The Two Witnesses

The Book of Revelation describes two individuals who are called the "two witnesses." Who are the two witnesses?

What has the Church of God (COG) taught on this subject? Might Roman Catholic prophecies, which are often opposed to the Bible, give some clues here?

This article will briefly attempt to answer those questions. Also, please note that the terms may, might, seem, possibly, etc. are used throughout portions of this article--those type of terms are used intentionally to distinguish that certain statements are still unclear. Hence, speculative comments are normally identified, as they may change. But they do attempt to explain information about the two witnesses on the basis of the Bible and other writings. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quiénes son los dos testigos?)

Notice that area of the temple will be treaded on by the Gentiles for 42 months. Also for one thousand two hundred and sixty days (42 months) God raises up two witnesses to prophecy. They are referred to as "two olive trees." They are prophets because they prophesy (How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God). They are clothed in sackcloth and perform miracles. Some who oppose God's plan try to kill them. God allows miracles to protect them until they fulfill their mission. God will ultimately allow them to be killed. Three and one half days after they are killed a major earthquake happens. And shortly thereafter the Kingdom of God is established.

Because they are killed several days before Jesus returns, their assignment is 1260 days, and the time of the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord is 1260 days (cf. Daniel 12:7; 7:25; Revelation 12:14), they apparently begin to have power from God near the start of the Great Tribulation--at least a few days prior (now since solar years have more than 360 days, the two witnesses could possibly start with power after it begins, though they will be supporting the message prior to the start of the Great Tribulation--these two witnesses would not seem to be immediate converts since they will have to be teaching for 3 1/2 years) and perhaps several months.

Interestingly, the Book of Revelation refers to the seven Churches as lampstands (Revelation 1:20) and the two witnesses as "two lampstands," hence the two witnesses are intended to represent the Church. At least one will be Philadelphian (Revelation 3:7-13). One of them might be a repentant Laodicean (cf. Revelation 3:14-21). Clearly their prophesying must include the good news of the soon coming millennial Kingdom of God--as that is some of what Jesus expected the Church to do before the end would come (Matthew 24:14).

Since God identifies the two witnesses as "two olive trees," we should look at another place in the Bible that also discusses "two olive trees" (bolding mine):

Thus, it appears that the Hebrew scriptures support the concept that the two witnesses are two who stand by God and the Church of God (the lampstand, cf. Revelation 1:20;2:5). The connection to the Lord of the whole earth might suggest one is Gentile and the other of Israel--as God is the God of the Israelites and Gentiles (cf. Jeremiah 32:27; Galatians 3:28). It may be of interest to note that the Eastern Orthodox believe that one of the two witnesses will focus on "the pagans" and the other on descendants of Israel (Moss V. APOCALYPSE - THE BOOK OF THE END An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation of St. John the Theologian. 2018, p.165). Because the scripture in Zechariah is prophetic, it suggests that the "two olive trees ... who stand besides the Lord of the whole earth" are two men currently on earth who are supporting the global work of God. Since the "whole earth" is mentioned, this also indicates that they will somehow reach the whole earth with their messages--and this could involve traveling around the world giving their witness (as well as likely some electronic and other means)--that seems to be consistent with verse 10 as well as Revelation 11:5-7.

Perhaps I should mention that although some have speculated that the late Herbert W. Armstrong (HWA) was a type of Zerubbabel and that God using him to establish the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God was a type of laying the foundation for the temple, since he did not finish the work, it was not him (he also quoted that scripture, Zechariah 4:9 on p. 38 of the Plain Truth in August 1979 where he stated Jesus would be coming to the spiritual temple of the church when He returns that "Zerubbabel" would finish--since HWA is dead, he is not finishing the spiritual temple to be ready for Jesus' return). Of course, presuming the two witnesses saw the work of his day, they would obviously preach a message consistent with the message that HWA himself did, which would be one consistent with the truths he felt God had him restore to the COG.

Since Herbert Armstrong died, he obviously was not one of the two witnesses, and his reference to those two identified in Haggai and Zechariah is a reference to an end time Zerubbabel and Joshua. Thus, based upon his own writings, Herbert Armstrong was not Zerubbabel. But he pointed to someone from the 20th century who would be:

Since Christ is the foundation, the chief cornerstone (Matthew 21:43; Ephesians 2:20) of the Christian temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), some have suggested that "Zerubbabel" may have been a type of Christ--especially since Jesus is specifically prophesied to return (Revelation 17:14) and destroy the kingdom of the Gentiles (Revelation 11:15; Haggai 2:21-23).

Yet, since "Zerubbabel" saw the original temple and is not recorded as laying its foundation (and really, he could not have as he had not been born then), then it appears that perhaps "Zerubbabel" would seem to be some individual who is prophesied to rise up in the last days--and that is what Herbert Armstrong believed scripture required. If so, he would have likely been someone who saw the old Ambassador Auditorium and WCG work, and perhaps helped lay the foundation for the final phase of the Philadelphia work (more on that work and Zerubbabel is in the article The Final Phase of the Work). Zerubbabel would not be a 'newcomer' as some suggested that both of the two witnesses might be.

