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Two Witnesses (view source)

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Controversary over the identity of the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 has existed since the Early Church - it is all the more open to interpretation with Israel's materiality and the Church's witness.

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In [[Christian eschatology]], the '''Two Witnesses''' are two individuals, concepts or "corporate beings" described in chapter 11 of the [[Book of Revelation]] in the events leading up to the ~~[[second coming of Christ|second coming]]~~ of [[Jesus|Christ]].

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In Christian eschatology, the '''Two Witnesses''' are two individuals, concepts or "corporate beings" described in chapter 11 of the [[Book of Revelation]] in the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

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{{cquote|

"'And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.' These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. these have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into the graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. Now after three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, 'Come up here.' And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven." (Revelation 11:3-13 - New King James Version)}}

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==Identity==

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Growing interest in the identity of the two witnesses of Revelation 11 and the timing of their appearance, has inspired Eschatological debate for centuries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/Rev/2witnesses.htm |title=The Two Witnesses |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Kroll |first=Paul |year=1999 |publisher=Worldwide Church of God}}</ref> Are they two literal individuals or are they symbolic of a concept (e.g., the Old and New Testaments of the Bible<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tagnet.org/cyberspace/Lessons/Fut-057/fut1-057.html|title=If I Were Told the Future -- Lesson 57: The Two Witnesses |accessdate=2007-06-26 |year=2002 |work=Cyberspace Ministry}}</ref>) or corporate entities which symbolize peoples? Are they here now<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/herenow.htm |title=Are The Two Witnesses Here Now? |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Blank |first=Wayne |work=Daily Bible Study |publisher=The Church of God}}</ref> if they are personified - or are they yet future, as [[~~Millenialism|millenarian~~]] ~~Hal Lindsey~~<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:lQb5fAcu260J:www.raptureready.com/featured/HalLindsey.html+Hal+Lindsey+The+Two+Witnesses&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5|title=Hal Lindsey}}</ref> claims they are - ready to appear on the [[Apocalypse|apocalyptic]] scene, along with the [[Antichrist]]? Perhaps they represent the witnessing Church<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apocalipsis.org/downloads/revelatn.pdf |title=Revelation: A Reference Commentary |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Taylor |first=R A |date=[[2000]]-[[03-17]] |format=PDF |pages=111-112}} </ref> since Jesus sent out his disciples "two by two".<ref>Mark 6:7.</ref> On the other hand, could they be some form of reincarnation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elevated.fsnet.co.uk/index-page14.html |title=Reincarnation and Christianity |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Millett |first=Michael G |work=Elevated Therapy International}}</ref> of Moses and Elijah<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?1518&cuQA_qaID=1&cuTopic_topicID=77&cuItem_itemID=14532|title=WELS Topical Q&A: Endtime/Prophecies Two Witnesses|accessdate=2007-06-26 |year=2007 |work=Communication Services |publisher=Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod}}</ref> because both of them were prophets; Moses<ref>Exodus 7:16-18.</ref> struck the waters of the Nile and they turned into blood; and Elijah<ref>1 Kings 17:1-7.</ref> commanded the heavens that it rained not and did so for three-and-one-half years.<ref>James 5:17.</ref> Indeed, the other witness may be Enoch<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apocalypsesoon.org/xfile-11.html |title=Eight Good Reasons Why Enoch Must Be One of the Two Witnesses! |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Wunderlich |first=Bob |work=Apocalypse Soon: The Xcellent Files}}</ref> (i.e., Elijah and Enoch), because he, like Elijah "was taken"<ref>Hebrews 11:5.</ref> (i.e., did not suffer physical death). They could simply be two Jewish prophets (as the ''[[Left Behind]] Series'' claims<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leftbehind.com/channelfree.asp?pageid=1284&channelID=175 |title=Who Are the Two Witnesses? |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=LaHaye |first=Tim, et al. |year=2004 |work=The Authorized Left Behind Handbook}}</ref>) who in the period of the 70th Week of Daniel (yet future or partial<ref>{{cite

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Growing interest in the identity of the two witnesses of Revelation 11 and the timing of their appearance, has inspired Eschatological debate for centuries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/Rev/2witnesses.htm |title=The Two Witnesses |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Kroll |first=Paul |year=1999 |publisher=Worldwide Church of God}}</ref> Are they two literal individuals or are they symbolic of a concept (e.g., the Old and New Testaments of the Bible<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tagnet.org/cyberspace/Lessons/Fut-057/fut1-057.html|title=If I Were Told the Future -- Lesson 57: The Two Witnesses |accessdate=2007-06-26 |year=2002 |work=Cyberspace Ministry}}</ref>) or corporate entities which symbolize peoples? Are they here now<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/herenow.htm |title=Are The Two Witnesses Here Now? |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Blank |first=Wayne |work=Daily Bible Study |publisher=The Church of God}}</ref> if they are personified - or are they yet future, as millenarian [[Hal Lindsey]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:lQb5fAcu260J:www.raptureready.com/featured/HalLindsey.html+Hal+Lindsey+The+Two+Witnesses&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5|title=Hal Lindsey}}</ref> claims they are - ready to appear on the [[Apocalypse|apocalyptic]] scene, along with the [[Antichrist]]? Perhaps they represent the witnessing Church<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apocalipsis.org/downloads/revelatn.pdf |title=Revelation: A Reference Commentary |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Taylor |first=R A |date=[[2000]]-[[03-17]] |format=PDF |pages=111-112}} </ref> since Jesus sent out his disciples "two by two".<ref>Mark 6:7.</ref> On the other hand, could they be some form of reincarnation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elevated.fsnet.co.uk/index-page14.html |title=Reincarnation and Christianity |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Millett |first=Michael G |work=Elevated Therapy International}}</ref> of Moses and Elijah<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?1518&cuQA_qaID=1&cuTopic_topicID=77&cuItem_itemID=14532|title=WELS Topical Q&A: Endtime/Prophecies Two Witnesses|accessdate=2007-06-26 |year=2007 |work=Communication Services |publisher=Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod}}</ref> because both of them were prophets; Moses<ref>Exodus 7:16-18.</ref> struck the waters of the Nile and they turned into blood; and Elijah<ref>1 Kings 17:1-7.</ref> commanded the heavens that it rained not and did so for three-and-one-half years.<ref>James 5:17.</ref> Indeed, the other witness may be Enoch<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apocalypsesoon.org/xfile-11.html |title=Eight Good Reasons Why Enoch Must Be One of the Two Witnesses! |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Wunderlich |first=Bob |work=Apocalypse Soon: The Xcellent Files}}</ref> (i.e., Elijah and Enoch), because he, like Elijah "was taken"<ref>Hebrews 11:5.</ref> (i.e., did not suffer physical death). They could simply be two Jewish prophets (as the ''[[Left Behind]] Series'' claims<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leftbehind.com/channelfree.asp?pageid=1284&channelID=175 |title=Who Are the Two Witnesses? |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=LaHaye |first=Tim, et al. |year=2004 |work=The Authorized Left Behind Handbook}}</ref>) who in the period of the 70th Week of Daniel (yet future or partial<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/70wedan9.htm|title=Daniel 9:24-27|accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Amy |first=Stephen |work=Worship at the Altar}}</ref> come in the power of Moses and Elijah and are representative of the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah)).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biblia.com/bible/rev11.htm |title=The Temple... and the Two Witnesses |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Dominguez |first=J}}</ref> Indeed, some claim that the notion of a yet future 70th Week of Daniel is a Catholic (Jesuit) conspiracy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godssabbathtruth.com/sabbath-antichrist.html |title=The Great Catholic Diversion Revealed |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=2006 |work=Sabbath & Antichrist Truth Revealed |publisher=GodsSabbathTruth.com}}</ref> to take the heat off the papacy as the "seat of the antichrist system"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2617&collectionID=795&contentID=4441&shortcutID=5297|title=Statement on the Antichrist |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=2007 |work=CICR: WELS Doctrinal Statements |publisher=Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod}}</ref> and to place the onus on a yet future and literal person who will be the incarnation of Satan himself<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thepropheticyears.com/The%20book%20of%20Revelation/Revelation%20Chapter%2017.htm |title=Revelation chapter 17 commentary |accessdate=2007-06-27 |last=Koenig |first=Don |year=2004 |work=The Revelation of Jesus Christ Through the Ages}}</ref> - who, as the beast will "make war against them, overcome them, and kill them"<ref>Revelation 11:7.</ref> -- hence, this prophecy of a future personification of "The Antichrist" is erroneous and has already been fulfilled<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/da70fufu.htm |title=Daniel's 70th Week--Future or Fulfilled? |accessdate=2007-06-27 |publisher=Used by permission from Ralph Woodrow}}</ref> in history. To be certain - Roman Catholic eschatology affirms the coming of the Antichrist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01559a.htm |title=Antichrist |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=1907 |work=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref>

