Commentary on Revelation 11:11

Verse Context: Revelation 11:11 states, "But after three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them." This verse is nestled within the third woe, which highlights the prophetic vision of two witnesses who testify during the latter days, offering a prophetic narrative of resurrection and divine authority.

Overview of the Two Witnesses

The chapter introduces two witnesses, often interpreted as embodying key prophetic figures or representative of the church’s testimony. The enormity of their task is reflected in their miraculous power, persecution, and eventual death at the hands of a beast from the abyss. This sequence serves to illustrate the resilience of God’s truth in the face of opposition.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the significance of the three and a half days as an “elapsed period of seeming defeat,” where the witnesses lie dead. This time frame symbolizes not only the periodic judgment, but also God's ultimate vindication. Henry notes that the witnesses' resurrection is not just a display of power but serves as divine reassurance, instilling fear and recognition of divine authority in the observers. He writes:

"The breathing into them the breath of life signifies the resurrection bodily of these witnesses, which is a pattern of the resurrection of the church, assuring the faithful that though they may suffer persecution and death, they will be raised to life and glory."

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes provides further theological insights, pointing out the implications of the resurrection of the two witnesses. He interprets their standing on their feet as a sign of God's approval and a proclamation of victory over death and evil. According to Barnes:

"Their resurrection was a signal to the world of God’s continuing presence and assurance that even in death, His faithful servants will be revitalized to eternal life. This event serves to galvanize believers and to serve notice to the indifferent.”

Furthermore, Barnes highlights the juxtaposition of "great fear" among the spectators, suggesting that this fear is not merely for the miraculous but reflects a profound recognition of their own mortality and the power of God at work, eliciting both awe and dread.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke delves into the prophetic symbolism, explaining that the witnesses represent the Law and the Prophets or, by extension, the entire church militant. Clarke points out that the resurrection signifies the triumph of God's testimony even amid adversity:

"The importance of the resurrection here lies in the very fact that the gospel will go forth with renewed vigor after apparent setbacks. This reflects the enduring nature of God's message through His people, even when they face opposition to the point of death."

He also discusses the profound impact their resurrection has on the public. He posits that the miraculous event compels others to reconsider their understanding of faith and the reality of divine truths.

Theological Implications

The collective insights from these commentaries underscore the theological implications of the resurrection in Revelation 11:11, lending themselves to various interpretations:

• Divine Authority: The resurrection signals God’s ultimate authority over life and death, reinforcing the nature of resurrection as central to Christian belief.
• Witnesses to Power: The two witnesses serve as representatives of God’s continuous presence and power, affirming that God’s truth prevails irrespective of human opposition.
• Fear and Awe: The great fear observed in the onlookers serves as a precursor to a necessary reckoning with divine realities, prompting a response from the nations.

Conclusion

The resurrection of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:11 stands as a pivotal moment within the Revelation narrative. It not only embodies hope and assurance for the faithful but also serves as a sobering reminder of God's sovereignty. For pastors, students, and theologians, this passage encapsulates the essence of faith amid trials, the promise of life after death, and acts as a call to recognize the mercy and judgment inherent in God's dealings with humanity.