Presuming Haggai is a prophecy for an end time Zerubbabel, he would help finalize the work, and perhaps God would grant him the faith to flatten a mountain figuratively (an entrenched, but improper, government structure) or even possibly also literally (which would, in a sense, be a fulfillment of a statement that Jesus made to His followers in Matthew 17:20; this could also be a reference to the mountain in Daniel 2:44-45). Passages in Haggai 2 seem to be telling a time of a future Zerubbabel and Joshua (for more of an explantion, see also the article The Temple and the Work).

Because at least one is "chosen," this may be that Zorobabel/Zerubbabel and "Jesus"/Joshua are a type of the two witnesses (Zechariah 3:3-10; 4:1-14; Haggai 2:3-5,23). Other scholars seem to have tied also Zerubbabel and Joshua as types of the two witnesses (Jamieson, et al. Commentary on Zechariah 4:11-12. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary as well as Matthew Henry's)--thus Herbert Armstrong's speculative understanding was not unique in that way.

As far as names go, Zerubbabel means descendant of, or born of, Babylon (OT:2216; Zerubbabel. Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary) or “stranger at Babylon.” Thus, it could be that the prophesied Zerubbabel may have been born into a family that was part of the religion that will support the final Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17:5 (like one based out of the city of seven hills--Revelation 17:18). Because of the meaning of the name 'Zerubbabel,' it would seem that it is not a direct reference to Jesus, as some have suggested, since He was not born of Babylon and His human parents were not Babylonians.

Joshua, Yehowshu`a, seems to mean “Jehovah saves” (Ibid, OT: 3091). This Joshua's father's name was Josedech (Haggai 1:12), meaning “Jehovah-righted” (OT:3087 ). Perhaps his father was called out of religious Babylon to be a true Church of God Christian? Anyway, since Zechariah 3:3-5 shows that for a time Joshua wears "filthy garments," it may be that he affiliated too long with Laodiceans, who need to put on "white garments" (Revelation 3:14-18)--hence maybe that means it took him time before he completely would support the Continuing Church of God and that God (Jehovah/Yahweh) had to push him to the right way.

Perhaps the names Zerubbabel and Joshua indicate that one of the witnesses was born into a Roman Catholic family (and later was called and converted to be part of the Church of God) while the other was born into a Church of God family and remained part of the Church of God. Since Joshua was a high priest, he would have had to be born in a family keeping the biblical faith.

When Herbert W. Armstrong was directing it, the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) taught:

Verse 3, that Herbert Armstrong alluded to specifically states that the two witnesses will prophesy, as they are prophets. And for a long time, I have been of the view that they will likely utlilize the internet for some of their work, as well as, when practical, press coverage.

But based upon passages such as Zechariah 4:10, Revelation 7:9-14, and Revelation 11:4-8, it appears that the two witnesses will not spend all their time in Jerusalem, but will travel the world. But they clearly do DIE in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:9-10).

Of course, there are false prophets who claim to teach the commandments, but usually reason around some of them. But true prophets of God most certainly do teach God's law and way of life (see our free online booklet: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

The following shows end time true Christians, like the two witnesses will have to be, keep God's commandments:

And yes, Satan will be enraged with the two witnesses, who will be keeping and teaching the two witnesses, and will get them killed toward the end of their ministry (Revelation 11:7).

So, if the prophet does not keep and advocate keeping God's commandments, he is false. (Additional items of interest are in the article Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders?) In my case, not only do I strive with Jesus' help to keep those commandments, I also wrote the following free online book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast. which also explains that the one the Book of Revelation calls the 'False Prophet' will not keep God's commandments.

It is clear from Revelation 11:3-10 that the two witnesses will give a witness to the world which involves miracles.

Elijah and Moses did more miracles than perhaps any other men in the Old Testament.

Some of those same type of miracles are prophesied to be performed by the final two witnesses.

Recall that the Bible shows that fire devoured at least 100 enemies of Elijah (2 Kings 1:9-12) and Elijah proclaimed he had power to stop the rain (1 Kings 17:1). However, since Elijah hid on more than one occasion (1 Kings 17:3,8; 19:3) and in different places (1 Kings 17:3-15; 19:3-9), it can be said that he had only 'a little strength' (like the Philadelphia Church who also hides and has limited strength, Revelation 3:8-10)--also, it is possible that since Elijah hid, that the two witnesses will also hide from time to time (they may also travel to many places to do God's will; not only did HWA indicate that, even Catholic sources, like H. Kramer, The Book of Destiny, p. 257, think that is possible). God used Moses to turn water into blood in Exodus 7:20, and the two witnesses are empowered to do this also.