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web|url=http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/70wedan9.htm|title=Daniel 9:24-27|accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Amy |first=Stephen |work=Worship at the Altar}}</ref> come in the power of Moses and Elijah and are representative of the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah)).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biblia.com/bible/rev11.htm |title=The Temple... and the Two Witnesses |accessdate=2007-06-26 |last=Dominguez |first=J}}</ref> Indeed, some claim that the notion of a yet future 70th Week of Daniel is a Catholic (Jesuit) conspiracy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godssabbathtruth.com/sabbath-antichrist.html |title=The Great Catholic Diversion Revealed |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=2006 |work=Sabbath & Antichrist Truth Revealed |publisher=GodsSabbathTruth.com}}</ref> to take the heat off the papacy as the "seat of the antichrist system"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2617&collectionID=795&contentID=4441&shortcutID=5297|title=Statement on the Antichrist |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=2007 |work=CICR: WELS Doctrinal Statements |publisher=Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod}}</ref> and to place the onus on a yet future and literal person who will be the incarnation of Satan himself<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thepropheticyears.com/The%20book%20of%20Revelation/Revelation%20Chapter%2017.htm |title=Revelation chapter 17 commentary |accessdate=2007-06-27 |last=Koenig |first=Don |year=2004 |work=The Revelation of Jesus Christ Through the Ages}}</ref> - who, as the beast will "make war against them, overcome them, and kill them"<ref>Revelation 11:7.</ref> -- hence, this prophecy of a future personification of "The Antichrist" is erroneous and has already been fulfilled<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/da70fufu.htm |title=Daniel's 70th Week--Future or Fulfilled? |accessdate=2007-06-27 |publisher=Used by permission from Ralph Woodrow}}</ref> in history. To be certain - Roman Catholic eschatology affirms the coming of the Antichrist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01559a.htm |title=Antichrist |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=1907 |work=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref>

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Their description as "two olive trees and two lampstands"<ref>Revelation 11:4.</ref> is taken as symbolism and/or allegorical. This [[Hermeneutics|hermeneutical]] approach to the Bible is adjudged by some as "hyper-allegorical"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07303b.htm |title=Hesychius of Jerusalem |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=1907 |work=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref> juxtaposed to a more "[[Biblical literalism|literal"]] interpretation; however, those who adhere to a ~~[[Fundamentalist Christianity|~~Christian fundamentalist]] reading of the Bible (i.e., [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrancy]]) do not find common ground on the exposition of the identity of these Two Witnesses. Through commentary and exposition<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.preceptaustin.org/tool_commentary.htm |title=Bible Commentaries |accessdate=2007-06-27 |date=[[2007]]-[[06-07]] |publisher=Precept Austin}}</ref> the Two Witnesses could be considered as both symbolic and as literal (i.e., representative of peoples). Controversy over the symbolic, as well as literal interpretations of the Two Witnesses, as Israel<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/two_witnesses.htm |title=Israel and the Church as the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 and Daniel 12 |accessdate=2007-06-29 |publisher=The Tribulation Network}}</ref> (the "two olive trees") and the Church (the "two lampstands") creates a great deal of eschatological debate<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/lasttrumpet_2000/debate_1a.html |title=Dichotomy or Continuity Between the Present and Past Dispensations: Opening Argument |accessdate=2007-06-29 |last=Warner |first=Tim |date=[[2002]]-[[08-07]] |work=Progressive Dispensationalism: Debate Between Dr. Mal Couch & Tim Warner |publisher=Conservative Theological Society}}</ref> between strict ~~[[Summary of Christian eschatological differences|~~Dispensationalists]] and Progressive Dispensationalists;<ref name="warner-intro">{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/~lasttrumpet/ |title=Introduction & Methodology |accessdate=2007-06-29 |last=Warner |first=Tim |date= |year=2002 |month=November |work=The Last Trumpet |publisher=Post-Trib Research Center}}</ref> whereas such debate may be considered as non sequitur insofar as [[Preterism|Preterists]] and Historicists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historicism.net/ |title=Historicism Research Foundation |accessdate=2006-06-30}}</ref> whose views of the Two Witnesses place them outside the chronological timeline (70 AD for Preterists)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.preterist.org/whatispreterism.asp |title=What is the Preterist View of Bible Prophecy? |accessdate=2007-06-30 |year=2007 |publisher=International Preterist Association}}</ref> or wholly in the realm of the symbolic - relegated to the Church only in any future unfolding of prophecy as seen by many Historicists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historicism.com/Haynes/2witness.htm |title=The Meaning of the "Two Witnesses" |accessdate=2007-06-30 |last=Haynes |first=J. L |work=Historicism.com}}</ref>

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Their description as "two olive trees and two lampstands"<ref>Revelation 11:4.</ref> is taken as symbolism and/or allegorical. This [[Hermeneutics|hermeneutical]] approach to the Bible is adjudged by some as "hyper-allegorical"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07303b.htm |title=Hesychius of Jerusalem |accessdate=2007-06-27 |year=1907 |work=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref> juxtaposed to a more "[[Biblical literalism|literal"]] interpretation; however, those who adhere to a Christian fundamentalist reading of the Bible (i.e., [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrancy]]) do not find common ground on the exposition of the identity of these Two Witnesses. Through commentary and exposition<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.preceptaustin.org/tool_commentary.htm |title=Bible Commentaries |accessdate=2007-06-27 |date=[[2007]]-[[06-07]] |publisher=Precept Austin}}</ref> the Two Witnesses could be considered as both symbolic and as literal (i.e., representative of peoples). Controversy over the symbolic, as well as literal interpretations of the Two Witnesses, as Israel<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/two_witnesses.htm |title=Israel and the Church as the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 and Daniel 12 |accessdate=2007-06-29 |publisher=The Tribulation Network}}</ref> (the "two olive trees") and the Church (the "two lampstands") creates a great deal of eschatological debate<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/lasttrumpet_2000/debate_1a.html |title=Dichotomy or Continuity Between the Present and Past Dispensations: Opening Argument |accessdate=2007-06-29 |last=Warner |first=Tim |date=[[2002]]-[[08-07]] |work=Progressive Dispensationalism: Debate Between Dr. Mal Couch & Tim Warner |publisher=Conservative Theological Society}}</ref> between strict Dispensationalists and Progressive Dispensationalists;<ref name="warner-intro">{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/~lasttrumpet/ |title=Introduction & Methodology |accessdate=2007-06-29 |last=Warner |first=Tim |date= |year=2002 |month=November |work=The Last Trumpet |publisher=Post-Trib Research Center}}</ref> whereas such debate may be considered as non sequitur insofar as [[Preterism|Preterists]] and Historicists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historicism.net/ |title=Historicism Research Foundation |accessdate=2006-06-30}}</ref> whose views of the Two Witnesses place them outside the chronological timeline (70 AD for Preterists)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.preterist.org/whatispreterism.asp |title=What is the Preterist View of Bible Prophecy? |accessdate=2007-06-30 |year=2007 |publisher=International Preterist Association}}</ref> or wholly in the realm of the symbolic - relegated to the Church only in any future unfolding of prophecy as seen by many Historicists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historicism.com/Haynes/2witness.htm |title=The Meaning of the "Two Witnesses" |accessdate=2007-06-30 |last=Haynes |first=J. L |work=Historicism.com}}</ref>

Views among those who adhere to a literal one-thousand years [[Premillennialism|premillennial]] earthly kingdom (i.e., the millennium is yet future) complicate the Church's participation in the 70th Week of Daniel (i.e., yet future). The three dominant positions among these Premillenarians (be they evangelical,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wheaton.edu/isae/defining_evangelicalism.html |title=Defining Evangelicalism |accessdate=2007-06-30 |year=2005 |month=April |publisher=Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals}}</ref> Catholic<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10307a.htm |title=Millennium and Millenarianism |accessdate=2007-06-30 |year=1911 |work=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref> or Orthodox<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:F7d0BUBkjf4J:www.conservativeonline.org/journals/02_04_journal/1998v2n4_id02.htm+Early+Church+Fathers+Millenarians&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1 |title=The Early Church Fathers and the Foundations of Dispensationalism |accessdate=2007-06-30 |last=Crutchfield |first=Larry V}}</ref> Christians - and for that matter, among other Christian sects)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=21209 |title=Christian Millenarianism/Indiana University Press |accessdate=2007-06-30}}</ref> regarding the final 70th Week of Daniel insofar as the Church's participation concerns are: Pretribulational<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raptureready.com/rr-pretribulation-rapture.html |title=The Pretribulation Rapture |accessdate=2007-08-19 |last=Strandberg |first=Todd |work=Rapture Ready}}</ref> (the Church will rapture<ref>

