The Christ in Prophecy Journal

Revelation Chapters 10-11

The most frequently requested Christ in Prophecy television show episodes on Revelation have been pulled out of the vault and re-released!

Over the six episodes, Dr. David Reagan and guests Don McGee of Crown and Sickle Ministries and Dennis Pollock of Spirit of Grace Ministries go chapter by chapter through the book of Revelation, explaining that the book of Revelation isn’t difficult to understand, rather it is difficult to believe. But, if you will believe it for its plain sense meaning, you will understand it. For anyone who’s been born again and has the Holy Spirit residing within them, Revelation can become very clear.

We’ll continue on in our journey through the great book of Revelation next by having God in Chapter 10 give the reader assurance that everything is going to work out all right. Then we’ll be introduced to the mysterious Two Witnesses of Chapter 11. Feel free to watch, listen, or read along by clicking one of the icons below.

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Revelation Revealed: Chapter 10

[Read Chapter 10 in the NASB version via Biblegateway.]

As we arrive at Chapter 10, the chronological action stops once again. This is what I call “the rhythm” of the book of Revelation. The action builds, the terror mounts, it gets worse and worse and worse, and then, all of a sudden, it comes to a screaming halt, and a parenthetical passage is inserted to assure us that everything is going to work out all right. After all, by the time you get to the end of Chapter 9 the world situation looks pretty grim.

So, Chapter 10 is a parenthesis that presents another flash-forward so that the reader can be assured that everything is going to turn out okay in the end.

John suddenly sees a very unusual angel. What the Bible calls a “strong angel.” The angel is clothed with a cloud, he has a rainbow upon his head, his face is like the sun, and his feet are like pillars of fire. I don’t think there’s much doubt who this is. This mighty angel is Jesus!

The point is not that Jesus is an angel, because we know from the Bible that He is God in the flesh. He is therefore greater than all the angels, and that’s the reason that we are told in Hebrews 1 that the angels worship Him. He’s existed forever, whereas the angels were created. The imagery here is based upon the Old Testament passages that present Jesus in His pre-incarnate state as, “the Angel of the Lord,” which is a term of endearment.

We know this is Jesus because He is clothed with a cloud, which is a representation of the Shekinah glory of God. Further, He has a rainbow upon His head, and as we saw in Chapter 4, that’s the symbol of faithfulness that crowns the throne of God. His face is like the sun. That’s right out of the description of Jesus in Chapter 1, as is the reference to His feet being like pillars of fire.

The clue that clinches the angel’s identity is in verse 2 where we are told that He has a little scroll in His right hand which He holds up as He claims possession of the earth. In Chapter 5 we learned that Jesus was the only one in all the universe who was qualified to take that scroll from the hand of God the Father. What we have here is another flash-forward to the end of the Tribulation to assure us that everything is going to turn out all right. Jesus is going to return in triumph to claim the earth for the children of God.

Revelation Revealed: Chapter 11

[Read Chapter 11 in the NASB version via Biblegateway.]

In Chapter 11 the Tribulation action resumes in the city of Jerusalem.

In verse 3 we are introduced to two witnesses of God who are referred to symbolically as olive trees and lamp stands because they proclaim the light of God’s Word in the power of God’s Spirit.

No one knows for sure who these men are, but based upon the miracles they perform, they could be Elijah and Moses. But, I think it is more likely they will be Elijah and Enoch. I say that because they are the only two men that were raptured to Heaven and thus did not experience death. And further, they are representatives of all of mankind, because Elijah prophesied to the Jews whereas Enoch was a prophet to the Gentiles. Whoever they may be, they will preach the word with great power during the first half of the Tribulation.

And then, in the middle of the Tribulation when the Antichrist reveals himself, he will kill these two great witnesses, and their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days as the whole world rejoices. Think of it, the earth will be so evil that people will rejoice over the death of these two righteous men.

But, after three and a half days, they will suddenly be resurrected and caught up to the Heaven before the eyes of all mankind as the world watches on television. At that point, God shakes Jerusalem with a terrible earthquake in retribution, and some of the inhabitants are so terrified that they turn their hearts to God.

In the next part on this series on Revelation, we’ll discover in Chapter 12 what the book of Revelation is all about.