Jesus is essentially saying that although John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah, that an Elijah is still to come--and restore all things (probably related to truths about church history, doctrine, Christian living, and/or prophecy). And this may be one of the two witnesses. Furthermore, because not all of the Church of God will be protected in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-17; see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra), it seems obvious that not everyone in the Church of God will recognize the authority of final 'Elijah,' until sometime after the start of the Great Tribulation.

Although Christ did so already, it may be possible that one of the two witnesses will fulfill, to a degree, Deuteronomy 18:15:

The Hebrew scriputres also show that a type of Elijah is to come just before the Day of the Lord, hence an end time occurrence. Both Protestant and Catholic translations (the NJB puts the passage in a different chapter, but is the same section of scripture) are shown:

Notice that at the end, the people are still supposed to remember the laws that God gave through Moses, hence the faithful in the end would have some practices many now consider to be Jewish (see also The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law).

It is also of interest to note that Moses is mentioned in Malachi 4:4, just prior to the Elijah prophecy in verse 5. Hence, there seems to be a biblical connection between Moses and Elijah, one that may be held by the two witnesses (more on Elijah can be found in the article, The Elijah Heresies).

Thus, the prophesied plagues are likely to be announced by the two witnesses. Remember that Moses announced the plagues via Aaron to the Egyptians.

Some have speculated that the two witnesses will come from different COGs. Or that they may just be converted prior to the end. This author, however, thinks that those scenarios are somewhat unlikely.

Since the two witnesses will be placing their top priority on proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world as a witness (consistent with Matthew 24:14) and one will "restore all things," it seems to make the most sense that God is currently training those who are or were once part of a group like the Continuing Church of God (CCOG). It would not seem to make sense that those who either do not place the proper priority on proclaiming the Gospel or who changed true doctrines would be the two witnesses. Though, since Joshua had filthy garments (Zechariah 3:3-5), it may be that at least one of the two witnesses is likely not currently part of CCOG.

There are some who were once part of the old WCG who have made inaccurate claims about the two witnesses. The two that this section will mainly discuss are Jesse Arellano and Ron Weinland.

Jesse Arellano was with a group that believed that WCG, even after it changed and apostatized, was still the one and only true COG in 2004 (and also into 2005). One time he wrote me, and others in the COGs, and stated:

Ronald Weinland is a self-declared "prophet" who had some Church of God affiliation (he was a minister in the Worldwide Church of God and then later in the United Church of God). And he then claimed to be one of the two witnesses with the Great Tribulation supposedly beginning in April/December 2008 (he originally used the April date then switched to the December date) and that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012--his assertions on these matters has long been false (he then claimed Pentecost 2013, and is now claiming a future Pentecost for Jesus' return--so many have been wrong I am not sure).

But in addition to a variety of doctrinal changes, Ronald Weinland wrote that the Church's correct work should be “addressing what was actually confronting Laodicea” (Weinland R. The Prophesied END-TIME. 2004, p. 177), but that is not (according Revelation 11) the emphasis of the two witnesses (though it is likely they will have some role in that).

Although, it is most likely that the two witnesses are alive right now, and maybe we of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God will know who they are prior to the final 3 1/2 years, I never believed that Ronald Weinland was one of the two witnesses of Revelation 11 (I believe his earlier writings on governance, the work, and false prophecy have completely ruled him out).

Furthermore, although he has appointed himself as one of the two witnesses, he earlier indicated that no one (which would include him), should do that as his website once stated:

Apparently Ronald Weinland is also into a bit of allegory regarding the two witnesses (and although I may have misunderstood him, he apparently does not intend to wear any type of sackcloth or send forth fire) as he wrote:

While it is possible that the two witnesses will not wear actual physical sackcloth, Revelation 11:13 is not speaking of just humility, but specifically that the clothing of the two witnesses will not be fancy--probably in contrast to the beast, who is likely to be flashy/wealthy in appearance. And in particular, I also suspect that the two witnesses actually will sometimes wear some literal sackcloth/black cloth, at least at times. And that they will wear at least some black while they are publicly warning the world. I also believe that they will actually perform miracles, such as fire from them devouring their enemies--I do not believe that the fire mentioned in the Bible is only symbolic.

Anyway, because Ronald Weinland was self-appointed without miracles, teaches the wrong message, has made false predictions, and holds other inaccurate doctrines (he is now apparently unitarian and falsely taught that the end of the USA would be in 2008 (please see the article Concerns About Ronald Weinland's Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God), Ronald Weinland was not and is not one of the two witnesses.

Another self-appointed leader (who claims to be an apostle), RCG's David Pack, asserted:

David Pack should re-read the Book of Revelation as it gives no indication that the two witnesses have to report to any man. None of the prophets in the Old Testament reported to an apostle. (I believe I also heard David Pack falsely teach that he would be personally teaching the two witnesses, but I do not recall the precise quote--and no, I do not believe the task of personally teaching/preparing the two witnesses will be his responsibility.) David Pack himself has made many proven false predictions (see Why Not the Restored Church of God? ) and hence he is not a credible interpreter of matters prophetic.