{{cite web |url=http://www.pre-trib.org/search-results.php?author=3&related=true |title=Other articles by Dr. Thomas Ice |accessdate=2007-08-19 |last=Ice |first=Thomas |year=2003 |publisher=Pre-Trib Research Center}}</ref> at the commencement of the 70th Week of Daniel),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jesus-is-the-way.com/RevOutline.html |title=Outline and Chronology of Endtimes in the Book of Revelation |accessdate=2007-08-19 |date=[[2007]]-[[05-27]]|work=Jesus-is-the-way.com}}</ref> whose commencement is normally announced by the infamous "Treaty of Hell and Death"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gotlinks.com/earticles/articles/107731-your-covenant-with-death___your-agreement-with-hell___the-u_s_-israel-strategic-alliance.html |title=Your Covenant with Death...Your Agreement With Hell...The U.S.-Israel Strategic Alliance |accessdate=2007-08-19 |last=Krieger |first=Doug |date=[[2005]]-[[12-25]]}}</ref> (i.e., the treaty or "defense pact" of the Antichrist with Israel);<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pre-trib.org/pdf/Ice-TheIsraeliElections.pdf |title=The Israeli Elections |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Ice |first=Thomas |format=PDF |work=Pre-trib.org}}</ref> Mid-Tribulational<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nobts.edu/Faculty/ItoR/LemkeSW/Personal/midtribulationism.html |title=The Biblical Case for Mid-Tribulationalism |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Lemke |first=Steve W}} </ref> or "Pre-Wrath"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/athens/forum/5951/prewrath.html |title=A review of the Pre-Wrath rapture of the Church |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Stanton |first=Gerald B}}</ref> (the Church will be raptured in the middle of Daniel's 70th Week - i.e., after approximately three-and-one-half years); and Post-Tribulational<ref name="warner-intro"/> (the Church will be raptured will take place at the end of the 70th Week of Daniel's prophecy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.intergate.com/~subi/linksecc.htm |title=The Return of Jesus Christ |accessdate=2007-08-23}}</ref> just prior to the "wrath of God"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.solagroup.org/articles/faqs/faq_0026.html |title=Are the seals of Revelation 6 the wrath of God? |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Lee-Warner |first=Bill |work=Sola Scriptura}}</ref> or "wrath of the Lamb").<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/worldview_3/2prewrath.html |title=The "Pre-Wrath Rapture Teaching" Evaluated |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Totten |first=Rhett |year=1999 |work=The Second Coming of Christ and Rapture Site}}</ref> Some theologians believe that the two olive branches represent the peace on Earth that the witnesses try to bring to the sinful Earth, and the two lampstands represent the light for Christ that they shine for Christ.

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Post-Tribulational icon Dr. [[Robert H. Gundry]] states in his classic, ''The Church and the Tribulation'',<ref>ISBN 978-0310254010</ref> especially in reference to Post-tribulationalism and the identity of the Two Witnesses - having both the Church and Israel throughout the 70th Week of Daniel's prophecy presents formidable eschatological challenges to wit:

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Post-Tribulational icon Dr. Robert H. Gundry (Westmont College) states in his classic, ''The Church and the Tribulation'',<ref>ISBN 978-0310254010</ref> especially in reference to Post-tribulationalism and the identity of the Two Witnesses - having both the Church and Israel throughout the 70th Week of Daniel's prophecy presents formidable eschatological challenges to wit:

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{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000026.htm#26c |title=Chapter VIII: Tribulation & Judgment |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Shearer |first=S.R |work=The New Antipas Papers |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref> - then "Biblical collaboration" at the mouth of "two witnesses"<ref>Deuteronomy 19:15.</ref> prior to a conviction and ultimate sentence would be mandatory.

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[[David Brog]], former chief counsel and later chief of staff to Senator Arlen Specter, recently highlighted the current support for Israel, among evangelical Christians in his book ''Stand with Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State''.<ref>ISBN 978-1591859062.</ref> Brog's central thesis, both as a Jewish American and as the current Executive Director of the newly-formed Christians United for Israel, is unabashedly pro-Israel,<ref>{{cite news |first=Margot |last=Patterson |title=Evangelicals rally for Israel, warn of Iran threat |url=http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2006c/072806/072806h.php |work=National Catholic Reporter |date=[[2006]]-[[07-28]] |accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> and affirms that evangelical support for Israel should be encouraged by American Jews, as well as provide a forum for evangelical Christians to express their views on Capitol Hill. He is at the helm in galvanizing support for this newly-founded Evangelical-Jewish lobbying organization<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060814/new_christian_zionism |title=Birth Pangs of a New Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Blumenthal |first=Max |date=[[2006]]-[[08-08]] |work=TheNation.com}}</ref> on behalf of Israel. Brog, who is Jewish-not a Christian, has an executive board for Christians United for Israel consisting of prominent evangelicals: [[Michael Little]],<ref name="cufi">{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_executive_board |title=Executive Board |accessdate=2007-08-25 |year=2007 |publisher=Christians United for Israel}}</ref> [[John Hagee]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3323758,00.html |title=A blessing or a curse? American evangelists explained |accessdate=2007-08-25 |last=Benhorin |first=Yitzhak |date=[[2006]]-[[11-05]] |work=Ynetnews.com}}</ref> [[Gary Bauer]],<ref name="cufi"/> and [[George Morrison]]<ref name="cufi"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fbci.org/aboutus/george.html |title=Meet Pastor George |accessdate=2007-08-25 |publisher=Faith Bible Chapel}}</ref> — all [[evangelicals]], and all actively engaged in pro-Israel activities — activities which include "A Night to Honor Israel"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jhm.org/honorisrael.asp |title=A Night To Honor Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |work=John Hagee Ministries}}</ref> held throughout North America, as well as recent involvement<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5193092.stm |title=Evangelical Christians plead for Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Greene |first=Richard Allen |date=[[2006]]-[[07-19]] |work=BBC News}}</ref> in the annual AIPAC gathering in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:tyCLPx6SrFUJ:www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=w050523&s=baer052605+AIPAC+COURTS+EVANGELICALS&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5 |title=Security Measures |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Baer |first=Kenneth |date=[[2005]]-[[05-26]] |work=TNR Online |publisher=The New Republic}}</ref> ([[Jerry Falwell]] was also a member of the executive board of Christians United for Israel until his death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_press_releases#Falwell |title=Dr. Jerry Falwell- A Pioneer of Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Hagee |first=John |date=[[2007]]-[[05-16]] |work=Christians United for Israel}}</ref>) Such support for Israel is vehemently opposed by many on the left and right.

+

David Brog, former chief counsel and later chief of staff to Senator Arlen Specter, recently highlighted the current support for Israel, among evangelical Christians in his book ''Stand with Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State''.<ref>ISBN 978-1591859062.</ref> Brog's central thesis, both as a Jewish American and as the current Executive Director of the newly-formed Christians United for Israel, is unabashedly pro-Israel,<ref>{{cite news |first=Margot |last=Patterson |title=Evangelicals rally for Israel, warn of Iran threat |url=http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2006c/072806/072806h.php |work=National Catholic Reporter |date=[[2006]]-[[07-28]] |accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> and affirms that evangelical support for Israel should be encouraged by American Jews, as well as provide a forum for evangelical Christians to express their views on Capitol Hill. He is at the helm in galvanizing support for this newly-founded Evangelical-Jewish lobbying organization<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060814/new_christian_zionism |title=Birth Pangs of a New Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Blumenthal |first=Max |date=[[2006]]-[[08-08]] |work=TheNation.com}}</ref> on behalf of Israel. Brog, who is Jewish-not a Christian, has an executive board for Christians United for Israel consisting of prominent evangelicals: Michael Little,<ref name="cufi">{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_executive_board |title=Executive Board |accessdate=2007-08-25 |year=2007 |publisher=Christians United for Israel}}</ref> [[John Hagee]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3323758,00.html |title=A blessing or a curse? American evangelists explained |accessdate=2007-08-25 |last=Benhorin |first=Yitzhak |date=[[2006]]-[[11-05]] |work=Ynetnews.com}}</ref> Gary Bauer,<ref name="cufi"/> and George Morrison<ref name="cufi"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fbci.org/aboutus/george.html |title=Meet Pastor George |accessdate=2007-08-25 |publisher=Faith Bible Chapel}}</ref> — all evangelicals, and all actively engaged in pro-Israel activities — activities which include "A Night to Honor Israel"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jhm.org/honorisrael.asp |title=A Night To Honor Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |work=John Hagee Ministries}}</ref> held throughout North America, as well as recent involvement<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5193092.stm |title=Evangelical Christians plead for Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Greene |first=Richard Allen |date=[[2006]]-[[07-19]] |work=BBC News}}</ref> in the annual AIPAC gathering in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:tyCLPx6SrFUJ:www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=w050523&s=baer052605+AIPAC+COURTS+EVANGELICALS&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5 |title=Security Measures |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Baer |first=Kenneth |date=[[2005]]-[[05-26]] |work=TNR Online |publisher=The New Republic}}</ref> ([[Jerry Falwell]] was also a member of the executive board of Christians United for Israel until his death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_press_releases#Falwell |title=Dr. Jerry Falwell- A Pioneer of Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Hagee |first=John |date=[[2007]]-[[05-16]] |work=Christians United for Israel}}</ref>) Such support for Israel is vehemently opposed by many on the left and right.

