“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. (Rev 11:3-6 NKJ)

In the midst of the persecution, and following John prophetic commissioning, John brings the vision of the two witnesses.  The description is loaded with OT symbolism that would remind the readers of OT prophets and images of the Spirit.  Torah requires that there be two people to obtain a witness, so what is John telling the church?

The two witnesses are the Word and the Spirit, working prophetically and when the anti-Christian forces came against them the full might and power of God were felt.  Remember if God is for us who can be against us?

Dr. Terry Threadwell

Director Institute of Progressive Pentecostal Studies

Dr. Threadwell is an Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies, American Public University.