Revelation (Adults)

Chapter 11

Lesson written by David Riggs and Murray Wade

Please read the background information, the chapter, and answer the questions below.

SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In the interlude, we are introduced first to the strong angel with the little book in his hand. Next, we witness the measuring of the temple. John is given a reed like a measuring rod and is told to measure the temple, altar, and worshipers. Remember, these are visions which John saw. It was not the literal temple that he was to measure, and it was not the literal city of Jerusalem that was to be trodden underfoot for a literal forty-two months.

There are only two visions mentioned in the Old Testament wherein something was measured. There was a complete measuring of the temple with all its holy ordinances in Ezekiel 40:1-42:20, which was designed to cause the Israelites to make a separation between the holy and the common (see Ezekiel 42:20; 43:10-11; 22:26). There was a measuring of Jerusalem in Zechariah 2:1-5 (after the captivity, Zechariah 1:1) and was designed to show that God would preserve and protect His suffering people. Thus, the measuring of the temple in Revelation 11:1-2 was to separate and protect His people, and is parallel to the sealing of the 144,000 in chapter 7. They were sealed and measured for the same purpose. The temple (sanctuary) represents the spiritual temple, God's dwelling place or habitation among men (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21; 1 Timothy 3:15). The temple was to be measured but the outside court was to be left out. The temple (Christians or the church) would receive divine recognition and protection, while the outer court (the wicked or the world) would not.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR REVELATION 11

1. Describe the two witnesses and what they were given power to do?

2. What men and events do verses 5-6 seem to be referring to?

3. What will happen to the witnesses when they have finished their testimony?

4. What place do you think the great city mentioned in verse 8 is? Does it have to be a literal place?

5. What type of people rejoiced when the witnesses were tormented?

6. Please list the three specific periods of time mentioned in verses 2-11.

7. What happens to the two witnesses in verses 11-12? 

8. What results from the earthquake in verse 13?

9. It seems the mystery mentioned in 10:7 is now announced in verse 15. What is being announced in this verse?

10. Verse 15 refers to an event similar to that described by Daniel in Daniel 2:44-45 and Daniel 7:21-27. What is prophesied would happen in Daniel and when would this occur?

11. What is happening in verses 16-18?