啓示錄 11 章 Revelations 11
- 馬克牧師
- Jul 11
- 11 min read
各位弟兄姊妹平安，這一講我們要來默想的是《啟示錄》第11章的經文。
這一章的內容，其實是《啟示錄》裡比較難以完全解釋清楚的一段。它涉及很多象徵、圖像與可能的歷史背景，因此聖經學者之間有不少不同的詮釋，也難免落入一些猜測與推論。
但有一件很值得注意的事，就是——約翰在這裡寫的，語氣上不像是預告將來會發生的預言，而比較像是在記錄曾經發生過的事情。他使用的是過去式，而不是將來式。
所以我們會看到，他像是在回顧、描述一段已經發生的經歷，而不是僅僅在預言未來。
那麼，在第七位天使吹號之前，這段記錄中發生了什麼呢？
首先，我們聽見有聲音對他說，要去量神的殿、祭壇，並殿中敬拜的人。但有個特別的提醒——「殿外的院子不要量」，因為那是留給外邦人的。他們要踐踏聖城，共42個月。
這裡「42個月」是一個很關鍵的時間單位。它等於三年半，也就是1260天。這個數字不只出現在第11章，還會出現在第12章——那裡說「一載兩載半載」，也是三年半的意思。
那麼問題來了——為什麼總是「三年半」？「三年半」這個時間，其實不只是個數字，它在猶太人的歷史記憶中，代表了一段極為黑暗、痛苦的時期。
在主前二世紀，猶太人曾經經歷過一場極大的迫害。當時的敘利亞王——安提阿哥四世（Antiochus Epiphanes）——對猶太人展開了殘酷的鎮壓。他強迫猶太人改變信仰、褻瀆聖殿，甚至在聖殿中獻上不潔之物，褻瀆耶和華的名。
這段迫害持續的時間，就是三年半。
對猶太人來說，這段歷史是極為深刻的創傷，也是一種集體的記憶。他們把「三年半」視為邪惡掌權的時代，一個神子民被踐踏的時期。
但故事沒有停在黑暗中。
後來，有一位猶太勇士——猶大·馬加比（Judah Maccabee）起來帶領反抗軍，成功推翻了安提阿哥的統治，潔淨了聖殿，恢復了敬拜。這段歷史後來也記錄在《馬加比書》中，成為猶太民族歷史上的一段榮耀記憶。
所以當約翰在《啟示錄》中使用「三年半」這個時間單位時，對當時的讀者來說，這不只是個計算時間的方式，而是一種象徵——象徵著：神的子民雖然會在苦難中受壓，但最終神會伸手拯救，審判邪惡，帶來勝利。
接下來，《啟示錄》第11章裡出現了兩位「見證人」。
這段經文有很多不同的解釋。有些人認為，這是指具體的歷史人物，也就是「實際的人物」；但也有學者認為，這是一種象徵性的描述，屬於「寓言化」的詮釋方式。
到底這兩位見證人是誰？
有一種解釋認為，他們代表的是「舊約」與「新約」，象徵上帝所賜下的律法與福音，兩個見證共同作證上帝的計劃與審判。也有人認為，這兩位見證人可能是舊約中的「以利亞」與「摩西」，或是「以利亞」與「施洗約翰」。
為什麼會提到以利亞？
因為經文中提到，這兩位見證人「傳道的日子內叫天閉塞不下雨」，這就讓人聯想到以利亞的事蹟。在《列王紀上》中記載，以利亞曾經禱告，叫天三年半不下雨，這正是神藉著他審判以色列悖逆的一段時間。
這段歷史不僅在舊約中記載，也被新約引用過。像是在《路加福音》第4章、第5節中，耶穌提到這件事；而《雅各書》第5章17節也說：「以利亞與我們是一樣性情的人，他懇切禱告，求不要下雨，雨就三年零六個月不下在地上。」
所以，很多人認為「兩位見證人」中的其中一位，應該是以利亞。
至於另一位，也有很多討論。有些人認為可能是摩西，因為他曾施行過水變血、降災等神蹟，這也在第11章中出現了類似的描述。也有人認為是施洗約翰，因為他在新約中是那位為主預備道路的人。
無論具體身分是誰，這兩位見證人代表的，都是上帝在歷史中所設立的忠心見證人——他們不畏懼逼迫，大聲宣講神的信息，直到他們的使命完成。
在這段經文裡，我們看見這兩位被神賦予權柄、為祂作見證的先知，原本能施行各樣的能力，甚至能帶下審判性的災禍。
然而，他們最終與從無底坑中上來的獸交戰，並且被殺害。
令人震驚的是，《啟示錄》第11章第10節告訴我們：「住在地上的人，為這兩位先知的死而歡喜快樂，甚至互相贈送禮物。」
為什麼？
因為這兩位先知在傳道時，傳講上帝的真理，揭露世人的罪，使人感到痛苦、不舒服。他們的信息讓人無法繼續安逸地過罪中的生活。
所以當這兩位見證人被殺，人們不是哀傷，而是慶祝。他們以為，當傳講真理的人死了，真理本身也就消失了。上帝的聲音被關掉了，他們又可以恢復自由、為所欲為。
但，他們錯了。
三天半之後，神的氣息再次進入那兩位先知裡，他們竟然站了起來！眾人驚恐萬分，看見他們復活，隨後又聽見從天上來的聲音對他們說：「上到這裡來吧！」他們就駕著雲升上了天。
這一幕讓人想起《舊約》中以諾與以利亞——他們都是被神接升天的人。
而在他們升天之後，地上隨即發生大地震——聖城倒塌了十分之一，七千人喪生。這是神對不悔改世界的審判與警示。
這段經文提醒我們：神的真理不會因人的拒絕而終止，也不會因忠僕的死亡而沉默。祂的聲音，祂的計劃，最終必然會顯出榮耀與權能。
在這裡，其實我們不需要強行去判定這兩位見證人到底是摩西、以利亞，還是誰的化身。經文中，約翰大量引用了許多舊約中大家耳熟能詳的元素與形象，目的不是為了讓人去猜人物身份，而是要傳達一個清楚的信息：上帝的見證人，可能會被殺，可能會受逼迫，但他們絕不會被打倒。
因為從神而來的生命，最終會叫他們復活。神的真理，也絕不會被滅絕。
約翰透過這個圖像，不只是在記錄一個異象，而是在向當時處在壓迫中的教會、信徒們發出一個提醒與鼓勵：這世界對待先知的態度，從來都不是友善的。傳講真理的人，常常不被歡迎。
但不要懼怕。
歷史早已記載過這樣的循環，而這一切的重現，是為了提醒我們：即使真理在人眼中似乎被殺死了，它仍然會復活。
今天的我們也是一樣。
在教會、在社會中，也許我們會因堅持真理而被誤解、被冷落，甚至受逼迫。但上帝已經藉著《啟示錄》讓我們看見——祂的啟示、祂的作為、祂的勝利，從不會停留在人的壓制之下。