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Dr. Nathan E. Jones

As the Internet Evangelist at Lamb & Lion Ministries, Nathan reaches out to the over 4.5 billion people accessible over the Internet with the Good News of Jesus Christ. He also co-hosts the ministry's television program Christ in Prophecy and podcast The Truth Will Set You Free.

43 CommentsLeave a Comment

  • we can be sure one of them is elijah cuz malachi 4:6 said he would send elijah and in the gospel of john when john the baptiser was asked if he was elijah he said no. i`m not convinced the other is enoch or moses. a case could be made for both.

  • It is interesting that the 2 witnesses could be either also.

    I think most agree on Elijah, but Moses worked through turrning water to blood and the plagues and Elijah the stopping of the rain… which these 2 are supposed to do, then we see in this view of jew and gentile… very interesting. Whoever they are, they will be powerful representatives of God.

    C~ in Salem

  • Elijah and Enoch make sense to me since they didn't die and therefore can be killed.

    Don't know for sure of course.

  • I had never heard of Moses being thrown into the mix before…[but then again, I have been known to sleep thru 'sermons'…] so I can only assume that Dr. David threw in the "Moses thingy" for the clowns that look and compare the 'miracles' of the prophets rather than looking and comparing the Words and Power of the God who is behind all of the prophets.

    The Scriptures are clear "and cannot be broken"…
    "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…" – Hebrews 9:27

    Dr. D then makes it clear that he does in fact, subscribe to the 2 who were "raptured" out of death.

    Moses clearly died!

    Deuteronomy 32:48-51
    48 And the LORD spoke unto Moses that selfsame day, saying,
    49 Get you up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:
    50 And die in the mount where you go up, and be gathered unto your people; as Aaron your brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:
    51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of MeribahKadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

    — a direct comparison of how every normal person must die!

    Again:
    Deuteronomy 34:5-8
    5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
    6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knows of his sepulcher unto this day.
    7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
    8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

  • I personally do not believe the Two Witnesses will be either of the Old Testament Prophets. Regardless of the fact that Enoch and Elijah did not die a physical death on earth, they yet were translated, their mortal bodies were changed into immortal bodies.
    Immortal bodies can not taste of death, therefore they will not be the former Prophets of Old. For the AntiChrist will kill them and their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem. Only applying common sense here, sorry to disappoint anyone.

  • The Prophecy of Elijah being sent in Malachi, Yeshua sought to clarify, yet few understood, saying, "I tell you Elijah has come already". This was a reference to John the Baptist operating in the Spirit of Elijah, so too, will be the one to come and reveal himself to the House of Israel in fulfillment of Malachi.

  • Rodney said…
    "…Enoch and Elijah did not die a physical death…"
    Scripturally correct,- yes!

    "…they yet were translated, their mortal bodies were changed into immortal bodies…"

    Nice try, Rodney, but like in law school, "Points & Authorities", or rather biblically speaking; "Chapter & Verse" on where you got that from?!?

    They were 'taken'. Nothing more said, nothing less said! Kinda like the 'Rapture', huh!?!

    And still, the Scriptures are clear "and cannot be broken"…
    "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…" – Hebrews 9:27

    These 2 will repeat Arnold's words to the world… "Ahl be baak!!"

  • nofog:
    i look forward to your rebuttal:) when jesus said "elijah has already come" a few versus prior he said if you accept it elijah has already come" they (the jews)did not exept it and furthermore in johns gospel John flat out denied being elijah. also prophecy sometimes has a double fulfillment.

  • hey nofog:
    i`m not sure xactly what points to concede(tho one is why 24 not 12)here is what i know 1)crowns are promised to the church on "that day"(2tim4:8)indicating the judgement seat had taken place 2)the trib has not yet occured since they witness the opening of the seals 3)they are on thrones and the church is promised to reign with christ and "we are seated in the heavenlies"4)they are kings and priests. 5)the term elder is used of the church. what i DO concede is some of these is true of isreal as well. the reason i dont include isreal in these is mainly cuz this scene is before the tribulation. so, just so i know(i wanna be correct in this)what points do i need to concede?

  • also,concerning moses being one of them 1)moses did the same maricles 2)moses appeared with elijah on the mt of transfiguration 3)lazerus, jariaus daught and the widows son at nain died twice 4)in malachi ch 4 both moses and elijah are mentioned. while i personally think its enoch i wouldnt rule out moses.

