Revelation 11:1,2

The command to measure the Temple Revelation 11:1-2: John was given a reed to measure: (1) the Temple of God, (2) the altar, and (3) the worshippers. He was not to measure the outer court. These are people that are associated in every way with Christianity, but who actually are no part of it at all. The reed John was to use is not a literally reed for how could it measure a worshipper? The reed symbolizes the Gospel in its function of determining who is in the church and who is outside of it.

The temple that was to be measured was not the Jewish Temple. Likely that Temple had already been destroyed. At best, if it was still around Jesus said it was a "den of thieves." (Luke 19:46) The Temple in this text is the church of Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) The measuring is very similar to what was seen in the book of Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 40:2-49; Ezekiel 41:1-26; Ezekiel 42:1-20) The measuring in Ezekiel was done to separate holy and the common. The measurements are made by the word of God.

The altar was to be measured. The altar refers to the worship itself, the doctrine and practice of the faithful portion of the church. God wanted people to understand how the atonement was made, and the true method of justification before God. There was no pardoned without sacrifice. It is by the sacrifice of Jesus that the only method of reconciliation with God has been provided. We must make sure that we believe correctly concerning what Jesus has done for us.

The worshippers were also to be measured. It was important that their lifestyle, character, and behavior be in harmony with what is taught in the word of God. Those who are not faithful to God will be allowed to be in contact with His faithful people for an extended period of time--described as three and one half years--to bring severe persecution against them. Through this time there is protection promised for God's faithful church.