JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

May 1987

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your inquiry concerning the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11.

No one now knows who the two witnesses are. But when they do appear, we will know that the return of Christ is not far away.

The two witnesses are two human beings who will be given extraordinary power for 3 1/2 years just prior to Christ's return (verse 3). If anyone attempts to harm them before they complete their ministry, "fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies" (verse 5, RAV). Note the similarity between this and the power given to Elijah (II Kings 1:9-15). They will also have power to produce drought and famine, as did Elijah (Luke 4:25; I Kings 17:1-7), and to smite the earth with plagues (Rev. 11:6).

The mission of the two witnesses will be to give one final warning to the governments of this world. They will be martyred because of their message, and the whole world will rejoice as they view their dead bodies, lying unburied in the streets of Jerusalem (verses 9-10). But, those same people will be struck with great fear when they see the two witnesses come to life again and ascend into the sky in a cloud (verses 11-12).

The entire book of Revelation is explained in our booklet THE BOOK OF REVELATION UNVEILED AT LAST. We would be happy to send a copy to you free upon request.

Your interest is appreciated. It is our pleasure to help you with your study of the Bible.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT