Introduction
The two witnesses described in Revelation 11:3-12 are
among the most enigmatic figures in biblical prophecy. Clothed in sackcloth,
they prophesy for 1,260 days, perform miraculous signs, and are ultimately
killed by the beast, only to be resurrected and taken up to heaven. But who are
these two witnesses? While the Bible doesn’t explicitly name them, many
theories have been proposed. In this post, we’ll explore the case for Enoch and
the Apostle John as the two witnesses, while addressing key
theological questions about their identities and roles.
1. The Biblical Description of the Two Witnesses
Before diving into their identities, let’s look at what
Revelation 11 tells us about the two witnesses:
- They
prophesy for 1,260 days (3.5 years), clothed in
sackcloth.
- They
are called the “two olive trees” and the “two
lampstands” that stand before the Lord (Revelation 11:4).
- They
have the power to:
- Shut
the heavens so that no rain falls (reminiscent of Elijah).
- Turn
water into blood and strike the earth with plagues (reminiscent
of Moses).
- They
are killed by the beast, lie dead in the streets for 3.5 days, and are
then resurrected and taken up to heaven.
2. Why Enoch?
Enoch is a compelling candidate for one of the two
witnesses. Here’s why:
- Unique
Translation: Enoch was taken by God and did not experience physical
death (Genesis 5:24). However, the Bible also states that no one
has ascended to heaven except Jesus (John 3:13). Therefore, Enoch
was likely taken to a heavenly realm or paradise, not the highest heaven
where God dwells. This leaves room for him to return to earth and fulfill
his role as a witness.
- Fulfilling
Hebrews 9:27: The Bible states that “it is appointed for man to die
once” (Hebrews 9:27). If Enoch was taken to a heavenly place but not the
highest heaven, he may need to return to earth to fulfill this principle
by experiencing death.
- Prophet
of Judgment: Enoch prophesied about the coming judgment of God (Jude
1:14-15), which aligns with the two witnesses’ mission to call people to
repentance during the end times.
3. Why the Apostle John?
The Apostle John is another strong candidate for the second
witness. Here’s why:
- Close
Relationship with Jesus: John was known as the “beloved disciple” and
had a unique intimacy with Jesus. He was present at key moments in Jesus’
ministry, including the Transfiguration and the crucifixion.
- Survivor
of Persecution: Tradition holds that John survived attempts to kill
him, such as being boiled in oil, and was exiled to the island of Patmos,
where he wrote the Book of Revelation. This mirrors the story of Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace but were
unharmed because God protected them (Daniel 3:19-27). Just as God
preserved these three men for His purposes, He may have preserved John for
a special role in the end times.
- Jesus’
Mysterious Statement: In John 21:22, Jesus said, “If I want him to
remain until I come, what is that to you?” Some interpret this as a hint
that John would have a special role in the end times.
- Author
of Revelation: As the author of Revelation, John has a unique
connection to the prophecy of the two witnesses, making him a fitting
candidate to fulfill this role.
4. Addressing Key Questions
Let’s tackle some of the theological and interpretive
questions that arise:
- Did
Enoch Go to Heaven?
- While
Genesis 5:24 says Enoch was “taken by God,” the Bible also states
that no one has ascended to heaven except Jesus (John
3:13). Therefore, Enoch was likely taken to a heavenly realm or paradise,
not the highest heaven where God dwells. This leaves room for him to
return to earth and fulfill his role as a witness.
- What
About Hebrews 9:27?
- The
principle that “it is appointed for man to die once” (Hebrews 9:27)
suggests that Enoch, who has not yet died, must return to experience
death. This aligns with the two witnesses’ death and resurrection in
Revelation 11.
- Is
John Still Alive?
- If
John died naturally, Hebrews 9:27 would prevent him from returning to die
again. However, if he was miraculously preserved (as some traditions
suggest), he could still fulfill the role of a witness. This idea is
supported by the biblical account of Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace but were unharmed
because God protected them (Daniel 3:19-27). Similarly, tradition holds
that John survived being boiled in oil, demonstrating God’s power to
preserve His servants for His purposes.
5. The Significance of Enoch and John as the Two
Witnesses
If Enoch and John are the two witnesses, their partnership
would symbolize the unity of the Old and New Testaments:
- Enoch:
Representing the earliest generations and the pre-Flood era, he embodies
God’s judgment and mercy.
- John:
Representing the New Testament and the Church, he embodies the revelation
of Jesus Christ and the hope of resurrection.
Their ministries would also reflect the two witnesses’
mission:
- Call
to Repentance: Like Enoch, they would warn of God’s coming judgment.
- Testimony
to Christ: Like John, they would point people to Jesus as the ultimate
source of salvation.
6. Lessons for Today
The mystery of the two witnesses reminds us of several key
truths:
- God’s
Sovereignty: Even in the midst of tribulation, God is in control and
will raise up witnesses to proclaim His truth.
- The
Power of Testimony: The two witnesses’ boldness challenges us to stand
firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition.
- Hope
in Resurrection: Their resurrection and ascension point to the
ultimate victory of Christ over death and evil.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not
explicitly name the two witnesses, the case for Enoch and the Apostle
John is both compelling and thought-provoking. Their unique roles in
biblical history, their connection to judgment and testimony, and their
fulfillment of key theological principles make them strong candidates for this
end-times prophecy. As we await the fulfillment of these events, let us remain
faithful witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Call to Action: Join the Conversation!
The identity of the two witnesses is a fascinating and
deeply meaningful topic, and there’s so much more to explore! What are your
thoughts on Enoch and John as the two witnesses? Do you have other candidates
or interpretations you’d like to share? How do you see their role fitting into
the broader narrative of end-times prophecy?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your insights, questions,
or reflections in the comments below. Let’s continue this conversation and grow
together in our understanding of God’s Word.
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