And I believe that the above comments from Jesus are warning those of us in the COGs of false prophets, such as Jesse Arellano and Ronald Weinland, PCG's Gerald Flurry (who as of yet, has not claimed to be one of the two witnesses to the best of this author's knowledge), and even David Pack (who claims to be above prophets, though his quoted statement certainly can be considered as a prophecy). An article of related interest may be Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? (Perhaps I should add that amongst Protestants, Harold Camping was distinguishing himself by claiming that his followers collectively make up the two witnesses, even though they exceed the number two--he spiritualized that and other things away, and was proven wrong on his dates for Jesus' return. See Harold Camping's Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible).

Roman Catholics have two types of prophecies that seem to involve the two witnesses, the one more commonly understood will be discussed in this section.

Essentially, Roman Catholics tend (as not all Greco-Roman Catholics do) to teach that Enoch (who they sometimes call Henoch) and Elijah (who they often call Elias) must be the two witnesses. And this view has, to a great extent, been adopted by the Protestant churches (though some Protestants teach that the two witnesses may be a type of Elijah and Moses just like the many in the Church of God do, see The Wycliffe Bible Commentary on Revelation 11:3-12. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).

Essentially, Greco-Roman Catholics tend to rely on relatively long-standing traditions.

Part of the foundation of the tradition for Enoch being one of the witnesses comes from one of the so-called deuterocanoconical books (the Old Testament Apocrypha) and is not accepted as equally canonical to the rest of the Bible by Protestants, Churches of God, most Jews, or even Eastern Orthodox (though they do accept its inspiration):

The above passage has Enoch in a place called "paradise" where he is allegedly waiting to until a time to give repentance to the nations. But, of course, while humans can preach repentance (and the two witnesses will do that), they cannot actually give repentance. It should also be noted that the New Testament teaches that Enoch did die (Hebrews 11:5,13) and that he awaits his reward along with others of God's people (Hebrews 11:39-40) at the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

Sadly, many Greco-Roman Catholics have believed the above statements from Irenaeus (which were later basically confirmed by writers such as Greco-Roman Catholic saints Ephraem, John Damascene, and Hildegard)--this is one of the reasons that many of the Roman Catholics will be deceived about the real two witnesses and will not believe their message.

It should be noted that although Elijah was "went up" to a part of heaven (2 Kings 2:11), Elijah later wrote a letter to Jehoram the King of Judah (2 Chronicles 21:12-15) which indicated that Elijah ended up on the earth after he went up. The fact that Jesus taught no one other than He ascended into God’s heaven (John 3:13), which is the 'heaven' that the Apostle Paul referred to as the “third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2), is scriptural evidence against the idea that Enoch and Elijah are alive in heaven now (or in “paradise” as some Catholics referred to the place). (As will be quoted a little later, the Roman Catholic saint and theologian Thomas Aquinas wrote that it was the "atmospheric heaven" that Elijah seems to have done to.)

The Book of Revelation says that people will hide and be afraid of Jesus' return:

Could it be that people will confuse Jesus with the Antichrist as they disrespect the two witnesses while they believe that two others are possibly God's witnesses?

There was another third century Greco-Roman Catholic leader, Bishop Victorinus, who mentions that several have been considered as the two witnesses, but that many seem to lean towards Elijah as one of them:

The point about the two witnesses being the "Two great wings" is interesting as it is likely they will be telling people to flee.

A later Greco-Roman Catholic prophet confirmed the Greco-Roman Catholic belief that Enoch and Elijah will come again:

However, at least one fourth century Greco-Roman Catholic writer called Moses and Elias (Elijah) two witnesses of Christ, but not necessarily as the final two witnesses. Notice:

A 21st century Roman Catholic theologian, W. Kurz, also seems to support the COG position that the two witnesses are like Moses and Elijah:

Also in the 21st century, notice something written by the Church of Rome's Msgr. Charles Pope:

A major Roman Catholic theologian was Thomas Aquinas. In the thirteenth century, he wrote something along the lines of the more commonly accepted position of many Roman Catholics and Protestants:

While Thomas Aquinas seems to have some hesitancy, and is correct that Elijah did not go to the third heaven where God is, it is this author's belief that most who profess Roman Catholicism and have looked into this area believe that the two witnesses will be Enoch and Elias (Elijah) and that they will come down from "Paradise."

Since the Bible does not state that anywhere, when the two witnesses DO REVEAL themselves to the world and DO NOT claim to have come down from "Paradise," then most in the world will not accept that they are the actual two witnesses from God.

Interestingly, many Roman Catholics believe that Enoch and Elijah will not appear until after the discovery of the ark of the covenant.

This is supposedly related to 2 Machabees (sometimes spelled Maccabees). 2 Machabees is another of the "deuterocanoconical" books of the Old Testament Apocrypha.

