Los dos testigos del Apocalipsis

Introduction to Revelation Chapter 10

Overview of the Context

• The discussion begins with a reference to previous content, specifically the sixth trumpet, and sets the stage for events leading up to the seventh trumpet.

• The speaker notes that there are clarifications made by John before addressing the seventh trumpet, particularly regarding an angel and a little book.

Description of the Angel

• An angel is described as descending from heaven, strong and enveloped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head and features reminiscent of Christ. His feet resemble columns of fire.

• This angel holds an open book in his hand and stands with one foot on the sea and another on land, symbolizing authority over both realms. He roars like a lion, prompting seven thunders to respond.

Identity Clarification

• It is emphasized that while this angel has attributes that evoke images of Christ (like strength), he is not identified as Christ in the New Testament; rather, he is simply referred to as "another angel."

• The distinction between this angel's role versus Christ’s glorified form post-incarnation is highlighted; angels serve different functions than Christ himself.

Symbolism and Authority

Significance of the Open Book

• Unlike previous seals mentioned in Revelation, the contents of this open book remain unknown; it represents an enigma rather than specific revelations already discussed.

• The act of placing one foot on land and another on sea symbolizes complete dominion over all creation—both terrestrial and aquatic realms—indicating divine authority.

Divine Communication

• After the roaring declaration by the angel, seven thunders respond; these are interpreted as possibly being God's voice conveying significant messages. However, John receives instruction not to document what he hears from them.

• This highlights a theme where certain divine revelations are reserved solely for God’s knowledge or timing—emphasizing mystery within divine communication.

The Angel's Oath

Declaration of Imminent Judgment

• The angel raises his hand towards heaven swearing by God—the Creator—that time will no longer be extended for judgment; it signifies imminent action against sinfulness without further delay.

• This oath indicates that God's promised judgment will soon unfold without prolongation or additional opportunities for repentance—it emphasizes urgency in divine plans for humanity's redemption or condemnation.

Conclusion on Prophetic Fulfillment

• With reference to future events tied to the sounding of the seventh trumpet, it is stated that God's mysteries will be fulfilled as previously announced through His prophets—a culmination point in prophetic history awaits at this juncture when judgment occurs upon soundings from heaven.

The Symbolism of the Little Book and Its Implications

The Sweetness and Bitterness of the Little Book

• The act of consuming the little book symbolizes the dual nature of its content: sweet in taste but bitter in consequence. This reflects the complexity of divine judgment as described in Revelation.

• The sweetness represents God's plan's fulfillment, justice, and redemption for those who have suffered during tribulation, while the bitterness signifies impending suffering for humanity under condemnation.

Prophetic Mandate to John

• An angel instructs John that he must continue prophesying about various nations, peoples, languages, and kings, indicating that there is more revelation to come beyond what has already been written.

• This directive emphasizes John's role as a prophet and sets the stage for further visions that will unfold in Revelation.

Vision of the Two Witnesses

• Between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments lies a significant vision involving two witnesses who will prophesy during a critical period marked by turmoil. Their ministry is crucial to understanding events leading up to Christ's return.

• The chapter begins with John receiving instructions to measure God's temple, which refers specifically to a future earthly temple rather than any celestial or eternal structure. This temple is linked to Jewish restoration efforts amidst ongoing conflicts over holy land.

Contextualizing Jerusalem's Future Temple

• The anticipated third temple will be built by Jews in Jerusalem; it is where the Antichrist will demand worship, highlighting its significance in eschatological events. Preparations are underway despite geopolitical tensions preventing construction.

• The angel’s command not to measure the outer court indicates that this area will be under Gentile control for 42 months—a timeframe associated with significant tribulation affecting Jerusalem and Palestine at large.

Duration of Tribulation and Witnesses' Ministry

• The 42 months mentioned corresponds with half of the Great Tribulation period when intense suffering occurs; this aligns with prophetic timelines established throughout scripture regarding end times events.

• During this time, two witnesses will prophesy for 1260 days (3.5 years), emphasizing their role amid chaos as they deliver God’s message while facing opposition from evil forces represented by the Antichrist's reign over Jerusalem.

Identity Debate Surrounding Two Witnesses

• There is considerable theological debate regarding who these two witnesses might be—common theories include Elijah and Moses or Elijah alongside Enoch—though scripture does not explicitly identify them, leaving room for interpretation based on contextual clues within biblical texts.

• It’s important not to dogmatize these identities due to lack of explicit scriptural evidence; interpretations should remain open-ended while acknowledging theological implications derived from their roles as messengers during tumultuous times ahead.

