The Two Witnesses, Part 1

Using the biblical principle for time prophecies—one prophetic day for one literal year (Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6)—“one thousand two hundred and sixty days” is interpreted as 1,260 literal years. The book of Revelation pays special attention to this time period.

The 1,260-year prophecy was a period between AD 538 and AD 1798 known as the Dark Ages. It was called so, in part, because of an effort by the Roman Catholic Church to obscure the truths of the Bible, thus enshrouding the Word of God, which is “a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path” (Psalm 119:105).

At this time, practices that were censured in Scripture, such as indulgences, infant baptism, and veneration of images, became the rule of thumb; the Scriptures themselves, translated into languages that only priests were taught to understand, became the conduit of their ulterior motives and dubious intentions. Abuse, persecution, and even death were used to coerce millions into renouncing the true God—all in the name of a counterfeit religion. In this way, they “tread” (Revelation 11:2) upon the Word of God.

But God did not leave His people to this false Christianity: He “[gave] power to … two witnesses.” Amidst the ashes of the Dark Ages, a light was kindled, sparking a most tremendous movement of faith: the Protestant Reformation.

Who are these “two witnesses”? They are the Word of God, a written reflection of His character: “The Scriptures … are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). “Man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3); quoting from Deuteronomy 19:15, the apostle Paul declared, “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1). Through the Reformation, the Bible was given back to the people, and its truths uncovered once more.

But it did so garbed in mourning and martyrdom—“in sackcloth.” It is thought that the Catholic Church put to death more than 50 million Protestants for their prophesying of the truth.

Faithful and True Witness, thank You that even when surrounded by the most obscene darkness, Your light will never go out.

For Further Study: Proverbs 6:23; Revelation 10:11; 12:6

Key Bible Texts

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:3 KJV)