How does Revelation 11:9 connect with Jesus' warning in Matthew 24:14? The Global Audience in Revelation 11:9 “ ‘For three and a half days men from every people and tribe and tongue and nation will view their bodies and will not permit them to be placed in a tomb.’ ” (Revelation 11:9) • Literal, worldwide viewership is in focus—“every people and tribe and tongue and nation.” • Modern global communication easily allows this prophecy to be fulfilled exactly as written. • The hostility of the unbelieving world is evident: they refuse burial, displaying contempt for God’s two witnesses (cf. Psalm 2:1-3). The Worldwide Testimony in Matthew 24:14 “ ‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.’ ” (Matthew 24:14) • Jesus foretells a universal proclamation that reaches “all the world.” • The preaching is a prerequisite for “the end,” showing God’s justice in giving every nation the opportunity to hear (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). • Acts 1:8 reinforces the same mandate: witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Shared Themes: Visibility and Universality • A global audience: - Revelation 11:9—unbelievers observe the slain witnesses. - Matthew 24:14—unbelievers hear the preached gospel. • A divinely ordained testimony: - The two witnesses embody God’s message through prophetic signs (Revelation 11:3-6). - The Church proclaims the gospel, empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8). • A climactic timeline: - Both texts situate their events just before “the end.” - Revelation 11:11-15 shows resurrection, ascension, and the sounding of the seventh trumpet. - Matthew 24:15-31 moves directly into the Great Tribulation and Christ’s visible return. The Sovereign Timing of God’s Witness • Revelation 11:9-10 describes three and a half literal days of public gloating; God allows this brief window before vindicating His servants. • Matthew 24:14 affirms that God will not allow history to close until the gospel reaches every nation. • Together, the passages reveal a God-ordained sequence: 1. Universal proclamation (Church age) 2. Final prophetic sign through the two witnesses (Tribulation) 3. Worldwide recognition of God’s power (Revelation 11:11-13) 4. The consummation of “the end” (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 11:15) Implications for Believers Today • Confidence: Scripture’s prophecies align—God’s plan is precise and unstoppable (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Urgency: The same global reach that will display the two witnesses already enables believers to spread the gospel to every nation (Revelation 14:6). • Faithfulness: As hostility intensifies, the Church follows the pattern of the two witnesses—bold proclamation regardless of opposition (Philippians 1:28-30). |
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