−

Christian Zionism – a phenomenon commenced in Great Britain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4959.htm |title=Christians and Zion: British stirrings |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Wagner |first=Donald |date=[[2003]]-[[10-09]] |work=The Daily Star |publisher=Information Clearing House}}</ref> in support of the Jewish State and championed by many American evangelical leaders<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mb-soft.com/believe/text/czionism.htm |title=Christian Zionism: Advanced Information |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Rausch |first=D A |year=1997 |month=May |work=Elwell Evangelical Dictionary |publisher=BELIEVE Religious Information Source}}</ref> throughout the past century, sees in Israel's rebirth the fulfillment of Bible prophecy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/06bprint/fp013p.html |title=Mr. Hagee Draws Evangelicals By Arguing Jewish State Fulfills Biblical Prophecy |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=[[2006]]-[[07-27]] |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=JewsOnFirst.org}}</ref> and the countdown to the Second Coming of Christ.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/07/10/MN17001.DTL |title=U.S. Christians find cause to aid Israel: Evangelicals financing immigrants, settlements |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Haas |first=Danielle |date=[[2002]]-[[07-10]] |work=San Francisco Chronicle |pages=A-1}}</ref> The proliferation of evangelical Christian organizations or Jewish organizations reaching out to one another with the common goal of supporting the survival of the nation of Israel in the U.S. and elsewhere includes: [[Bridges for Peace]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/h2n.php?fn=whoarewe.html |title=A Concise Summary of Who We Are |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2006 |publisher=Bridges for Peace}}</ref>; the [[International Fellowship of Christians and Jews]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServer?pagename=endorsements_ministries |title=Churches and Ministries that Support Israel |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |publisher=International Fellowship of Christians and Jews}}</ref>; the [[International Christian Embassy Jerusalem]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icej.org/articles/about_us |title=About Us: Your Embassy in Jerusalem |accessdate=2007-09-09 |publisher=International Christian Embassy Jerusalem}}</ref>; Operation Exodus<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.operation-exodus.org/Operation-Exodus/about_ebenezer |title=About Ebenezer |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |work=Operation Exodus |publisher=Ebenezer Emergency Fund International}}</ref>; Israel Awareness Day<ref>

+

Christian Zionism – a phenomenon commenced in Great Britain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4959.htm |title=Christians and Zion: British stirrings |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Wagner |first=Donald |date=[[2003]]-[[10-09]] |work=The Daily Star |publisher=Information Clearing House}}</ref> in support of the Jewish State and championed by many American evangelical leaders<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mb-soft.com/believe/text/czionism.htm |title=Christian Zionism: Advanced Information |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Rausch |first=D A |year=1997 |month=May |work=Elwell Evangelical Dictionary |publisher=BELIEVE Religious Information Source}}</ref> throughout the past century, sees in Israel's rebirth the fulfillment of Bible prophecy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/06bprint/fp013p.html |title=Mr. Hagee Draws Evangelicals By Arguing Jewish State Fulfills Biblical Prophecy |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=[[2006]]-[[07-27]] |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=JewsOnFirst.org}}</ref> and the countdown to the Second Coming of Christ.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/07/10/MN17001.DTL |title=U.S. Christians find cause to aid Israel: Evangelicals financing immigrants, settlements |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Haas |first=Danielle |date=[[2002]]-[[07-10]] |work=San Francisco Chronicle |pages=A-1}}</ref> The proliferation of evangelical Christian organizations or Jewish organizations reaching out to one another with the common goal of supporting the survival of the nation of Israel in the U.S. and elsewhere includes: Bridges for Peace<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/h2n.php?fn=whoarewe.html |title=A Concise Summary of Who We Are |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2006 |publisher=Bridges for Peace}}</ref>; the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServer?pagename=endorsements_ministries |title=Churches and Ministries that Support Israel |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |publisher=International Fellowship of Christians and Jews}}</ref>; the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icej.org/articles/about_us |title=About Us: Your Embassy in Jerusalem |accessdate=2007-09-09 |publisher=International Christian Embassy Jerusalem}}</ref>; Operation Exodus<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.operation-exodus.org/Operation-Exodus/about_ebenezer |title=About Ebenezer |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |work=Operation Exodus |publisher=Ebenezer Emergency Fund International}}</ref>; Israel Awareness Day<ref>

{{cite web |url=http://www.easy-access.com/Ariel/Autumn96/Aut96-Page4.html |title=Faith Bible Chapel Adopts Ariel |accessdate=2007-12-16 |year=1996 |month=Autumn |work=Shalom Ariel |publisher=Ariel Development Fund |pages=4-5}}</ref> (and their writings<ref name="standing">{{cite book |last=Brog |first=David |title=Standing with Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State |year=2006 |publisher=Frontline |isbn=9781591859062}}</ref> attest as well). Likewise, but with less verbosity are those mainline Christian organizations<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.loveandjustice.org/AlternateVoice/index.htm |title=Alternative Voice to Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |publisher=First Congregational Church}}</ref> and some evangelical leaders<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2717 |title=The Evangelical-Jewish Alliance |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Wagner |first=Donald |date=[[2003]]-[[06-28]] |work=The Christian Century |pages=20-24}}</ref> (along with their writings)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianzionism.org/articlesN.asp |title=Challenging Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |year=2007}}</ref> who oppose the current alliance between Jews and evangelicals in support of Israel and her policies.

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Most evangelical churches and organizations in the USA in support of Israel are Premillenarian<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:jCEzcYlEhh4J:psreview.org/content/view/45/99/+Premillenarian+support+for+Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=12|title=Premillenarian}}</ref> in their [[Weltanschauung]] – with the majority being pretribulational;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:JPO9QHB5P2EJ:www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1746536/posts?page=14+Pre-Trib+and+Pro-Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=4|title=pretribulational;}}</ref> hence, criticism on the part of many Jews that the main purpose of such support for Israel among evangelicals is self-interest and spurious at best,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/christian_zionists.php |title=Christian Zionists: Fundamentalist Christians' support of Israel could blunt Jewish opposition to religious right agenda |accessdate=2007-12-16 |work=Jews On First!}}</ref> and conversionary<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Zionism/christianzionism.html |title=Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Krusch |first=David |year=2007 |work=Jewish Virtual Library |publisher=American-Israeli Cooperative Exchange}}</ref> at worst. Furthermore, some evangelicals propose that the current Evangelical-Jewish alliance in support of Israel will not last and is contrary to Bible prophecy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000140.htm |title=The Religious Right and Israel; A Relationship That Cannot Hold, Part III |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Shearer |first=S.R. |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref>

+

Most evangelical churches and organizations in the USA in support of Israel are Premillenarian<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:jCEzcYlEhh4J:psreview.org/content/view/45/99/+Premillenarian+support+for+Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=12|title=Premillenarian}}</ref> in their ''Weltanschauung'' – with the majority being pretribulational;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:JPO9QHB5P2EJ:www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1746536/posts?page=14+Pre-Trib+and+Pro-Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=4|title=pretribulational;}}</ref> hence, criticism on the part of many Jews that the main purpose of such support for Israel among evangelicals is self-interest and spurious at best,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/christian_zionists.php |title=Christian Zionists: Fundamentalist Christians' support of Israel could blunt Jewish opposition to religious right agenda |accessdate=2007-12-16 |work=Jews On First!}}</ref> and conversionary<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Zionism/christianzionism.html |title=Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Krusch |first=David |year=2007 |work=Jewish Virtual Library |publisher=American-Israeli Cooperative Exchange}}</ref> at worst. Furthermore, some evangelicals propose that the current Evangelical-Jewish alliance in support of Israel will not last and is contrary to Bible prophecy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000140.htm |title=The Religious Right and Israel; A Relationship That Cannot Hold, Part III |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Shearer |first=S.R. |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref>

−

In addition to these suspicions from both Jews and evangelical Christians, there is religious-political angst expressed amongst co-religionists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000243.htm |title=The Neo-Conservatives |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Shearer |first=S. R |date=[[2006]]-[[12-12]] |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref> (Jewish and Christian) who view this Jewish-Christian solidarity on behalf of Israel as a mixture of Church and State and ''ipso facto'' contrary to the American experiment;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1174 |title=Renewing the American Experiment: A Post Election Reflection |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Korten |first=David |date=2004-11-07 |work=Yes! Online}}</ref> especially, as it pertains to [[neoconservatives|neocons]] both within<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.counterpunch.org/green02282004.html |title=Serving Two Flags: Neo-Cons, Israel and the Bush Administration |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Green |first=Stephen |date=2004-02-28 |work=Counterpunch}}</ref> and without<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alternet.org/story/15481/ |title=All in the Neocon Family |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Lobe |first=Jim |date=2003-03-27 |work=AlterNet |publisher=Independent Media Institute}}</ref> the immediate US political administration, who some say are egging the alliance forward to suffice their own socio-political agenda and have little or no spiritual interest in the dynamic. They point out that ~~[[theocon]]s~~ (in particular American Catholics),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=518 |title=RJN: Neocons v. Theocons: The Sequel |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Neuhaus |first=Richard John |date=2006-11-03 |work=First Things: On the Square}}</ref> who are allied with neocons (notwithstanding Jewish suspicions from time to time among the neocons)<ref>{{cite journal |last=Moore |first=Scott H. |year=1998 |month=Winter |title=The End of Convenient Stereotypes: How the ''First Things'' and Baxter Controversies Inaugurate Extraordinary Politics |journal=Pro Ecclesia |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=17–47 |url=http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/essays/Stereotypes.html |accessdate= 2007-12-18}}</ref> are drawing American evangelicals, who affirm they are under "Biblical mandate" to "bless Israel",<ref name="standing"/> into a religio-politico maelstrom<ref>{{cite press release |title=Cliff Potts Releases Theocon Nation: The Unvarnished, Politically Incorrect Truth About the Roots, Threat and Response to the Religious Right Political Movement |date=[[2006]]-[[05-26]] |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb390704.htm |accessdate=2007-12-18}}</ref> which, in the end, will politicize the American Church<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt12.htm |title=Theo-Neo-Paleo Cons: …I saw a woman mounted on a Scarlet-colored Beast (Rev. 17:3 – ASV/the Message: Part XII – The Prophetic Sequence |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Krieger |first=Doug |publisher=The Tribulation Network}}</ref> and compromise her "spiritual mission" and put America into a "crusader" mindset<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.damonlinker.com/ |title=Damon Linker |accessdate=2007-12-24 |last=Linker |first=Damon}}</ref> in defeating [[Islamism|radical Islamists]] and hedonist [[secularism]] in America, rather than fulfilling the [[Great Commission~~|great commission]]~~ of Jesus in the saving of souls for the coming [[Premillennialism|premillenarian]] kingdom, not the [[Kingdom Now theology|"kingdom now"]]. Instead, Theocons are now about galvanizing Evangelicals and Catholics<ref>{{cite news |title=Evangelicals & Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium |url=http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9405/articles/mission.html |work=First Things |pages=15-22 |date=May 1994 |accessdate=2007-12-24}}</ref> in a great crusade against American hedonistic secularization and, interestingly enough, Israel is inadvertently caught up within that dynamic.

