“But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them.”
In verse 3 of chapter 11 we are introduced to two of the more interesting characters of Revelation, the two witnesses. They will prophesy, preach and demonstrate repentance (clothed in sackcloth) for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. And during those days they will have great power (continual empowering from the Holy Spirit), devine protection from harm, and a very effective ministry (vv.3-6).
When they finish their testimony (1,260 days) the two witnesses will be killed by the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit (most likely Satan himself Rev.9:11), their bodies left in the streets of Jerusalem, and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over their deaths (vv.7-10).
Then in verse 11, God breathed life into His two witnesses (who had been dead for three and a half days) and resurrected them, while those who killed them, mocked them and rejoiced at their deaths, watched. This created great fear among the people concerning what these two may do next.
The next verse (12) has been considered by many as, the time when the “rapture” of the church will occur. That these two witnesses are taken up is indeed a “rapture” for them, but, it does not say that all are raised to heaven at this time. What is clear here is, their enemies watched as the faithful were taken into Glory. This same thing will happen when rapture occurs, the faithful will be taken up while unbelievers watch.
The Truth
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