There is a rabbinic interpretation of the above passage that claims that this ark has to do with the coming of the Messiah. But it needs to be understood that this passage of Machabees does not mention Enoch nor Elijah.

Yet, notice the following, which is claimed to be based upon an interpretation of that passage in 2 Machabees.

Since neither the Bible nor the passage is 2 Machabees states that Enoch and Elijah will come "After the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant," those who believe that ark must first be found simply will not be able to discern the true witnesses from God.

Because of the general (not official as the Church of Rome has never officially pronounced its interpretation of the Book of Revelation) Roman Catholic position that Enoch and Elijah are the two witnesses, many Catholics will most likely use this as an excuse to ignore the two witnesses as they will not literally be Enoch and Elijah (even though one certainly may be a type of Elijah).

Furthermore, this author believes that the Roman Catholics will ultimately teach that the actual two witnesses are false prophets. Specifically, it appears that many Roman Catholics seem to think that one of the actual two witnesses is the false prophet warned about in Revelation 16:13; some suggest more than one "false prophet." Part of this has to do with official Roman Catholic teachings on the millennium as well as a variety of what are called "private prophecies."

Although the millennial view was once taught by people that Roman Catholics consider to have been early saints, it is now strongly condemned by the Roman Catholic Church:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church suggests that the millennial teaching is a doctrine of Antichrist. This was not a belief originally held by early Roman Catholic recognized leaders/saints. Thus, many who now consider themselves Roman Catholic will apparently not believe the teachings of Jesus' final two witnesses, who will be killed by a major power (Revelation 11:4-7)--and will most certainly be teaching about the soon coming millennium. The two witnesses will speak the truth about the comming millennium, whereas various 'Catholic' writings/individuals will falsely deny that.

Some Roman Catholics also seem to teach that a certain false prophet essentially is a type of John the Baptist as they believe that this prophet precedes Antichrist. Notice some Catholic writings which may be sadly directed towards the true two witnesses:

I suspect people like the cardinals and the final pope (who may be an antipope) are considered to be "pius and learned men" according to A.C. Emmerich's words. Furthermore, understand that while the two witnesses will announce that Jesus is about to return and establish the Kingdom of God, that Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies say that false prophets will come prior to the final Antichrist and announce him--yet it will be the true Christ that the two witnesses will be announcing!

Since the two witnesses would espouse the semi-Arian view of the Godhead (for details that may suggest why see Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning), apparently Athanasius seems to warning that this will come just prior to the return of Jesus.

The Bible does not teach that the "False Prophet" will rise up for 3 1/2 years before Antichrist. Instead the Bible teaches that the False prophet is the Antichrist and shows that the two witnesses will preach for 3 1/2 years prior to the return of Jesus (some "Catholic" writings have confused Jesus with the final Antichrist, see Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus?)--though before God gives them full power (Revelation 11:3), they are likely to do some teaching/preaching prior (which also seems consistent with certain Catholic writings about this).

The reality is that the millennium will be a doctrine that the two witnesses will preach about during the time of Antichrist and just prior to the millennial reign of Christ.

Roman Catholic leaders generally denounce the idea of a future millennial reign as well as all other ideas that salvation can come to humans after Jesus returns as heretical doctrines of Antichrist. Some apparently will teach that the "false prophets" cannot be the two witnesses because the two witnesses are Enoch and Elijah who are still waiting in Paradise to come down to earth (which some even feel cannot happen until after the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant).

Since we in the CCOG teach that Enoch and Elijah are dead, and thus believe that the two witnesses will deny that they came down from Paradise as Enoch and Elijah, this will likely confirm to certain Catholics that those that we in the CCOG refer to as the two witnesses will be to them as "false prophets." This will also be consistent with the new "Catholic" view that the millennial teaching is a doctrine of Antichrist.

Now one of the "greatest" Roman Catholic scholars taught a different order than most of their private prophets have taught. Notice that what Hippolytus wrote is essentially in the correct biblical, not current Roman Catholic, order:

The Beast kingdom (which Hippolytus refers to as "the kingdom of Antichrist") started to form before the false prophet rises up (more on the false prophet and his role at the time of the Beast can be found in the article Doctrines of Antichrist). But since some private Catholic prophecies have the false prophet announcing the Antichrist, those who rely on them are in disagreement with both the Bible and Hippolytus there. And while we in the CCOG do not consider that we need to follow Hippolytus, many of his writings are considered to be part of the so-called "sacred traditions" that Roman Catholics base much of their doctrines on.