+

In addition to these suspicions from both Jews and evangelical Christians, there is religious-political angst expressed amongst co-religionists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000243.htm |title=The Neo-Conservatives |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Shearer |first=S. R |date=[[2006]]-[[12-12]] |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref> (Jewish and Christian) who view this Jewish-Christian solidarity on behalf of Israel as a mixture of Church and State and ''ipso facto'' contrary to the American experiment;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1174 |title=Renewing the American Experiment: A Post Election Reflection |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Korten |first=David |date=2004-11-07 |work=Yes! Online}}</ref> especially, as it pertains to [[neoconservatives|neocons]] both within<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.counterpunch.org/green02282004.html |title=Serving Two Flags: Neo-Cons, Israel and the Bush Administration |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Green |first=Stephen |date=2004-02-28 |work=Counterpunch}}</ref> and without<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alternet.org/story/15481/ |title=All in the Neocon Family |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Lobe |first=Jim |date=2003-03-27 |work=AlterNet |publisher=Independent Media Institute}}</ref> the immediate US political administration, who some say are egging the alliance forward to suffice their own socio-political agenda and have little or no spiritual interest in the dynamic. They point out that ''theocons'' (in particular American Catholics),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=518 |title=RJN: Neocons v. Theocons: The Sequel |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Neuhaus |first=Richard John |date=2006-11-03 |work=First Things: On the Square}}</ref> who are allied with neocons (notwithstanding Jewish suspicions from time to time among the neocons)<ref>{{cite journal |last=Moore |first=Scott H. |year=1998 |month=Winter |title=The End of Convenient Stereotypes: How the ''First Things'' and Baxter Controversies Inaugurate Extraordinary Politics |journal=Pro Ecclesia |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=17–47 |url=http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/essays/Stereotypes.html |accessdate= 2007-12-18}}</ref> are drawing American evangelicals, who affirm they are under "Biblical mandate" to "bless Israel",<ref name="standing"/> into a religio-politico maelstrom<ref>{{cite press release |title=Cliff Potts Releases Theocon Nation: The Unvarnished, Politically Incorrect Truth About the Roots, Threat and Response to the Religious Right Political Movement |date=[[2006]]-[[05-26]] |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb390704.htm |accessdate=2007-12-18}}</ref> which, in the end, will politicize the American Church<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt12.htm |title=Theo-Neo-Paleo Cons: …I saw a woman mounted on a Scarlet-colored Beast (Rev. 17:3 – ASV/the Message: Part XII – The Prophetic Sequence |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Krieger |first=Doug |publisher=The Tribulation Network}}</ref> and compromise her "spiritual mission" and put America into a "crusader" mindset<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.damonlinker.com/ |title=Damon Linker |accessdate=2007-12-24 |last=Linker |first=Damon}}</ref> in defeating [[Islamism|radical Islamists]] and hedonist [[secularism]] in America, rather than fulfilling the ''Great Commission'' of Jesus in the saving of souls for the coming [[Premillennialism|premillenarian]] kingdom, not the [[Kingdom Now theology|"kingdom now"]]. Instead, Theocons are now about galvanizing Evangelicals and Catholics<ref>{{cite news |title=Evangelicals & Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium |url=http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9405/articles/mission.html |work=First Things |pages=15-22 |date=May 1994 |accessdate=2007-12-24}}</ref> in a great crusade against American hedonistic secularization and, interestingly enough, Israel is inadvertently caught up within that dynamic.

==Exegetical considerations==

Line 41: Line 38:

In attempting to [[Biblical exegesis|exegete]] Revelation 11 commentators who hold to a Premillenarian eschatology generally fall into three areas of interpretation in the identification of the Two Witnesses: (1) The Two Witnesses are individuals either manifested in some form of reincarnation; or “in the spirit” of Biblical prophets who once appeared in Bible history; or simply as two individuals newly arrived on the earth; (2) the Two Witnesses are corporate in nature (human) standing for the Church only or for Israel only; or both Israel and the Church; or for both Jewish and Gentiles believers in Jesus; and (3) the Two Witnesses express Biblical concepts (i.e., the Old and New Testaments; the Law and the Prophets; Mercy and Grace).

−

Their chronological order aside, the purpose and destiny of the Two Witnesses is to decry the reign of the ~~[[The Beast (Bible)|~~Antichrist-Beast]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribulation.com/beast.htm |title=The Dragon and Two Beasts of Revelation |accessdate=2007-08-26 |date=[[2006-09-21]] |work=Tribulation.com |publisher=Atlantis Station}}</ref> and to attest against that “Great City”—[[Whore of Babylon|Babylon the Great]]. Likewise, in that they are called to “prophesy” and wear “sackcloth”<ref>{{bibleverse||Revelation|11:3|141}}</ref> (a Biblical designation of a “call to repentance”) they assuredly are at the nexus of announcing the “gospel of the kingdom.”<ref>{{bibleverse||Matthew|24:14|141}}</ref>

+

Their chronological order aside, the purpose and destiny of the Two Witnesses is to decry the reign of the Antichrist-Beast,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribulation.com/beast.htm |title=The Dragon and Two Beasts of Revelation |accessdate=2007-08-26 |date=[[2006-09-21]] |work=Tribulation.com |publisher=Atlantis Station}}</ref> and to attest against that “Great City”— (or Whore of Babylon, Babylon the Great. Likewise, in that they are called to “prophesy” and wear “sackcloth”<ref>{{bibleverse||Revelation|11:3|141}}</ref> (a Biblical designation of a “call to repentance”) they assuredly are at the nexus of announcing the “gospel of the kingdom.”<ref>{{bibleverse||Matthew|24:14|141}}</ref>

John's Apocalypse (i.e., The Revelation of Jesus Christ) is considered by most Christian theologians to be the apostolic writings which incorporate more Hebrew (i.e., Old Testament) Scriptures into the text than any other book of the New Testament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=1171 |title=Premillennialism in the Old Testament (Part 1) |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Fruchtenbaum |first=Arnold G. |date=[[2006-10-26]] |work=Believer's Web}}</ref> The images, symbolism, and allegorical language used throughout the Revelation are impossible to fathom or interpret without a fairly comprehensive knowledge of the original "Testament".

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Thus, John's representation of the prophet is now “transferred” to the prophetic ministry of the Two Witnesses. The disclosure that these Two Witnesses (the Greek word for witness is ''martus'' (μαρτυς), which is also translated as "martyr"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/FRMSTRGRK31.htm#S3144 |title=King James Bible Strong's Greek Dictionary |accessdate=2007-12-24}}</ref>) foretells their ultimate destiny. Furthermore, they are immediately identified as: "These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth" (Revelation 11:4).

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Those embracing Israel and the Church as the Two Witnesses identify the number "two"<ref>{{cite book |last=Bullinger |first=E. W. |title=Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance |origyear=1921 |url=http://philologos.org/__eb-nis/two.htm |accessdate=2007-12-24 |edition=4th ed. rev. |year=2001 |publisher=Eyre & Spottiswoode (Bible Warehouse) |location=London}}</ref> connoting the “witness of Israel”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://christianactionforisrael.org/witness/witness.html |title=Witness to the Nations |accessdate=2007-12-25 |publisher=Christian Action for Israel}}</ref> to the gentile nations during the [[Prophecy of Seventy Weeks|~~70th Week of~~ Daniel~~'s prophecy]]~~; as well as the fact that the "olive tree"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.levitt.com/essays/olivetree.html |title=What is the Olive Tree? |accessdate=2007-12-25 |last=McCall |first=Thomas S. |year=2001 |month=March |work=Levitt Letter |publisher=Zola Levitt Ministries}}</ref> in the Scripture signifies Israel. The "witness of the Church" is signified by the "two lampstands"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.restoringthevision.com/Ch11RtheV.htm |title=Restoring the Vision of the End Times Church |accessdate=2007-12-25 |last=Kuenzi |first=Vernon L. |year=2001}}</ref> whose identity was disclosed by the “seven golden lampstands” (i.e., candlesticks) revealed in Revelation 2-3 as the “churches.”

