Identity of the Two Witnesses

The identity of the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:1-14 has been a subject of much debate among biblical scholars. While their exact identities are not explicitly stated, there are two main interpretations:

• Human Figures: Many believe they are human prophets, possibly representing the law and the prophets. Some suggest they could be Enoch and Elijah, as neither of these men supposedly experienced death according to biblical accounts.
• Angelic Beings: Others interpret them as supernatural beings or angels, given their extraordinary powers and the symbolic nature of much of Revelation.

Ministry Timeline

Revelation 11:1-14 describes two powerful witnesses who play a crucial role in end-time events:

• Identity: While their exact identities are debated, they could be human prophets or angelic beings.
• Ministry Timeline:
  • Start: Day 26.5 after the Abomination of Desolation
  • Duration: 1,260 days (3.5 years)
  • End: Day 1286.5 of the 1290-day period
• Role: They prophesy, perform miracles, and serve as a final call to repentance during the tribulation. Their timeline provides a marker for those living through the tribulation.

This precise timing aligns their ministry with key events in the tribulation period.

Connection to the Post-Tribulation Rapture

The fate of the two witnesses appears to be linked to the post-tribulation rapture:

• They are killed and their bodies lie in the street for 3.5 days (Rev 11:7-10)
• They are resurrected and called up to heaven; this could be a small focus of the rapture (Rev 11:11-12)
• This event is followed by the declaration: "The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." (Rev 11:14)
• The 7th Trumpet, associated with the rapture of believers, immediately follows this declaration

This sequence suggests that the ascension of the two witnesses may coincide with the post-tribulation rapture of believers.

The Two Witnesses and the 144,000

The relationship between the two witnesses and the 144,000 is not explicitly stated in Scripture, but we can consider some possibilities:

• The two witnesses could serve as leaders or guides for the 144,000, providing spiritual direction during the tribulation period.
• They might function independently, with the two witnesses focusing on prophecy and miracles, while the 144,000 engage in evangelism.
• The timing of their ministries could overlap, creating a powerful combined testimony during the tribulation.
• The 144,000 may not minister on earth at all. Their only specific role is as choir members before the throne in Revelation 14:1-5.

As for the 144,000, some interpret them as being saved and transformed at the post-tribulation rapture (having been "sealed" for salvation in Revelation 7:3-8), while others see them as having a distinct role throughout the tribulation period.

The inclusion of Dan and the exclusion of Ephraim in the 144,000 (as listed in Revelation 7) is indeed an intriguing point:

• Dan is included in the "real" 144,000 despite being omitted in the transcription of Revelation 7.
• Ephraim is notably absent from the list, which aligns with the prophecy from Isaiah 7:8.

The Prophecy Concerning Ephraim

The prophecy about Ephraim in Isaiah 7:8 is significant:

This prophecy, given around 700 BC, indicates that Ephraim would cease to exist as a distinct people by approximately 635 BC. This aligns with historical events and explains Ephraim's absence from the 144,000. The fact that all 12,000 of Manasses are the same 12,000 from his father Joseph underscores this.

• The inclusion of Dan suggests that God's promises to the tribes remain intact, even for tribes that faced significant challenges or periods of unfaithfulness.
• Dan is often cited for his "failure" in Genesis 49:17, but in the previous verse he is commended. Verse 49:17 cites Dan for his skill in warfare.
• Ephraim's exclusion demonstrates the precision and fulfillment of biblical prophecy, as their absence from the 144,000 correlates with Isaiah's prophecy of their dissolution as a people.
• The specific mention of tribes in the 144,000 emphasizes God's continued relationship with Israel, even as the Church age comes to a close.

Potential Deception

The possibility of a false 144,000 introduces a layer of end-time deception:

• A group claiming to be the 144,000 but including Ephraim and excluding Dan would contradict biblical prophecy.
• This deception could be part of broader end-time false teachings or a counterfeit spiritual movement.

Conclusion

The interplay between the two witnesses and the 144,000 highlights the complexity of end-time prophecy. The potential for a false 144,000 underscores the importance of discernment and adherence to biblical truth. These groups - the two witnesses and the true 144,000 - serve as key players in God's plan during the tribulation, offering hope and divine testimony in a time of great upheaval. Their roles, while distinct, contribute to the unfolding of prophetic events leading to Christ's return.

This, of course, implies that the true 144,000 (including Dan, but not Ephraim) will have any ministry at all or even be saved before the final day. It may well be that the only public acknowledgement will be of the fake 144,000 (including Ephraim, but not Dan), false miraculous signs and wonders notwithstanding.