Revelation 11 and the Resurrection of the Dead
Memphis Eschatology Seminar
The book of Revelation was said to be AT HAND and concerned things which must SHORTLY COME TO PASS for the TIME WAS NEAR, Rev. 1:1-3; 22:6, 10, 12.
Chapter 11 begins with the destruction of the tempe of Jerusalem, i.e. the “outer court” trodden down by the Gentiles (Romans). See Lk.21:20-24, where Jerusalem is trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. All would happen before that generation passed, Lk. 21:32.
The Two Witnesses
The two witnesses prophesy and their dead bodies lie in the street of the GREAT CITY, which SPIRITUALLY is called SODOM and EGYPT, where also our LORD was CRUCIFIED. (Rev. 11:8)
Jesus said, it cannot be that a prophet perish outside of JERUSALEM, (Lk. 13:33) All this would occur within the period of 42 months, which is 1260 days, or 3.5 years, the last half of the 70th week of Daniel.
After that time the two witnesses would rise from the dead, v. 11. (3.5 days is half a week and since the text is focused on Jerusalem’s destruction which was noted in vs. 1-2, as measured for destruction, then it must be the last half of Daniel’s 70 weeks (each day being a year and hence the 42 months).
This also corresponds to Daniel’s “time (1 yr), times, (2yrs) and a half a time, (1/2 yr) per Dan. 12:7, in which the power of the holy people would be completely shattered and ALL these things would be finished, (That included the great tribulation, when Michael stood up for his people, [WHICH IS REVELATION 12:7-10!] and the resurrection of Dan. 12:2-3 and end of the age or “time of the end” in Dan. 12:4.
In the SAME HOUR, there is a Great Earthquake and note: A tenth part of the CITY fell. (Rev.11:13) That is the same GREAT CITY where Our LORD was CRUCIFIED of verse 8.
After that the text says the second woe is past and the THIRD WOE is “COMING QUICKLY!”
The Seventh Angel Sounded
THEN THE SEVENTH ANGEL SOUNDED. How many angels were there? Seven. So the seventh angel is the last angel to sound, and therefore this is the sounding of the 7th or last trumpet. That means it equates with 1 Cor. 15:52 and 1 Thess. 4:16.
The sounding of the last trumpet is the TIME of the judgment and resurrection.
And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!…The nations were angry, and your wrath HAS COME, and the TIME of the DEAD that THEY SHOULD BE JUDGED, and that you should REWARD your servants THE PROPHETS and THE SAINTS, and those who fear your name small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth. (Rev. 11:15-18).
Now, why and in connection with what event did God reward his servants the prophets and the saints?
It is for the destruction of “Mystery Babylon” who is called the “GREAT CITY”. That is Jerusalem as established in Rev. 11:8.
Vengeance for Slaying the Saints and Prophets
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her! [Remember Lk. 21:22 which says of Jerusalem’s destruction by Rome…”for these are the days of vengeance that all things written may be fulfilled…also Jesus who said all the righteous blood from Abel to Zechariah will come upon “this generation”]
“And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” (Rev. 18:24)
What city murdered the prophets of the Old Covenant? Certainly wasn’t Rome, or the Catholic Church or America. What city did Jesus charge with murdering the prophets and the apostles.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!…See! Your house is left to you desolate. (Matt. 23:37-38). That is Daniel 9:27, i.e. the 70 Weeks of Daniel.
Conclusion: Revelation 11 and the Resurrection of the Dead
Therefore, the judgment and resurrection of the dead occurred in connection with the fall of the great city and the sounding of the trumpet which is Matt. 24:31, which occurred before that generation passed, Matt. 24:34.
It was near and shortly to come to pass, when Revelation was written.
The Great City where the Lord was crucified is Jerusalem. Old Jerusalem, was called Egypt and was in bondage with her children in Gal. 4:24-25. They also are called the “vine of Sodom” in Deut.32:32, which is Moses’ prophecy of their last days.
Moses says it was the days of their vengeance when their calamity would be at hand for the Lord would judge his people. Deut. 32:34-36.