  • I've never been too sure why Bible prophecy students look to OT characters to be the Two Witnesses. Like Rodney, it seems to me the most logical explanation is that they're two living men who get saved at the onset of the Tribulation and begin their ministry in the spirit of Elijah performing miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit. May even be two of the 144,000. Whomever they may be, cool that we'll meet them someday in Heaven.

    I can see after the Rapture Hartdawg going up to Jacob's sons on their 12 thrones and telling them they're squatting on Church property. Each looks at each other uncomfortably, stands slowly, then quickly skedaddles stage right! 🙂

  • Could the two be Elijah and Enoch? Well, with God ALL things are possible so I would not discount it. God could keep these two in healthy mortal bodies for as long as He wants and assign them such a task if He chooses to.

    I'm not saying this is the case, just that it can't be discounted.

  • Nathan said "I've never been too sure why Bible prophecy students look to OT characters to be the Two Witnesses."

    Well, I first thought of it from the writings of Dr. Reagan.

  • the reason we look for elijah is because malachi 4:6 has yet to be fulfilled. remember, john the baptist denied being elijah and jesus did not rebuke the thinking that elijah would come. even the early church fathers believed it would be enoch and elijah. after the rapture i`ll tell the sones of jacob to GET OFF MY THRONE!

  • Gee, I really hope they're not O.T. saints. Imagine worshiping in heaven, face to face with the God of the universe, enjoying a pain-free and worry-free eternity. Then, suddenly God grabs you and sends you to earth to face persecution and insults and mocking and eventually a brutal death.

    I dunno. It just doesn't sound right to me. At any rate, I'd hate to be one of those saints.

    All this stuff about "men must die once" doesn't really hold water, though, because the raptured saints of the church won't have died physically (spiritually, yes, but not physically).

  • DrNofog, Elijah and Enoch were both taken with their physical mortal bodies, these bodies could not dwell in the third heaven in the presence of a Holy God, for those born of flesh are under the curse of sin. It would have required that their bodies be changed to immortal bodies, much like that of living Saints at the time of the Rapture. This is just common sense, again, sorry to disappoint you, or dispell the errors that have been taught.

  • hey rodney, while i personally think its elijah i`m not dogmatic about it. i`ll be in heaven anyway so if its not it wont disappoint me at all. all i know at this point is they are two real men who will appear.

  • Now here's a kicker… what if the Two Witness are taken from those Raptured. Then, Rodney and Hartdawg could proclaim God's word from Jerusalem and withhold the rain. I think Rodney shooting fire on his enemies is rather a fitting role, don't you think? 😉

    Biblically, though, I know all those raptured will be at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, Judgment of the Just, and prepping for Christ's return. So, that leaves us out of any Tribulation involvement until the Second Coming.

  • Rodney, Like Dawg, I'm not "dawgmatic" on this and, sorry to disappoint you, but I won't be disappointed either.

    But you keep saying these men were transformed. I have to "copy and paste" DrNoFog…

    Quote "…they yet were translated, their mortal bodies were changed into immortal bodies…"

    Nice try, Rodney, but like in law school, "Points & Authorities", or rather biblically speaking; "Chapter & Verse" on where you got that from?!? Unquote.

    Can you please address that as you seem to be so certain of your position. (Remember – I'm not "certain" of my position so please don't ask me to do the same).

  • Rodney,

    I went off and did a quick net search on the subject and did find one source referencing a verse as saying Encoh was "translated", so nevermind.

    Whether or not the source was correct I dont' know.

    Anyway, at this point I'm moving on and will just be content to wait and learn for myself when it happens.

  • Billy, we are only provided by the Holy Spirit what we are able to bear. The Apostle John makes this clear in John 16:12,13; I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. As we mature in Christ the Holy Spirit provides the necessary tools we will need for our perspective calling, as is the case for the distribution of the gifts of the Spirit.

  • Nathan, who does yet know the mind of the Lord God,are we all not his witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth? Could their then be some yet here that will be chosen to fulfill this task, that will receive the call to "Come up hither" a little later than the rest, in the presence of their gift giving and celebrant enemies?

  • Billy, the scripture you are looking for is Hebrews 11:5; By faith Enoch was translated (changed) that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God (Parenthesis my own). Enoch as well as Elijah were changed from mortal to immortal.

  • Holy Cow!
    Holy Mackerel!!!
    I had no idea of the "can o' worms" I opened up…
    I thot this wuz an already done deal of all the really well established old tech stuff from along time ago, and I wuz just chiming in Dr. David's "traditionalist" perspective! — ["…they are the only two men that were raptured to Heaven and thus did not experience death.]

    However, he didn't mention the common mistake that is often overlooked and made, is that they were **taken**!!!, not into Heaven, but rather, into Sheol!

    None of the OT saints could have 'glorified bodies' and enter into His presence until the "1st Born From The Dead" had arisen and sanctified their presence!

    hartdawg said…
    also,concerning Moses being one of them 1)Moses did the same maricles…"

    I already answered that —
    "…that look and compare the 'miracles' of the prophets rather than looking and comparing the Words and Power of the God who is behind all of the prophets."

    2)Moses appeared with Elijah on the mt of transfiguration
    Has absolutely nothing to do with Rev… Every commentary I've ever read makes the point that this is the Father's strong emphasis to the World that 'Moses' [All the Law] & 'Elijah' [All the Prophets] were only given to point to Him, but must fade away, in the Glory of the Messiah -"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." ["only!"… as Martin Luther would have added.]

    And that is why: "8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." Matthew 17:3-8
    "27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27
    44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
    45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, Luke 24:44-45

    3)lazerus, jariaus daught and the widows son at nain died twice"
    Yes, 1st they died, then resurrected to physical life again, but NEVER "taken"!

    Billy said…
    "…I would not discount it. God could keep these two in healthy mortal bodies for as long as He wants…"

    I agree Billy, that is within His power, but why???

    In Sheol they are preserved without 'mortal bodies', and equally in heaven before the OT resurrection, and then, as with any restored 'physical body', [Check this: Every restored 'physical body' that Jesus ever 'resurrected' was just that; a restored 'physical body' that died again! — as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment…" – Hebrews 9:27]

    Rodney said…
    DrNofog, Elijah and Enoch were both taken with their physical mortal bodies, these bodies could not dwell in the third heaven in the presence of a Holy God,

    Yes, agreed, **only** that they were both **taken**,… but **with what** -or- **from what**… their "physical mortal bodies"…??? AND then, where were they **taken**??? It doesn't say!

    We can **speculate** that this is a type of the rapture because of the way they were taken or **translated**, but we should know from scripture that they couldn't be in heaven until after Jesus was risen.

    Again, ALL is just speculations.
    Chapter & Verse on that one…!

  • Sheoul and Ghenna or Hades was reserved for the spirits of the righteous and the wicked divided by a great gulf. Since Elijah and Enoch did not die a physical death only being translated, they were taken up immediately in the presence of the Lord. Indeed Yeshua is the first born of the dead, yet Elijah and Enoch did not die, so your hypothesis does not work Doctor.

  • Rodney, Rodney, Rodney…
    What ever in the world am I gonna do with you? [tenacious, to say the least… 😉 ]

    The facts are:
    1. "Translated" is not defined in scripture other than it appears to mean leaving this world [a quick "exit stage *left*", Nathan, not "right"] and entering the next. It is not specifically equated with "being changed in an instant" or "putting on immortality", so anything beyond what is stated is speculation again.
    2. Indeed Yeshua is the first born of the dead… meaning the 1st with an **immortal body**, not just "raised back to life" as many others were prior.
    3. The spirits of **all** the OT & NT saints are **now** in His presence awaiting their respective resurrections, but none prior to His resurrection. You *speculate* that "…they were taken up immediately in the presence of the Lord."
    4. The NT saints will be the First Fruits at the rapture, NOT OT Enoch and Elijah that you are putting prior to Jesus' receiving His immortal body.
    5. I would have to agree with hartdawg…[as much as it pains me…{kidding ;-D }] "the reason we look for Elijah is because Malachi 4:6 has yet to be fulfilled.", so if that is true of Elijah, then we can *speculate* [there's that word again] that it could be also true of the other who was *taken*.

    Anonymous said… Gee, I really hope they're not O.T. saints.
    Who knows? Maybe they get extra brownie points for coming back… thrones over a couple of the tribes of Israel?

