Who Are the Two Witnesses in the Book of Revelation?

Who Are the Two Witnesses in the Book of Revelation? Revelation 11:3–12 speaks of two witnesses appointed to fulfill God’s purpose during the tribulation: "I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." (Revelation 11:3) The Bible doesn’t give their names, but over the years, scholars and believers have suggested three main possibilities: Moses and Elijah – They match the miraculous powers described in Revelation: turning water into blood (like Moses, Exodus 7) and calling fire from heaven (like Elijah, 2 Kings 1). Both appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3–4), and Jewish tradition expects their return. Enoch and Elijah – Both were taken directly to heaven without dying (Genesis 5:23; 2 Kings 2:11), fulfilling the role of prophets who pronounce God’s judgment and can be killed at the end of their ministry (Hebrews 9:27). Two unknown believers – Scripture never names them, and God can empower ordinary believers to perform miracles just as He did through Moses and Elijah. A prophetic clue appears in Zechariah 4, where two “anointed ones” (Joshua and Zerubbabel) are described as the olive trees and lampstands through whom God’s Spirit flows to accomplish His work. John echoes this imagery in Revelation 11:4, showing that God’s power will flow through His chosen witnesses to fulfill His purposes. So who are the two witnesses? The Bible doesn’t tell us explicitly. All three interpretations are valid, but I hold the view that they are Moses and Elijah. They will prophesy, perform miracles, be killed by the beast, and after three and a half days, be resurrected and ascend to heaven—showing that God’s plan cannot be stopped (Revelation 11:5–12). - More Joy Ministries