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Those embracing Israel and the Church as the Two Witnesses identify the number "two"<ref>{{cite book |last=Bullinger |first=E. W. |title=Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance |origyear=1921 |url=http://philologos.org/__eb-nis/two.htm |accessdate=2007-12-24 |edition=4th ed. rev. |year=2001 |publisher=Eyre & Spottiswoode (Bible Warehouse) |location=London}}</ref> connoting the “witness of Israel”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://christianactionforisrael.org/witness/witness.html |title=Witness to the Nations |accessdate=2007-12-25 |publisher=Christian Action for Israel}}</ref> to the gentile nations during the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks{{bibleverse||Daniel|9:24-27|NKJV}}; as well as the fact that the "olive tree"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.levitt.com/essays/olivetree.html |title=What is the Olive Tree? |accessdate=2007-12-25 |last=McCall |first=Thomas S. |year=2001 |month=March |work=Levitt Letter |publisher=Zola Levitt Ministries}}</ref> in the Scripture signifies Israel. The "witness of the Church" is signified by the "two lampstands"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.restoringthevision.com/Ch11RtheV.htm |title=Restoring the Vision of the End Times Church |accessdate=2007-12-25 |last=Kuenzi |first=Vernon L. |year=2001}}</ref> whose identity was disclosed by the “seven golden lampstands” (i.e., candlesticks) revealed in Revelation 2-3 as the “churches.”

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Furthermore, this imagery clearly harkens back to Zechariah 4 and the “two sons of oil” or “two olive trees” who astride the “golden lamp stand” seen by [[Zechariah]] the prophet.<ref>Zechariah 4:2-4, 11-14.</ref> [[Zerubbabel]], the governor, and [[Joshua the High Priest]] (the kingship and the priesthood) are seen by the Almighty wholly empowered for the rebuilding of the ~~[[Temple in Jerusalem|~~Jewish temple in Jerusalem]] after its destruction under [[Nebuchadrezzar II|King Nebuchadnezzar II]]: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”<ref>Zechariah 4:6.</ref>

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Furthermore, this imagery clearly harkens back to Zechariah 4 and the “two sons of oil” or “two olive trees” who astride the “golden lamp stand” seen by [[Zechariah]] the prophet.<ref>Zechariah 4:2-4, 11-14.</ref> Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua the High Priest (the kingship and the priesthood) are seen by the Almighty wholly empowered for the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem or ''Third Temple'' after its destruction under [[Nebuchadrezzar II|King Nebuchadnezzar II]]: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”<ref>Zechariah 4:6.</ref>

Extending Zechariah's vision to the Revelation, John sees in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands, “one like unto the Son of Man.” Therefore, as Zechariah's vision saw the “kingship and the priesthood” on either side of the “universal lamp stand” – even so, that prophetic illumination is seen in the Revelation as the Son of Man, the “spirit of prophecy” disseminating light and life to the churches as the present “work of God” – as the work of the Almighty was expressed in Zechariah 4 – the work of God is expressed in Revelation 1 and confirmed by the bringing together in testimony and witness the ministry of the prophet; thus, is Christ's work as “prophet, priest, and king”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:LKLx-OjNTEkJ:www.modernreformation.org/kr95triple.htm+Zechariah+4+-+Christ+is+Prophet,+Priest,+and+King&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2|title=king"}}</ref> fully declared through the Two Witnesses.

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Those<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/articles/individualism_and_the_american_church.htm |title=Individualism and the American Church ... How American Culture Distorts our Perception of the Church |accessdate=2007-12-27 |last=Shearer |first=Douglas R. |date=1993-06-29 |work=The Tribulation Network}}</ref> adhering to a corporate expression of the Two Witnesses point out that “Reformational Christianity”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thebigpicture.homestead.com/files/CHRISTIANITYANDCULTURE.html |title=Christianity and Culture: The Case for Reformational Cultural Activism |accessdate=2007-12-27 |last=Strauss |first=Gideon |date=1992-10-02}}</ref> has distorted our perception (especially in America) of one's identity. By this is meant that the [[Age of Enlightenment|Enlightenment]] and [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] laid stress upon one's “individualism” (i.e., salvation is a “personal encounter with Christ” and not a salvivic experience through one's identity with the Church—“saved in the Church”). It is this identification with the individual juxtaposed to one's personhood reflected in the collective group that misses the spiritual dimension of Revelation 11 (i.e., “in Christ” or “in Adam” connotes corporate identification).<ref>1 Corinthians 15:22.</ref>

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Once they “finish their testimony” the unveiling, and first mention in the Revelation of the [[The Beast ~~(Bible)|beast]]~~ who ascends out of the ~~[[Abyss (religion)|~~bottomless pit]], is made. They pay the uttermost price for their testimony: “the beast . . . will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them” (Rev. 11:7). The word used for ''war'' in the Greek connotes a major conflagration, not a skirmish or interpersonal struggle; thereby drawing attention to the corporate nature of the conflict between the beast and the Two Witnesses; for the beast would not make ''war'' against two individuals (Greek: ''polemos'' - see Strong's Greek 4171).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/FRMSTRGRK41.htm|title=4171).}}</ref>

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Once they “finish their testimony” the unveiling, and first mention in the Revelation of the ''The Beast'' who ascends out of the ''bottomless pit'', is made. They pay the uttermost price for their testimony: “the beast . . . will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them” (Rev. 11:7). The word used for ''war'' in the Greek connotes a major conflagration, not a skirmish or interpersonal struggle; thereby drawing attention to the corporate nature of the conflict between the beast and the Two Witnesses; for the beast would not make ''war'' against two individuals (Greek: ''polemos'' - see Strong's Greek 4171).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/FRMSTRGRK41.htm|title=4171).}}</ref>

Then their “body” (the Greek singular is used: ''ptoma''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/STRGRK44.htm#S4430|title=''ptoma''}}</ref> -meaning ''corpes'') lies exposed in the “street of the great city” which is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” (vs. 8). To illustrate that this city is the “great city” juxtaposed to the “holy city” – and not Jerusalem – the ''Spirit Filled Life Bible'' footnote affirms these witnesses face off with the worldly system, the great city, headed up by the beast:

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This argument is reinforced by Rev. 11:8 pointedly stating that the great city is “spiritually” or “allegorically” called Sodom and Egypt—and Jerusalem is never mentioned in the text; however, many commentators do not see a problem in this—because the phrase “where also our Lord was crucified” must mean Jerusalem; for Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem. Others counter—Jesus was crucified “outside the camp”<ref>Hebrews 13:13.</ref>– “outside the gate”<ref>Hebrews 13:12.</ref> (not in Jerusalem proper) by the Romans (gentiles) and this Revelation passage appears to back this notion of the “great city” doing the work of crucifixion.

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~~[[Post Tribulation Rapture|~~Posttribulationists]],<ref>{{Citation |last=Willems |first=Arthur G. |title =Book Review: The Church and the Tribulation |newspaper=Direction |pages=34–35 |date=April 1976 |url=http://www.directionjournal.org/article/?202}}</ref> who see this dual witness of Israel and the Church (in counterdistinction to premillenarian-pretribulationists who accuse these posttribulationists of “blurring” the traditional dispensational distinctions of Israel and the Church),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ldolphin.org/progdispen.html |title=A Proper Biblical D.I.E.T. |accessdate=2007-12-27 |last=McCall |first=Tom |coauthors=Zola Levitt |year=2000 |month=February |work=Levitt Letter}}</ref> likewise adhere to the 3 ½ days of “their body” exposed to the “open persecution” ("their body lies in the street of the great city"; i.e., the 42 months aforementioned in Revelation 11:2) as the final three-and-one-half years of [[Prophecy of Seventy Weeks|Daniel's ~~70th Week]]~~ and that the days mentioned here are years (i.e., the 70th Week represents seven years and 3 ½ days represents 1,260 days, 42 months, 3 ½ years, or time, times, and half a time)(~~see [[~~Day-year principle]]).

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Posttribulationists,<ref>{{Citation |last=Willems |first=Arthur G. |title =Book Review: The Church and the Tribulation |newspaper=Direction |pages=34–35 |date=April 1976 |url=http://www.directionjournal.org/article/?202}}</ref> who see this dual witness of Israel and the Church (in counterdistinction to premillenarian-pretribulationists who accuse these posttribulationists of “blurring” the traditional dispensational distinctions of Israel and the Church),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ldolphin.org/progdispen.html |title=A Proper Biblical D.I.E.T. |accessdate=2007-12-27 |last=McCall |first=Tom |coauthors=Zola Levitt |year=2000 |month=February |work=Levitt Letter}}</ref> likewise adhere to the 3 ½ days of “their body” exposed to the “open persecution” ("their body lies in the street of the great city"; i.e., the 42 months aforementioned in Revelation 11:2) as the final three-and-one-half years of Prophecy of Seventy Weeks of Daniel's Prophecy and that the days mentioned here are years (i.e., the 70th Week represents seven years and 3 ½ days represents 1,260 days, 42 months, 3 ½ years, or time, times, and half a time)(See: 2300 Days or Day-year principle).