There are Roman Catholic writings that suggest that one of the of the two witnesses will be "an apostate Catholic" and/or a heretic (only baptized Catholics can be considered officially as heretics):

It is possible that at least one of the individual witnesses would have been Roman Catholic or the son of a former Roman Catholic as both of those types of people can be considered as "apostates." But to be a "heretic" officially according to the Vatican, "A person must be baptized to commit heresy" (The Great Heresies. NIHIL OBSTAT: I have concluded that the materials presented in this work are free of doctrinal or moral errors. Bernadeane Carr, STL, Censor Librorum, August 10, 2004 IMPRIMATUR: In accord with 1983 CIC 827 permission to publish this work is hereby granted. +Robert H. Brom, Bishop of San Diego, August 10, 2004 http://www.catholic.com/library/Great_Heresies.asp 01/19/07; from Catholic Answers). By exposing the truth about early church history (e.g. Continuing History of the Church of God), and how private prophecies tie in, the two witnesses will work against Satan's Plan for the end times.

Notice that an odd punishment seems believed by some to expect to affect prophetic "apostates":

It needs to be understood that since Roman Catholic priests would generally not consider it possible that a true prophet appointed by God would contradict the warnings of Greco-Roman Catholic-approved prophets, this writing seems to be a warning against some prior with affiliation with Roman Catholicism being used by God as prophets.

Two Men "Are Enemies of the Church," the "Little Black Man," the "Black Church," and a "Black Net"

This section will probably contain the most speculation of any in this article. This is mainly because of a greater use of quotes from Catholic private prophecies and some from Protestant commentators.

The following is one of few places in Roman Catholic prophecies that it seems that there is an objection to two specific individuals towards the time of the end that I believe is most likely a reference to the two witnesses (it also refers to two others) (any bolding mine):

I am not convinced that the "little black man in Rome" (which is not "his own country") is actually Negroid in race (nor were the two or three Roman Catholic commentators I have read who discussed this matter--they indicated some type of Caucasian; and another wrote “‘black’ here does not mean skin color, per se, but ‘sinister’” e.g. http://www.markmallett.com/blog/2009/03/the-pope-thermometer-of-apostasy/).

This is partially because a dark/black church is spoken about there and in other places (i.e. Schmöger, pp.279-280,283-284,292) and the term black in some Catholic writings (i.e. Hildegard of Bingen. Scivias. Paulist Press, Mahwah (NJ), pp. 173-174,299) appears to mean one contrary to or outside of the Roman Church. Furthermore since the two witnesses seem to wear some black cloth (cf. Revelation 11:3 with 6:12) and certain Greco-Roman Catholic "prophecies" warn against biblical events (e.g. Do Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Warn Against Jesus or Antichrist?) it appears that the above is a warning against God's two witnesses.

But irrespective of why "black" is mentioned, notice that there are two enemies of the Church that are being warned about.

The term "little" could suggest relationship to the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God (as it has "a little strength", per Revelation 3:8), but more likely, this suggests someone who is not portly in girth nor tall in height, so at least one that Nun Emmerich warns about is possibly short of stature (in contrast to "little" another Roman Catholic prophecy indicates that those who are "taller" are defenders of the Roman Catholic Church and the successors of the apostles; see Hildegard, p. 457).

As far as having their "employees everywhere" and having "agents," I suspect that these may include some people recently converted into the Church of God and/or some COG people who did not flee to protection with the Philadelphians (some of this is discussed in more detail in the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra ). The term "the new black church" would possibly be some version of either the remnant of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God and/or the combination of those COG members who did not flee and those individuals newly converted.

Of course, private Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies cannot be completely trusted (even the Church of Rome officially teaches that they generally do not have to be accepted by faithful Roman Catholics), so perhaps no writer gets killed as the above passage from Nun Emmerich states, and perhaps other details will not be fulfilled as written. However, it does seem that this is a warning against those who will be the actual two witnesses, as well as perhaps those who may assist them. Since the Bible records that various prophets may have made statements that are not in the scriptures themselves, any potentially accurate predictions that "Catholic private prophecies" may contain probably come from a spirit entity with knowledge of those statements.

So Nun Emmerich seems to be seeing problems for Rome from something dark and black. This may be related to the witnesses.

A Roman Catholic priest and saint called John Bosco had a series of what are claimed to have been prophetic dreams/visions. He at least twice used the term "black" as descriptive of those opposed to Roman Catholic practices.

In one such dream, John Bosco claimed to see an elephant who seemed to be polite but small enough to go into a Catholic Church, yet the elephant turned its back on the Roman Catholic eucharistic altar and knelt in the opposite direction. Then, after some Roman Catholics put up a banner stating "Holy Mary, help your forlorn children," the elephant gets upset and apparently gets some who had been Greco-Roman Catholic to join it (hence the elephant seems to be symbolic of a Church opposed to Rome). John Bosco states some of the Roman Catholics "get beneath Our Lady's mantle" and "were instantly cured"--suggesting that those who are close to Mary flee to her for assistance, so that they are not influenced highly by this elephant. There is then a separation between the two groups (Mary's and the elephant's) and then, according to John Bosco:

