The Two Witnesses
Two powerful prophets testify for 1,260 days, performing signs and wonders. They are killed by the beast, but after three and a half days, God raises them to life.
Revelation 11:1-14
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The Story
John was given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but not the outer court, which was given over to the nations to trample for forty-two months.
During this time, God said He would grant authority to His two witnesses, and they would prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth—the traditional garb of prophets. These two witnesses were described as the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone tried to harm them, fire would pour from their mouths and consume their foes. They had power to shut the sky so that no rain would fall, to turn waters into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they desired.
For three and a half years they prophesied, calling the world to repentance, confronting the powers of darkness with the truth of God. The inhabitants of the earth, loving their sin, hated them. But no one could silence them—until their testimony was complete.
When they finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit made war on them, conquered them, and killed them. Their dead bodies lay in the street of the great city—symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days, people from every nation gazed at their dead bodies and refused them burial. The inhabitants of the earth rejoiced over them, celebrating and exchanging presents, because these two prophets had tormented those who dwell on the earth.
But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. They stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then a loud voice from heaven called, 'Come up here!' And they went up to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watched.
At that moment, a great earthquake struck, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
The two witnesses represented the church's testimony during times of persecution—seemingly defeated, apparently overcome, but ultimately vindicated by the God who raises the dead. Their resurrection was a preview of the final resurrection, when all God's faithful witnesses would be raised and rewarded.
Two Brave Prophets
Kids Version
God sent two special messengers—two prophets—to tell everyone on earth the truth about Him. These two prophets wore rough clothes and spoke God's words bravely for a long, long time—three and a half years!
God gave them special powers. If anyone tried to hurt them, fire would come out of their mouths! They could stop rain from falling and do other amazing things. They were like superheroes for God!
The prophets told people, 'Stop doing bad things! Turn back to God!' But most people didn't listen. They didn't like hearing the truth. They wished the prophets would just go away.
Finally, a bad beast from a dark pit came and killed the two prophets. Their bodies lay in the street, and people were actually happy! They had parties because the prophets who told them the truth were gone. How sad!
For three and a half days, the prophets' bodies just lay there. Everyone thought it was over.
But then—something AMAZING happened! God breathed life back into them! The prophets stood up on their feet, alive again! Everyone who saw it was so scared!
Then a loud voice from heaven said, 'Come up here!' The two prophets went up to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watched with their mouths wide open.
God showed everyone that He is more powerful than death! Even when bad things happen to God's people, God wins in the end. He always takes care of those who tell the truth about Him!
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Scripture — Revelation 11:1-14 (KJV)
1And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein .
2But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. leave out: Gr. cast out
3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. I will give: or, I will give unto my two witnesses that they may prophesy
4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
13And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. of men: Gr. names of men
14The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
Memory Verse
“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein .”
— Revelation 11:1 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “The Two Witnesses” in the Bible?
Two powerful prophets testify for 1,260 days, performing signs and wonders. They are killed by the beast, but after three and a half days, God raises them to life. This story is found in Revelation 11:1-14.
Where is “The Two Witnesses” found in the Bible?
“The Two Witnesses” is found in Revelation 11:1-14, in the book of Revelation.
What can children learn from “The Two Witnesses”?
This story teaches children about Faithful witness, Persecution, Resurrection power, God's vindication. God sent two special prophets to tell people the truth about Him. A bad beast killed them, but God brought them back to life after three days and took them to heaven!