11:11 The death of the two witnesses is not the end of their ministry. God was not defeated in the death of Jesus and he will not be defeated in the slaughter of his witnesses. The God of the resurrection breathed life into the dead so that they stood up (see Ezek 37:3-5, 10), leaving no doubt about God’s power. • Terror struck: It is a fearful experience for sinful humans to face the power of the living God (see Heb 10:31).

11:1-13 This section pictures the willful rejection of God’s continuing call for repentance. The many attempts to silence his witnesses ultimately fail, and God triumphs. • Many attempts have been made to identify the two witnesses of this chapter. Moses and Elijah, who appeared with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matt 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30), are likely candidates (see Rev 11:6); they represent the law and the prophets. Others have suggested Enoch and Elijah because they did not die (see Gen 5:21-24; 2 Kgs 2:11-12). Other possibilities include Peter and Paul, or James and John. More important than their identities is their role of confirming God’s message by the testimony of “two or three witnesses” (see Deut 17:6). God provides a twofold witness to the world about the impending judgment, making it clear that his word is certain to be fulfilled (Deut 19:15; Matt 18:15-16).