The Role of the Two Witnesses in Eschatology

The Return of the Two Witnesses

• The speaker discusses the necessity for the two witnesses to return, as they are prophesied to die and then resurrect, similar to Elijah who was taken up in a chariot of fire without experiencing death.

Rapture and Death

• A belief is expressed that many people will not experience death during the church's rapture, including the speaker, who anticipates Christ's imminent return.

Prophetic Significance of Elijah

• The text references Malachi, indicating that Elijah will come before the Day of Jehovah, which is an eschatological event marked by divine judgment.

Symbolism of Moses and Elijah

• Moses and Elijah are identified as potential witnesses due to their unique experiences with God; Moses' body was hidden by God, while both figures represent significant prophetic roles.

Olive Trees and Candlesticks

• The two witnesses are compared to olive trees and candlesticks from Zechariah’s vision, symbolizing spiritual authority and guidance during Jerusalem's restoration.

Anointing and Ministry Support

• The olive trees symbolize anointing by the Holy Spirit for Zerubbabel and Joshua during Jerusalem's restoration; this suggests that the two witnesses will also be empowered by the Holy Spirit in their ministry.

Light Amidst Darkness

• Just as Zerubbabel and Joshua provided light during Israel's dark times, so too will the two witnesses bring spiritual illumination amidst demonic darkness during tribulation.

Divine Protection During Ministry

• The text states that anyone attempting to harm the two witnesses will face divine retribution; they possess power akin to Elijah’s ability to call down fire from heaven.

Miraculous Powers of Witnesses

• These witnesses have authority over natural elements—such as closing heavens for rain—mirroring miracles performed by both Moses (turning water into blood) and Elijah (withholding rain).

Conclusion on Speculative Nature

• While there are compelling arguments regarding Moses and Elijah being identified as these witnesses based on biblical parallels, caution is advised against dogmatizing this interpretation.

The Ministry and Fate of the Two Witnesses

The Protection and Death of the Two Witnesses

• The two witnesses will be invulnerable during their three-and-a-half-year ministry, unable to die or be harmed by the Antichrist. However, at the end of this period, they will be killed and displayed publicly.

• Their bodies will not be buried, symbolizing humiliation in a spiritually significant city referred to as "Sodom" and "Egypt," which represents Jerusalem.

Spiritual Context of Jerusalem

• Jerusalem is described as a place rife with perversions, likened to Sodom and Egypt due to its idolatry during the Antichrist's reign.

• The Antichrist demands worship for himself, leading to widespread spiritual corruption characterized by idol worship.

Reactions to Their Death

• Upon their death, inhabitants celebrate with joy and send gifts to one another, akin to a festive occasion like Christmas. This celebration stems from relief over the torment caused by the witnesses' condemnation of sin.

• The witnesses’ ministry was seen as tormenting those who refused repentance; their preaching highlighted sinfulness and impending judgment.

Resurrection and Impact

• After three days and a half, divine life enters them again; they rise before onlookers, instilling great fear among those who had previously rejoiced at their deaths.

• Their resurrection confirms the truth of their message about judgment; it leads many observers to realize the severity of their sins against God.

Consequences Following Their Resurrection

• A significant earthquake occurs following their ascension into heaven, resulting in one-tenth of the city collapsing and 7,000 people dying—specifically chosen individuals rather than random casualties.

• Some survivors are terrified but ultimately give glory to God in heaven; this indicates that some were converted through witnessing these events.

The Seventh Trumpet: Announcement of Christ’s Reign

Proclamation of God's Kingdom

• With the sounding of the seventh trumpet by an angel, there are loud voices proclaiming that God's kingdom has come through Jesus Christ's reign forever.

• The twenty-four elders worship God upon hearing this proclamation. They express gratitude for His sovereignty throughout history.

Manuscript Variations

• Notably absent from some reliable manuscripts is the phrase "who is coming," suggesting that interpretations may vary regarding Christ's imminent return.

The Seventh Trumpet and Its Implications

The Announcement of Judgment

• The seventh trumpet heralds the glorious judicial return of Jesus Christ, indicating a time for judgment and reward for His servants, including prophets and saints.

• Key actions associated with this event include judging the dead, rewarding the faithful, and a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Destruction of Evil Forces

• The text emphasizes that God will destroy evil entities such as the Antichrist, false prophet, and dragon, who have corrupted humanity.

• A distinction is made between human anger—characterized as explosive and irrational—and divine wrath, which is just and proportionate to human actions.

Nature of Divine Wrath

• God's wrath is described as perfect justice that aligns with His character; it serves as a rightful retribution rather than an abuse of power.

Connection to Other Biblical Events

• The seventh trumpet includes the seven bowls of God's wrath, paralleling how the seventh seal encompasses the seven trumpets. Future discussions will explore these visions further.