所有這些異象與經文的目的，就是為了鼓勵我們：要堅持神的真理。
不論環境如何，不論世界怎麼看，我們可以繼續忠心地見證，因為那位掌管歷史的主，祂仍然在掌權。
最後，我們來到了《啟示錄》第11章的高潮。
第七位天使吹號，天上便有大聲音宣告：「世上的國，成了我主和祂基督的國，祂要作王，直到永永遠遠！」
這是一個極具震撼力的宣告。上帝的國度不再只是應許、不再只是異象，而是正式成就、全面降臨。世上的國度終將歸向神，祂的統治不再被挑戰，從此直到永遠。
接下來，我們看到二十四位長老俯伏敬拜神，讚美祂的全能與審判，這是一幅榮耀與崇拜交織的畫面。
而第19節更是充滿象徵性：神天上的殿開了，殿中出現了祂的約櫃，隨之而來的是閃電、聲音、雷轟、地震、大冰雹。
「約櫃」的出現是極其重要的畫面。在舊約中，約櫃被藏在至聖所裡，一年只有一次，大祭司才能進去見到。而現在，神的約櫃出現在天上，是向萬民敞開的。
這代表一個全新的時代來臨了——神的同在、祂的啟示、祂的救恩，不再只為某個民族、某位祭司，而是向全地所有的人敞開。祂的恩典，不再被遮掩；祂的國度，不再被延遲。
但與此同時，這也代表最後的大災難即將臨到。審判與拯救將同時展開，這是神榮耀統治的起頭，也是人類歷史終局的揭幕。The Beginning of the end.
這一講就是啟示錄第十一章的分享。 下一講我們繼續分享啟示錄第十二章的故事，我們看到光明與邪惡的鬥爭。感謝各位的聆聽，願上帝的恩典與你們同在。
Peace to you, brothers and sisters. In this session, we will reflect on Revelation chapter 11.
This chapter is one of the more difficult passages in Revelation to interpret fully. It contains a lot of symbols, imagery, and possible historical references, and so there are many differing interpretations among biblical scholars. Naturally, some interpretations involve speculation.
One notable thing is this: John's tone here doesn't sound like he's announcing future events, but rather like he’s recording something that has already happened. He writes in the past tense, not the future tense.
So it seems that John is recalling and describing an experience that has already taken place, rather than merely prophesying the future.
So what happens in this recorded vision before the seventh angel sounds the trumpet?
First, we hear a voice telling John to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But there is a specific instruction: “Do not measure the outer court,” because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample the holy city for 42 months.
This "42 months" is a key time reference. It equals three and a half years, or 1,260 days — and this number appears again in chapter 12, where it is described as “a time, times, and half a time,” which also means three and a half years.
Why this constant reference to “three and a half years”?
This number is not just a measure of time; in Jewish historical memory, it represents a time of great darkness and suffering.
In the 2nd century BC, the Jewish people went through severe persecution under the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes. He brutally suppressed the Jews, forced them to abandon their faith, desecrated the temple, and even sacrificed unclean animals there — defiling the name of the Lord.
That persecution lasted three and a half years.
