of God’s working, because surely grace will triumph in the end, and the people who have been the most resistant in the history of the world – the Jews – will be won in great numbers towards the end by faith in Christ, so that there will be a final exhibition and demonstration of grace. That’s something to hope for, but it is debatable. ‘Great fear fell upon them which saw them.’ What kind of fear is that? For many, let’s hope, it is the fear of conviction; but for others, it is the hope of dismay. Suddenly church will be prominent again. It is difficult to determine the meaning. Some think this describes a last-minute revival; others say it is a great public rapture before the final judgement. The church of Christ will never be absolutely obliterated. Are we already in final apostasy? It appears we are heading towards it. We live for Christ’s return. Do not be those who cease to watch.