While Roman Catholics (including J. Bosco) tend to feel that this was a God-given vision related only to certain boys at a school back then, it instead may have been a demon-inspired dream with more to it. This dream may be a hint that the "elephant" (perhaps the COG), who is disgusted by such non-biblical practices such as the cultus Mary (more of which is mentioned in that dream), converts some who were Greco-Roman Catholics, and that some (perhaps the two witnesses and maybe those who assist them) will wear some black netting. It also may be hinting that after the COG changes (or simply only the Philadelphians preparing to leave), it will appear to be gone because of something that the earth does. If it is not related to the killing of the two witnesses, this instead may slightly parallel Revelation 12:16 which states:

Hence, John Bosco's dream may be indirectly discussing the fleeing of the Philadelphians to a place of safety (There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra). It should also be noted that it seems clear to me that at least one Roman Catholic saint and prophetess (see Hildegard of Bingen. Scivias. Paulist Press, Mahwah (NJ), pp. 301-302) most definitely is warning against those who go to the place of safety. Anyway, John Bosco may be saying that some of the accomplices of the true Church, probably including the two witnesses, will have some type of black net covering.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that in another of his "dreams" John Bosco claims that there will be battles against the Pope-led church ship, that one of the weapons used will be bad books, he also claim a new pope's ship is anchored to Mary:

I also should point out that the Bible shows that Passover was an annual event, history shows that the Romans supported a change of the date of Passover to Sunday, Roman Catholic practices now have an often daily reenactment (which they tend to call communion), but the COG throughout history (and even today) teaches an annual, not frequent, Passover observance on the 14th of Nisan. Hence the above interpretation by Roman Catholic Saint Bosco is in direct opposition to the COGs on that "FREQUENT COMMUNION" point (but not Protestants who almost always believe in observing "communion/the Lord's supper" frequently throughout the year). Mary is NOT a column of salvation as the Bible teaches that it is only the name of Jesus that salvation comes through (Acts 4:10-12). And this cultus Mary will apparently be something that the two witnesses will need to preach against--and this seems to be a warning against some who will tell the truth about Mary (such as Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions and Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions).

Hence there is prophesied to be a church that gains influence and that this causes distress at least to the Pope. It is called both black and counterfeit, so I suspect it may be because the true two witnesses, that various Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies seem to be addressed against, are affiliated with it.

Perhaps I should remind everyone that a real member in any of the Churches of God "looks like a Jew" to various historical Greco-Roman Catholic writers as we keep the Sabbath, biblical (often called "Jewish") holy days, do not eat biblically unclean meats, etc. I should also mention that Greco-Roman Catholic writers sometimes refer to those in the COGs as Protestant (even though we are not Protestant, please see the article Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differs from most Protestants) as Greco-Roman Catholics tend to classify all who refuse to accept Greco-Roman Catholic doctrine, yet profess Christ, as Protestant. Their prophecies tend to indicate that "the shining place" is their church. More about how Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies may impact the future can be found in the article Satan's Plan. By the way, it is the Continuing Church of God, and not the Roman Catholic or Eastern/Greco Orthodox Catholics, that best holds to the original 'catholic' faith. This is documented in great detail in the free online book: Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?

Expect the reputations of the two witnesses to be trashed. Also in modern times, consider that photoshopping, video and audio editing, AI, etc. will probably be used make it look like the two witnesses are saying things that they will not actually have said. Their reputations will be trashed by the Beast and his supporters. That would be consistent with the following prophecy:

Sadly, most will not do as the two witnesses teach, but will believe lies (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Now, note the following odd statement about the two witnesses from a Protestant commentary:

So although it seems to be a stretch, it is possible that some Protestant had some historical influence that the witnesses may be churches or individuals, possibly "believing Jews."

However, it is possible that one of the two witnesses will be a converted person primarily with a Gentile ethnicity (perhaps from a Greco-Roman religious background), while the other may be primarily of Israelite ethnicity who was brought up in the Church of God. They may also be related. Why do I say that?

Two reasons. First, recall that the Bible seems to refer to the witnesses as two olive branches (Zechariah 4:12). And notice that the Apostle Paul discussed two different types of branches in the New Testament--converted Gentiles as well as Israelites who accepted Christ:

Hence, since there are two witnesses that are referred to as two branches and there are Gentile and Israelite branches in the true Church, it is possible that one of the two witnesses will be of predominantly Gentile stock who converted to true Christianity while the other may be one of predominantly Israelite stock brought up in true Christianity. As branches, they are also somewhat related. But this is not absolutely certain, though a biblical possibility.

The implication in the above scriptures is that biblical sackcloth is black--thus it seems that the two witnesses wear some cloth that is black as they wear sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). The implication from Matthew Henry's Commentary is that believing Jews may have something to do with the two witnesses. The implication from those sources, combined with the Catholic prophecies, seems to be that the "black man" is one of the two witnesses, or at least is one associated with the two witnesses and the COGs.