Therefore, it is at the very close of the 70th Week of Daniel's prophecy that the Two Witnesses are resurrected—there is no secret rapture (i.e., they are seen by all the inhabitants of the earth; Rev. 11:11)—a loud voice is heard from heaven calling all the “righteous dead” in the resurrection and those that are “alive and survive” the great tribulation are, as Paul proclaims: “The dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and ''remain'' (Grk. ''perileipo'' meaning ''survive'' - Strong's Greek: 4035).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/STRGRK40.htm|title=4035).}}</ref> shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

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Once again, it must be pointed out that Historicists see this 1,260-day period as 1,260 years and believe it is the time of the Papacy's<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldmag.org/literature/proph_38.htm |title=The Man of Sin |accessdate=2007-12-31}}</ref> “rule and reign” as the antichrist system between A.D. 538 and 1798 (i.e., from the time the Roman Church was recognized as the “civil authority” until the time of [[Napoleon]]'s imprisoning of [[Pope Pius VI]] and his death in 1798).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12131a.htm |title=Pope Pius VI |accessdate=2007-12-31 |last=Ott |first=Michael T. |year=1911 |work=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref>

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Once again, it must be pointed out that Historicists see this 1,260-day period as 1,260 years and believe it is the time of the Papacy's<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldmag.org/literature/proph_38.htm |title=The Man of Sin |accessdate=2007-12-31}}</ref> “rule and reign” as the antichrist system between A.D. 538 and 1798 (i.e., from the time the Roman Church was recognized as the “civil authority” until the time of [[Napoleon]]'s imprisoning of Pope Pius VI and his death in 1798).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12131a.htm |title=Pope Pius VI |accessdate=2007-12-31 |last=Ott |first=Michael T. |year=1911 |work=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref>

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The subsequent passages in Revelation 11:13-19 are interpreted by Post-tribulationists as confirmation that the pouring out of the “wrath of God” (i.e., after the resurrection and rapture) is seen "in the same hour" (Revelation 11:13). Immediately, Messiah's descending from the heavens to establish His earthly kingdom and the famous sounds of ~~[[Messiah (Handel)|~~Handel's Messiah]], and of John's prophetic testimony, are heard:

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The subsequent passages in Revelation 11:13-19 are interpreted by Post-tribulationists as confirmation that the pouring out of the “wrath of God” (i.e., after the resurrection and rapture) is seen "in the same hour" (Revelation 11:13). Immediately, Messiah's descending from the heavens to establish His earthly kingdom and the famous sounds of Handel's Messiah, and of John's prophetic testimony, are heard:

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===Church or concepts===

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Evangelical [[postmillennialism]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pre-trib.org/pdf/Ice-WhatisPostmillennial.pdf |title=What Is Postmillenialism? Tom's Perspectives |accessdate=2007-12-31 |last=Ice |first=Thomas |format=PDF}}</ref> as well as St. Augustine's [[amillennialism]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://persweb.wabash.edu/facstaff/royaltyr/augustine.htm |title=Augustine and the Millennium |accessdate=2007-12-31 |last=Hutchinson |first=John M.}}</ref> accord future roles for the Two Witnesses in their commentaries; however, those roles are wholly symbolic of the Church's singular witness to the world. As Amillenarian Tony Warren declares:

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Evangelical [[postmillennialism]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pre-trib.org/pdf/Ice-WhatisPostmillennial.pdf |title=What Is Postmillenialism? Tom's Perspectives |accessdate=2007-12-31 |last=Ice |first=Thomas |format=PDF}}</ref> as well as St. Augustine's amillennialism,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://persweb.wabash.edu/facstaff/royaltyr/augustine.htm |title=Augustine and the Millennium |accessdate=2007-12-31 |last=Hutchinson |first=John M.}}</ref> accord future roles for the Two Witnesses in their commentaries; however, those roles are wholly symbolic of the Church's singular witness to the world. As Amillenarian Tony Warren declares:

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</blockquote>

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~~[[John Gill (theologian)|~~John Gill's]] Exposition of the Bible<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/gil.cgi?book=re&chapter=011&verse=003&next=004&prev=002|title=Bible}}</ref> presents a classical Protestant Historicist interpretation of the two witnesses as the true Church in ~~counterdistinction~~ to the antichrist system of Roman Catholicism:

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John Gill's ''Exposition of the Bible''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/gil.cgi?book=re&chapter=011&verse=003&next=004&prev=002|title=Bible}}</ref> presents a classical Protestant Historicist interpretation of the two witnesses as the true Church in counter distinction to the ''antichrist'' system of Roman Catholicism:

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===An Amillennial Exposition of Revelation 11:1-13===

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An [[Amillennial]] exposition of Revelation 11:1-13 is available at this link.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/files/show_article.php?id=153 |title=Nollie Malabuyo, "The Two Faithful Witnesses" |date=[[2005]]-[[03-22]] |work=TwoAgesPilgrims.com}}</ref> You can also read an exegesis of the passage in [http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/files/show_article.php?id=157/ "Will Moses and Elijah Come Back? The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11:1-13"]

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An Amillennial exposition of Revelation 11:1-13 is available at this link.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/files/show_article.php?id=153 |title=Nollie Malabuyo, "The Two Faithful Witnesses" |date=[[2005]]-[[03-22]] |work=TwoAgesPilgrims.com}}</ref> You can also read an exegesis of the passage in [http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/files/show_article.php?id=157/ "Will Moses and Elijah Come Back? The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11:1-13"]

===Individuals===

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</blockquote>

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[[J. ~~Dwight Pentecost|~~Dwight Pentecost's]] ''Things to Come'' (also of dispensationalist [[Dallas Theological Seminary]]) concludes:

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J. Dwight Pentecost's ''Things to Come'' (also of dispensationalist - Dallas Theological Seminary) concludes:

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The "great city" mentioned in Revelation 11 is not the great city found elsewhere in the Revelation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Bible.show/sVerseID/30881/eVerseID/30881 |title=Forerunner Commentary |accessdate=2008-01-27 |last=Ritenbaugh |first=John W. |year=2008 |work=BibleTools |publisher=Church of the Great God}}</ref>; and the "holy city" trampled under foot is physical Jerusalem,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn32/jerusalem.htm |title=Jerusalem: Focus of Biblical Prophecy |accessdate=2008-01-27 |last=McNeely |first=Darris |year=2001 |month=January/February |work=The Good News |publisher=United Church of God}}</ref> not the two witnesses. Likewise, the "temple" which is measured is the physical rebuilt temple<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raptureready.com/featured/price/7rp.html |title=An Overview of the Future Temples |accessdate=2008-01-27 |last=Price |first=Randall |work=Rapture Ready}}</ref> in Jerusalem, not the two witnesses.

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The late [[John Walvoord]], president of [[Dallas Theological Seminary]], in his ''Every Prophecy of the Bible''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armageddonbooks.com/walvoord.html|title=''Every Prophecy of the Bible''}}</ref> repeats the classical dispensational, pre-tribulational, literalist interpretation of the two witnesses . . . excerpts from his text:

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The late Dr. John Walvoord, president of Dallas Theological Seminary, in his ''Every Prophecy of the Bible''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armageddonbooks.com/walvoord.html|title=''Every Prophecy of the Bible''}}</ref> repeats the classical dispensational, pre-tribulational, literalist interpretation of the two witnesses . . . excerpts from his text:

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</blockquote>

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Some claim that the two are "Jewish evangelists" who "evangelize Israel" while the [[144000 ~~(number)|144,000]]~~ of Revelation 7 "evangelize the rest of the world" during the 70th Week of Daniel.

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Some claim that the two are "Jewish evangelists" who "evangelize Israel" while the 144000 of Revelation 7 "evangelize the rest of the world" during the 70th Week of Daniel.

Who are they? We're not told, so we can't be certain, yet we know that . . . - ''Witness'' in Greek is ''martus'' (''martyr''). In Rev. 12:11 OT Israeli allusions are used, not NT Church figures like Peter or Paul. These two evangelize Israel; while the 144,000 evangelize the rest of the world! They possibly represent the OT Law and Prophets (Matt 22:36-40). Possibly Elijah (Representing the Prophets). Possibly Moses (Representing the Law).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soulcare.org/Bible%20Studies/Revelation/Revelation11_Witnesses.htm |title=Revelation 11 Consequences of Christ: The Two Witnesses Mercy-Grace |accessdate=2007-12-25 |last=Galloway |first=Sid |date=2001-03-18 |work=The Bible: One Bite at a Time}}</ref></blockquote>

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The [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] teaches that the Two Witnesses will be [[Enoch]] and [[Elias]] (the two individuals who entered bodily into heaven), who will be sent back to earth to preach during the Great Tribulation, and they will be the last [[martyr]]s before the [[Second Coming]].

