Revelation 11: Outline and Meaning
Introduction
Revelation 11 presents one of the most complex and debated visions in the book. John is told to measure the temple, a symbolic act of preservation and protection. Two mysterious witnesses appear, prophesying with great power until they are killed by the beast, only to be raised and vindicated by God. The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which announces the reign of God and Christ over the kingdoms of the world.
This chapter is both sobering and hopeful: the church’s witness brings conflict and suffering, but in the end, God vindicates his people and establishes his kingdom. It calls believers to maintain boldness in their testimony, endurance in the face of incredible hardship, and confidence in the triumph of the Lamb.
Outline of Revelation 11
11:1–2 | The Measuring of the Temple
11:3–14 | The Two Witnesses: Prophecy, Death, and Vindication
11:15–19 | The Seventh Trumpet: God’s Kingdom Announced
Summary of Each Section
11:1–2 | The Measuring of the Temple
John is given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple, altar, and worshipers, but not the outer court, which is given over to the nations. This act symbolizes God’s protection of his people’s true worship, even as persecution rages. The outer court trampled by the nations for forty-two months signifies a limited time of suffering for the church.
11:3–14 | The Two Witnesses: Prophecy, Death, and Vindication
Two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth as signs of repentance and mourning. They are described as olive trees and lampstands, echoing Zechariah’s vision of God’s Spirit-empowered servants. Their ministry is powerful — calling down fire, shutting the sky from rain, turning water to blood, and striking the earth with plagues.
These two witnesses are a kind of composite witness, a summation of the strength and wonder God revealed earlier through other prophets and servants.
Calling down fire recalls Elijah on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18:36-38
Shutting the sky from rain is also Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1
Turning water into blood and striking the earth with plagues brings to mind Moses in Egypt in Exodus 7-12
Clothed in sackcloth mirrors prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, who bore visible signs of mourning and repentance
Olive trees and lampstands echo Zechariah 4, where God’s Spirit empowers Joshua and Zerubbabel to carry out their mission.
These witnesses embody the entire prophetic tradition. They stand in continuity with those who came before, representing the Spirit’s work across generations.
Yet the beast from the Abyss eventually kills them, and their bodies lie exposed in the great city for three and a half days while the nations celebrate their death. But then God breathes life into them, they are raised, and ascend to heaven as their enemies watch. A great earthquake follows, killing thousands and terrifying survivors, who give glory to God.
11:15–19 | The Seventh Trumpet: God’s Kingdom Announced
The seventh angel sounds his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven proclaim: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.” The twenty-four elders fall in worship, giving thanks that God has begun to reign, judged the dead, rewarded his servants, and destroyed the destroyers of the earth. The heavenly temple is opened, and the ark of the covenant is seen, accompanied by flashes of lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and hail. The vision concludes with a resounding declaration of God’s sovereignty and final victory.
Themes in Revelation 11
God’s Protection and Sovereignty — Measuring the temple shows God’s care for his people in trial.
The Church’s Prophetic Witness — The two witnesses symbolize the Spirit-empowered church speaking truth with boldness.
Suffering and Vindication — The witnesses are killed but raised, showing that death is not the end for God’s people.
The Triumph of God’s Kingdom — The seventh trumpet proclaims the ultimate reign of Christ over all nations.
Revelation 11: Meaning for Today
Revelation 11 speaks to the church’s mission and endurance. God’s people are called to bear witness, even when it brings conflict and suffering. Like the two witnesses, the church is empowered by the Spirit to speak truth to the world, and though opposition may seem overwhelming, God’s vindication is sure.
The seventh trumpet reminds us that history’s final word belongs to Christ. The kingdoms of this world will not last; they are destined to become the kingdom of our Lord. For today’s believer, this chapter calls for courage in witness, trust in God’s protection, and hope in the final victory of the Lamb.
FAQ
Q: What does measuring the temple mean?
It symbolizes God’s protection of his people’s true worship, even as the outer court (representing persecution) is left exposed.
Q: Who are the two witnesses?
Interpretations vary: they may represent Moses and Elijah, two historical prophets, or symbolically the church’s prophetic witness. The emphasis is on Spirit-empowered testimony.
Q: Why are the witnesses killed and then raised?
Their death reflects the church’s suffering in witness, while their resurrection and ascension show God’s vindication and ultimate victory.
Q: What is announced with the seventh trumpet?
The trumpet declares the climax of history: the reign of God and Christ over all creation.
Sources Consulted
G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1999).
Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation (New International Commentary on the New Testament, 1997).
