Revelation 11:3

3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

A. Many different ideas can be found about the two witnesses. Some have suggested - Moses and Elijah. Others suggest the Old and New Testaments. Some believe they are Peter and Paul. Coffman says they are “definitely and undeniably God’s word, and God’s church.” (5, 240)

B. Here is my view - Remember the number two represents strength. I believe the two witnesses represent another symbol for the church. This is close to Coffman because the church is to preach the Word of God. The church, the faithful in God’s family, is to be the witness to a lost and dying world. This is the mission and purpose of the church. (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15) This is still true today.

C. We, in churches of Christ, often avoid the term “witness” because of the abuse of this term among many denominations. However, it is a proper term, when used as the New Testament uses it. We are to be “faithful and true witnesses” in carrying the gospel to the lost. (1:5; 3:14) Study 1 John 5:10 in this context. As we live for Christ, we are to be witnesses for Him.

D. These witnesses are also called olive trees and candlesticks in the next verse. We learned in 1:20 that the candlesticks are the churches. While very different images, they all represent the same concept.

E. As to the length of time expressed here - 1,260 days. Most commentators take a view that there are several phrases used to describe the same period of time.

1. 1,260 days - A day represents a year, thus 1,260 years.

2. 42 months - A month Isaiah 30:1-33 days, thus 42 X 30 = 1,260.

3. 3 ½ times - A “time” = a year, Song of Solomon 3:1-11 ½ times = 3 and a half years. A typical prophetic year Isaiah 360 days long. 360 X 3.5 = 1,260.

4. Time, times, and half a time - Time = one year; times = two years; half a time = half a year; thus, this phrase is equal to the one above.

F. I am not convinced that we can interpret this number with precision. We are not sure when the counting starts or ends. What event would mark the beginning of the trampling? What event would identify the resurrection of the witnesses?

G. Many have tried. None have been successful with any valid proof. Most commentators here begin playing with their prophetic calculator.