    6. Gotta have 7
    7. points to make it purfect…
    I know I'm overlooking something but I'm having a senior moment…

  • DrNofog, though you appear to include my interpretation of being translated being mere speculation, I believe the same can be applied to your reasoning. It is interesting to note that within the same context of Enoch being translated, the same Hebrew/Greek term is given when the Apostle Paul identifies the living Saints at the time of the Rapture being changed. For this corruption must put on incorruption, this mortal must put on immortality. In a moment in the twinkling of eye we shall all be (changed). One more question I have, which one was resurrected first, Lazarus or Yeshua?

  • Rodney said…
    DrNofog, though you appear…

    Dude! You would not like my visage!… I am so HOT in competition! -But, never mind with all that… Let's get back on with the biblical 'discussion'!

    Semi-seriously, then…
    Rodney *really* said…
    "…the same can be applied to your reasoning…"

    Never denied anything at all, since we are **ALL** in this same gray area that is rift with *speculations*!

    My point is: I am only trying to hold you to the same "standards of "Chapter & Verse" on each and every one of cites!"

    Rodney said…
    One more question I have, which one was resurrected first, Lazarus or Yeshua?

    At your level of expertise, I am totally dumbfounded by the question itself…
    What "point" are you trying to make here,… or totally missing…?
    **Many** were "resurrected", as has been clearly pointed out before, both well in the OT and in the NT!

    My point to you is again: 1st Born == JESUS, the Pre-immence of both "Glorified, and bodily Immortal"!!!

    Give me something to work with, Rodney?!?

    Even still, Rodney,… you have tuff words, yet you have NOT directly answered even ONE single point of the 7 points that I have presented to you…

    Let's try them each 1 for 1 next for a real debate.

  • 7 points, really, must have missed that one. Well we all have our opinions like you say, a debate is not necessary, we can agree that perhaps we might both be wrong. The Lord God has His divine plan, and we have our speculation based upon what scriptural evidence we have at the time. Shalom my friend.

  • 7… ?
    Oh yeah, right. 6 & 7 were supposed to be the easy throw-aways for you.
    I knew I over-looked something.

    5…! 5 points then!

    Anyway, I'm putting my money on Elijah!
    [Oops! Only how and where do I collect?]

  • Rodney,

    I'm not sure what you were try to tell but I hope is wasn't YOU trying to judge the LEVEL and DEPTH of my faith and understanding.

    You weren't doing that now were you?

  • Rodney,

    And no, retyped with proper grammar/spelling:

    I'm not sure what you were trying to tell me but I hope is wasn't YOU were trying to judge the LEVEL and DEPTH of my faith and understanding.

    You weren't doing that now were you?

  • No understandee I what you um guys is trying to – let me thinkem a minute – say.

    Short version: HUH?

  • Enoch and Elijah are the two faithful witness of the total of three men who have never tasted of natural death. Yes, there were three men in the Holy Scriptures who have not died a normal human death. Two of these, Enoch and Elijah will be the two last day prophets which will be killed by the Beast-666 and their bodies will lay on the street of Jerusalem for 3 and 12 days and then God raise them and they will ascend into Heaven before the whole world. But, the third man, who has never died a natural death, will never die a natural death, he can’t, because it is witnessed by the Holy Scriptures that he shall live forever and never taste of death. Seek and ye shall find; search your scriptures and you’ll find him.

    ReconRambo

  • hartdawg said, "…the reason we look for elijah is because malachi 4:6 has yet to be fulfilled."

    DrNofog said, "…so if that is true of Elijah, then we can *speculate* [there's that word again] that it could be also true of the other who was *taken*."

    If we go by the two statements above then we can equally look for others who may be the two who are prophesied to come and in which the scriptures have not been fulfulled.

    Isa. 55:3-5
    3 …and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
    4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
    5 Behold, thou [David] shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

    John 1:21-22
    21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man [John] do?
    22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

    Rev. 10:11
    11 And he [the angel] said unto me[John], Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

    The Coming of Melchizedek 11Q13 Col.2 (Dead Sea Scrolls)
    http://www.gnosis.org/library/commelc.htm (Judges the people. Vengence.)

    Isa. 44:5,8
    5 One shall say, I am the Lord‘s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel. (3 people here. 2 die, 1 witnesses elsewhere.)
    8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses….

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