How do the powers in Revelation 11:6 relate to the authority of the two witnesses? Context and Text “ ‘These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every plague as often as they wish’ ” (Revelation 11:6). Exousia—Delegated Divine Authority The term translated “power” is ἐξουσία (exousia), the same word used of Christ’s authority (Matthew 28:18) and of the disciples’ delegated power (Luke 9:1; 10:19). Scripture presents this authority as: 1. Granted directly by God (John 19:11). 2. Irrevocable for its appointed purpose (Romans 11:29). 3. Vindicated by public, verifiable miracles (Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:4). Thus the two witnesses operate as divinely commissioned envoys whose miracles certify their message and office. Mosaic and Elijah Parallels • No Rain: Elijah declared, “ ‘As the LORD lives… there shall be neither dew nor rain these years’ ” (1 Kings 17:1). James 5:17 confirms the drought lasted 3 ½ years, matching the 1,260 days (Revelation 11:3). • Water to Blood & Plagues: Moses turned the Nile to blood (Exodus 7:17–21) and released successive judgments (Exodus 7–12). By combining Moses–Elijah motifs, John shows the witnesses embody “the Law and the Prophets,” the full canonical testimony pointing to Christ (Luke 24:27). Covenant Lawsuit Theme Under Deuteronomy 28, withholding rain (v.24), water contamination (v.59), and plagues (vv.27, 60) are covenant curses. The witnesses prosecute humanity for breach of God’s covenant, mirroring OT prophets who enacted symbolic judgments (Isaiah 20; Ezekiel 4). Literal and Symbolic Dimensions 1. Literal miracles: Nothing in the text requires allegory; Revelation regularly presents tangible judgments (8:7–11). 2. Symbolic force: The signs echo Exodus judgments, signaling a new redemptive exodus culminating in Christ’s return. Scripture often weds literal events to symbolic meaning (Numbers 21; John 3:14). The dual level is therefore consistent, not contradictory. Temporal Scope of Authority The authority lasts “the days of their prophecy” (Revelation 11:6), i.e., 1,260 days (v.3). This definite period underscores that their power is task-specific, paralleling Jesus’ 40-day post-resurrection ministry (Acts 1:3) and Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness—each a bounded, purposeful interval. Purpose: Authentication and Merciful Warning Miracles in biblical history authenticate revelation (Exodus 4:5; 1 Kings 18:36-39; John 20:30-31). The escalating severity (drought → blood → plagues) mirrors God’s pattern of progressive warning (Amos 4:6-11). Even judgment aims at repentance (Revelation 9:20-21). Modern Analogues of Miraculous Authentication While the two witnesses belong to a future prophetic epoch, present-day, rigorously documented healings reinforce that God still validates the gospel. Double-blind studies in Mozambique (Brown & Keener, Southern Medical Journal 2010) recorded statistically significant, immediate improvements in hearing and vision after prayer in Jesus’ name. Such cases, cataloged in Craig Keener’s Miracles (2011, vol. 2, pp. 533-541), echo the biblical pattern of signs authenticating proclamation. Relation to Christ’s Resurrection Authority The power conferred on the witnesses flows from the risen Christ who possesses “the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). Paul links resurrection power to believers’ mission (Ephesians 1:19-20). Hence, the same authority that raised Jesus energizes these end-time emissaries. Eschatological Link to Global Evangelism Their authority ensures an unassailable witness before the final harvest (Matthew 24:14). Even when killed, their bodily resurrection after 3 ½ days (Revelation 11:11) mirrors Christ, sealing their testimony and precipitating worldwide fear and glory to God (v.13). Archaeological and Textual Confidence The Elijah narrative’s historicity is supported by the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone, 9th century BC) mentioning Omri and Israel, the same era as Elijah. Mosaic plagues align with Egyptian Ipuwer Papyrus descriptions of water turning to blood-like “nile is blood” (Papyrus Leiden 344, Colossians 2). Manuscript transmission of Revelation is secure: over 300 Greek witnesses before AD 800, with P^47 (3rd century) already containing Revelation 9–17, affirming the integrity of 11:6. Practical Takeaways for the Church 1. God still equips His messengers with whatever authority His purposes require. 2. Resistance will escalate, yet divine empowerment remains sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). 3. The certainty of Christ’s victory and resurrection should embolden contemporary witness (1 Corinthians 15:58). Conclusion The drought-stopping, water-reddening, plague-releasing powers in Revelation 11:6 are concrete manifestations of the divine authority vested in the two witnesses. These acts parallel Moses and Elijah, fulfill covenant-lawsuit motifs, authenticate the gospel during the final tribulation, and foreshadow the ultimate triumph of the risen Christ. |
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