To the Jews, this became a deeply traumatic and collective memory. The phrase “three and a half years” came to symbolize a period when evil ruled and God’s people were trampled.
But the story did not end in darkness.
Later, a Jewish warrior named Judah Maccabee led a successful revolt, overthrew Antiochus’ rule, rededicated the temple, and restored worship. This glorious history is recorded in the Book of Maccabees and is cherished by the Jewish people.
So when John uses the phrase “three and a half years” in Revelation, readers of that time would have understood it as a symbol — a sign that although God's people may suffer for a time, God will ultimately intervene, judge evil, and bring victory.
Then, in chapter 11, we encounter the famous two witnesses.
There are many interpretations of who these witnesses are. Some believe they are historical individuals — literal people. Others see them as symbolic figures — a parabolic or allegorical interpretation.
So who are they?
One interpretation is that they represent the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing the Law and the Gospel — both testifying to God’s plan and judgment.
Others believe the two witnesses are figures like Elijah and Moses, or Elijah and John the Baptist.
Why Elijah?
Because the passage says that these witnesses “shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying” — a clear allusion to Elijah. In 1 Kings, Elijah prayed and there was no rain for three and a half years, as a judgment on Israel’s disobedience.
This historical event is mentioned not only in the Old Testament, but also in the New — Jesus refers to it in Luke 4, and James 5:17 says:“Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.”
So many believe one of the witnesses is Elijah.
As for the second witness, there are different views. Some suggest Moses, because he performed signs like turning water to blood and calling down plagues — which are mentioned in this chapter. Others suggest John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord.
Regardless of their exact identity, the two witnesses represent God’s faithful messengers throughout history — those who boldly proclaim God's message, unafraid of persecution, until their mission is complete.
In this vision, the two prophets are given divine authority. They have power to bring judgment and perform signs.
But eventually, they confront the beast from the Abyss, who kills them.
Shockingly, verse 10 tells us that:“The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.”
Why would people rejoice over their deaths?
Because these prophets spoke God’s truth, exposed people’s sins, and made them uncomfortable. Their message disrupted sinful comfort and exposed corruption.
So when the witnesses were killed, people didn’t mourn — they celebrated. They assumed that with the messengers of truth gone, truth itself would disappear. God’s voice was silenced — now they could live however they pleased.
But they were wrong.
After three and a half days, the breath of God entered the witnesses, and they stood up! Terror struck everyone watching. Then a voice from heaven said: “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud.
This scene reminds us of Enoch and Elijah in the Old Testament — both were taken up to heaven by God.
Immediately after their ascension, a great earthquake struck — one-tenth of the city collapsed, and 7,000 people died. This was God's judgment and warning to the unrepentant.
This passage reminds us:God’s truth does not end with human rejection. His message does not die with His messengers. His voice and His plans will ultimately be revealed in glory and power.
We don’t need to obsess over whether these two witnesses were Moses, Elijah, or someone else. John deliberately uses rich Old Testament imagery — not to encourage speculation, but to send a clear message: God’s witnesses may be killed and persecuted — but they will never be defeated.
Because the life that comes from God will raise them up. And God’s truth will never be destroyed.
John is not just recording a vision here — he’s speaking to the persecuted church of his time, offering encouragement and hope. He’s reminding them (and us): the world has never been kind to prophets. Those who speak the truth are often rejected.
But do not be afraid.
History has shown this cycle again and again. And its repetition is a reminder: even if truth appears dead, it will rise again.
Today, the same applies to us.
Whether in the church or society, we may be misunderstood, ignored, or even persecuted for standing for truth. But Revelation assures us: God’s revelation, His works, and His victory will never be silenced by human oppression.
The purpose of these visions is to encourage us to stand firm in God’s truth.
No matter the circumstances, no matter how the world sees us — we can be faithful witnesses, because the One who holds all history is still in control.
Finally, we reach the climax of Revelation chapter 11.
The seventh angel sounds the trumpet, and loud voices in heaven declare:“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.”
This is a thunderous proclamation. God's kingdom is no longer a promise or a vision — it is fulfilled. The kingdoms of the world have become His. His reign is now uncontested — from this point and forevermore.
Then, the twenty-four elders fall on their faces and worship God, praising His power and judgment. It’s a scene of glory and worship interwoven.
Verse 19 is especially rich in symbolism:“God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.”
The appearance of the Ark of the Covenant is a powerful image. In the Old Testament, it was hidden in the Holy of Holies, seen only once a year by the high priest. But now, it is revealed in heaven — visible and open to all.
This represents the beginning of a new era — God's presence, His revelation, and His salvation are no longer reserved for one nation or one priest — they are open to all people everywhere. His grace is no longer hidden. His kingdom is no longer delayed.
At the same time, this marks the beginning of the final tribulation. Judgment and salvation are now unfolding side by side — the dawn of God’s glorious reign and the unveiling of human history’s final chapter.
The beginning of the end.
That concludes our reflection on Revelation chapter 11.In the next session, we’ll continue with chapter 12, where we see the battle between light and darkness unfold.
Thank you for listening, and may the grace of God be with you.
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