Bible Commentaries

Church Victorious! Chapters 8-11 (Luk 18:7)

In this section of chapters, we again return to the First Coming of Christ. The Seals [of persecution] bring Trumpets [warning of Judgment] which bring Bowls [of judgment poured out]. Chapter 8 is God's pledge of destruction on unbelievers. It shows God's vengeance through the ages of time - by the medium of natural disasters. The first four Trumpets are sent by God as a warning! Notice that the Seals, Trumpets, Bowls of Wrath, and similar symbols, refer to Principles - of man's conduct and God's discipline - that are at work throughout history. The events symbolized by the Trumpets may be seen any day of the year in any part of the earth. Therefore, Trumpets are simultaneous with Seals.

I was given a measuring stick. To "measure" is symbolic of setting apart, making secure, clearly identifying. [This is still a vision. The fact that there is no temple in Jerusalem when he writes this, is not important,] Count those who are worshiping in the temple. These are God's people - the true church. They will suffer severely, but they will never lose God's promise - if they hold firmly to their faith!] [Compare 1 Thessalonians 3:3.]

But omit the outer courts. Symbolic of the "nominal Christian," who is an unfaithful church member, but not really one of Christ's people. John sees earthly Jerusalem and the earthly temple. The outer courts have been given to the heathen (unbelievers). 42months. 42months = 1,260 days = 3½ years [time, times, and half a time] = the entire Gospel Age, from Pentecost to the Second Coming. This period of time is symbolic of God's church being persecuted, yet not destroyed, Compare James 5:17 : Revelation 11:6; 1 Kings 17:1 to 1 Kings 18:10.

I will send my two witnesses. [The two witnesses are the Church Militant.] Jesus sent his disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1). Two witnesses symbolize the outreach [missionary spirit] of the messianic community in taking the "sacred and ever-living message of eternal salvation" to the whole world. 1,260 days. The Gospel Age (see note on Revelation 11:2). The church judges the world. Compare James 5:17-18.

The two witnesses are the two olive trees. The two olive trees symbolize evangelism - the outreach of the messianic community. The two lamps symbolize the fellowship within the messianic community. Compare Revelation 8:3-5). The church may seem to be weak and helpless, but God's power backs them up! Whoever fights against the church of Christ will be destroyed by the fire that comes out of the mouths of the two witnesses. Symbolic, but no less real! The Trumpets of chapters 8 & 9 can be thought of as the church's judgment on the world. They have authority. A blessing, when rejected, turns into a curse! One who rejects the Good News of God's ACT in Christ to save men, brings God's curse upon himself (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:16). ARMAGEDDON - the cycle of the church. Originally a royal Canaanite city, on a hill guarding an important mountain pass. Many battles were fought there. Solomon built fortifications there. King Josiah was killed there (2 Chronicles 35:22-27), and the Jews held a special. memorial service for him each year. As a symbol, Armageddon represents fierce struggle. In Revelation we meet this "battle of Armageddon" four times: Revelation 11:7-13; Revelation 16:12-21; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10.