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The [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] teaches that the Two Witnesses will be [[Enoch]] and Elias (the two individuals who entered bodily into heaven), who will be sent back to earth to preach during the Great Tribulation, and they will be the last [[martyr]]s before the [[Second Coming]].

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Biblical literalists have incorporated the developments in [[electronic communications]] systems with the interpretations of the scripture: "And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves" (Revelation 11:9). During the close of the nineteenth century, [[Ethelbert William Bullinger]] indicated electronics inventiveness would facilitate the literal fulfillment of this prophecy through the following statement and its footnote:<ref>Bullinger, E. W. (1984). ''Commentary on Revelation'' [[p. 365]]. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications. ISBN 0-8254-2289-2. According to the [[printers key]], the second printing of this work was in 1889.</ref>

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Biblical literalists have incorporated the developments in electronic communications systems with the interpretations of the scripture: "And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves" (Revelation 11:9). During the close of the nineteenth century, Ethelbert William Bullinger indicated electronics inventiveness would facilitate the literal fulfillment of this prophecy through the following statement and its footnote:<ref>Bullinger, E. W. (1984). ''Commentary on Revelation'' [[p. 365]]. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications. ISBN 0-8254-2289-2. According to the [[printers key]], the second printing of this work was in 1889.</ref>

:The older commentators might have felt a difficulty in understanding how the whole earth could rejoice at an event happening at Jerusalem. But in these days of electric inventions, telephones, and wireless telegraphy, we all know how the next day the whole world sympathises and rejoices together.

::Witness the death of Queen Victoria; the murder of President M’Kinley; or the American Yacht Race – all the stages of the latter were known the world over within a few minutes of the passing events.

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During the 1930s, when [[television]] became commercially available, Knoch stated that invention merely needed to be developed further for the literal fulfillment of the above scripture.<ref>Knoch, A. E. (1935). ''The Unveiling of Jesus Christ'' [p. 319]. Saugus, CA: Concordant Publishing Concern.</ref> Two years after the launch of [[Sputnik]], Bloomfield said the events of Revelation 11:9 would be covered by “some kind of television.”<ref> Bloomfield, A. E. (2002). ''The Key to Understanding Revelation'' [p.200]. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. ISBN 0-7642-2593-6. Originally published 1959</ref> In 1962, the first satellite to relay a television signal from Europe to North America was [[Telstar]]. [[Hal Lindsey]] referred to that specific communication system in his explanation.<ref>Lindsey, H. (1977). ''There’s A New World Coming'' [p. 151]. New York, NY: Bantam Books, Incorporated. ISBN 0-553-10832-8. Originally published by Vision House Publishers in 1973.</ref> By 1999, [[John F. Walvoord]],<ref>Walvoord, J. F. (1999). ''Every Prophecy of the Bible'' [p. 574]. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Publishing. ISBN 1-56476-758-2. Formerly titled ''The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook'' (1990).</ref> [[Tim LaHaye]],<ref>LaHaye, T. F. (1999). ''Revelation Unveiled'' [p. 188]. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN 0-310-23005-5.</ref> and [[Grant Jeffrey]],<ref>Jeffrey, G. R. (1999). ''The Signature of God The Handwriting of God'' [p. 194]. New York, NY: Inspirational Press. ISBN 0-88486-255-0.</ref> leading proponents of the literalist view and authors of best sellers, had explained Revelation 11:9 in terms of literal fulfillments through some form of worldwide [[satellite television]] system.

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During the 1930s, when [[television]] became commercially available, Knoch stated that invention merely needed to be developed further for the literal fulfillment of the above scripture.<ref>Knoch, A. E. (1935). ''The Unveiling of Jesus Christ'' [p. 319]. Saugus, CA: Concordant Publishing Concern.</ref> Two years after the launch of [[Sputnik]], Bloomfield said the events of Revelation 11:9 would be covered by “some kind of television.”<ref> Bloomfield, A. E. (2002). ''The Key to Understanding Revelation'' [p.200]. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. ISBN 0-7642-2593-6. Originally published 1959</ref> In 1962, the first satellite to relay a television signal from Europe to North America was Telstar. [[Hal Lindsey]] referred to that specific communication system in his explanation.<ref>Lindsey, H. (1977). ''There’s A New World Coming'' [p. 151]. New York, NY: Bantam Books, Incorporated. ISBN 0-553-10832-8. Originally published by Vision House Publishers in 1973.</ref> By 1999, John F. Walvoord,<ref>Walvoord, J. F. (1999). ''Every Prophecy of the Bible'' [p. 574]. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Publishing. ISBN 1-56476-758-2. Formerly titled ''The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook'' (1990).</ref> Tim LaHaye,<ref>LaHaye, T. F. (1999). ''Revelation Unveiled'' [p. 188]. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN 0-310-23005-5.</ref> and Grant Jeffrey,<ref>Jeffrey, G. R. (1999). ''The Signature of God The Handwriting of God'' [p. 194]. New York, NY: Inspirational Press. ISBN 0-88486-255-0.</ref> leading proponents of the literalist view and authors of best sellers, had explained Revelation 11:9 in terms of literal fulfillments through some form of worldwide satellite television system.

Finally, perhaps they are archangels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/sbs777/snotes/note1204.html |title=The Two Witnesses |accessdate=2007-12-25 |last=Loughran |first=David B |year=1999 |work=Sermon Notes |publisher=Stewarton Bible School}}</ref>

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*Post Tribulation Rapture - This doctrine holds that there is a Resurrection-Rapture of living believers in Jesus Christ at the end of the age (or the "End times"). Posttribulationists believe that Christians will not be taken up into Heaven at the rapture, but will gathered by the angels to meet Christ in the air, then return with him to enter the millennium on earth.

*Prewrath Rapture - The Prewrath View (also known as Mid Tribulation Raptureplaces the rapture of the Church after the mid-point of a yet future 70th Week of Daniel--i.e., after the "abomination of desolation" - also holds that a side-by-side comparison of the wording of the sixth seal (Revelation 6:12-13) and the signs in Matthew 24:29 that announce the Second Coming of Jesus and the rapture of the Church indicate that they are the same event. Therefore, the rapture described in Matthew 24:29-31 can be placed after the sixth seal of Revelation.

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*[[Thomas Ice]] and the Pre Tribulation Rapture - A Dispensational-Premillennarian eschatology which affirms that the believing Church will be raptured prior to the 70th Week of Daniel (i.e., before the "tribulation" or the final seven-years of this age); likewise, this eschatology sees the coming Antichrist as a real person energized by Satan who will implement a "defense pact" or "peace treaty" with Israel at the commencement of Daniel's 70th Week. Thomas Ice of the Pre-trib Research Center is an avowed proponent of this eschatology.

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*Thomas Ice and the Pre Tribulation Rapture - A Dispensational-Premillennarian eschatology which affirms that the believing Church will be raptured prior to the 70th Week of Daniel (i.e., before the "tribulation" or the final seven-years of this age); likewise, this eschatology sees the coming Antichrist as a real person energized by Satan who will implement a "defense pact" or "peace treaty" with Israel at the commencement of Daniel's 70th Week. Thomas Ice of the Pre-trib Research Center is an avowed proponent of this eschatology.

*Dispensationalism - In Christian theology, Dispensationalism teaches biblical history as a number of successive economies or administrations, called dispensations, each of which emphasizes the continuity of the Old Testament covenants God made with His chosen people through Abraham, Moses and King David.

*Hyperdispensationalism - Hyperdispensationalism (or sometimes ultra-dispensationalism), as opposed to traditional (or mainstream) Dispensationalism, views the start of the Christian church as beginning with the ministry of the Apostle Paul after the early part of the book of Acts. Hyperdispensationalists regard the failure of the post-Apostolic church to preserve the Pauline Distinctive as a cause of the Great Apostasy and as a mistake of the 19th Century Restoration Movement. Hyperdispensationalists regard what they understand to be the recovery of true Pauline Christianity as the crowning achievement of events that began with the Protestant Reformation.

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*[[Genesis|Genesis 37, 39-50]]

*[[Book of Daniel|Daniel 7-12]]

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*~~[[Book of~~ Zechariah|~~Zechariah~~ 3~~, 4, 5, 6,~~ 7, 10~~, 11, 12, 13,~~ 14]]

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*{{bibleverse||Zechariah|3-7|NKJV}} and {{bibleverse||Zechariah|10-14|NKJV}}

*[[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew 24]]

*[[Gospel of Luke|Luke 17:20-37; 21]]

*[[Epistle to the Romans|Romans 9-11]]

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*[[I Corinthians|~~I Corinthians~~ 15:50-58]]

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*{{bibleverse|I|Corinthians|15:50-58|NKJV}}

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*~~[[First Epistle to the Thessalonians~~|I Thessalonians 4:13-5:~~11]]~~

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*{{bibleverse|I|Thessalonians|4:13-5:15|NKJV}}

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*~~[[Second Epistle to the Thessalonians~~|II Thessalonians 2:1-12]]

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*{{bibleverse|II|Thessalonians|2:1-12|NKJV}}

===Suggested book list===

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