For one example, during the Feast of Tabernacles in 2021, someone who I did not know and did not attend, pushed hard at me, many days in a row, to try to get me to declare myself one of the two witnesses. I refused to do so.

I said that although that is possible, the Bible teaches that God would give certain power to the two witnesses per Revelation 11:3, that I had not been granted that power, and thus could not make that declaration. He got upset with me as he seemed to think I was hiding my identity, but I would not go beyond the word of God. If I am, it will be clear in a future year.

A few weeks after the Feast of Tabernacles in 2021, CCOG deacon Richard Close (who has since died) sent the following email:

In order to help turn the hearts of the fathers and children to each other, we in the CCOG have worked on many ways to assist with this. But that is not turning the hearts prophecy to the point, yet, that it is fulfilled.

That being said, there seems to be an old Eastern Orthodox prophecy that is opposed to the two witnesses (though like many of the Roman Catholic ones, it seems more focused against one the two witnesses):

There are several points to make related to the above. Notice that it is warning that someone who was part of a Sunday church (probably a one "born Roman Catholic" as he becomes an "apostate" according to the mystic because of the Sabbath) will believe in and teach the Sabbath as well as believe that it is the time of the end. The followers of the end time Greco-Roman churches will insist that the end comes later than the actual two witnesses will teach.

Notice that Agathaghelos indicates that the leader wears black mourning apparel (sackcloth, which the Bible connects to the two witnesses in Revelation 11:4, is considered mourning apparel and the Bible shows it is black in Revelation 6:12) and that these are concealed--it may be that the two witnesses sometimes will hide their identity (perhaps to allow themselves to cross international borders or other purposes).

The leader is, for at least some while, a citizen of the Pentapolis, which in English means "five cities." When I showed LCG evangelist Dr. Douglas Winnail this writing during a private lunch during the Feast of Tabernacles in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 2011, he said he believed that the prophecy seemed to be a reference to me, Bob Thiel, but he was not sure what the significance of it would be.

It is unlikely that India would be related to that 'five cities' prophecy and it also does not look to be in Italy.

That said, a major point to emphasize is that Agathaghelos is indicating that these Sabbath-keeping men will seem pious and he does not want anyone to listen to them. Thus, the above Orthodox prediction seems to be directed against the two witnesses as they will be followers of the true faith. Notice that "citizen of the Pentapolis" are also called "inventors of distored heresies" which is consistent with them producing writings, posts, etc. that Greco-Roman Catholics will consider to be bad.

The biblical reality is that the two witnesses will have several messages (the Sabbath being only one of them) that the coming revised Greco-Roman confederation will oppose.

It would also seem that the millennial hope and the hope of future salvation (as opposed to the concept that salvation is only offered in this age) will be one of the defining differences between the two witnesses and combined the Beast/Antichrist power during the 3 1/2 years that the two witnesses have been given the power from God.

It appears that Satan and/or his demons have influenced mystics throughout the ages to falsely warn against the two witnesses so that when they rise up, that these warnings from the mystics will be used as justification to attempt to discredit, persecute, and eventually kill God’s two witnesses!

Well, I have lived in the Five Cities since 1994, when we moved to Pismo Beach. We moved to Arroyo Grande and opened our church off there in 1996. We then moved the church office to Grover Beach in 2015--which is where the office remains. I did not learn of the Pentapolis prophecy until 2009 when performing prophetic research.

I am also a former Roman Catholic who decided against Sunday and began to keep the seventh-day Sabbath at age 17. So, I was a "young man" consistent with the above. I have also been to Rome and Vatican city many times consistent with Anna Emmerich's warnings. Plus have written books exposing errors that the Greco-Roman Catholics have. Apostates, according to the Church of Rome, actively teach against current Roman Catholic doctrine, which my books like Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?, clearly do.

Various ones have written to me over the years telling me that I am one of the two witnesses--normally however the one asserting that claims to be the other witness.

However, there was one in the Continuing Church of God who sent the following in an email, in the Summer of 2021, that God showed her that I was to be one of the two witnesses. She wrote:

We can conclude that is a prophetic dream if God confirms. It was on Pentecost that the Apostle Peter reminded people that God would use dreams and prophets in the last days and we have seen other confirmed dreams in the Continuing Church of God (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

Now, I, Bob Thiel have never claimed to be one of the two witnesses nor the Elijah to come (see also The Elijah Heresies), but also have not denied the possibility. We will see.

God Calls Out the Differences Between the False Witnesses and His True Witnesses

Notice the following from the Book of Isaiah (with both a Protestant and Roman Catholic translation):

God's witnesses will be telling the TRUTH! The Beast and False Prophet will be false witnesses as will be certain private prophecies from Catholic and/or Eastern Orthodox sources that are against God's two witnesses!

Despite that, the two witnesses will reach the world (Revelation 11:10). God wants those who hear them to accept the truth and some will (cf. Revelation 7:9).

There is a Chinese prophecy that, according to Ruan Pui-Hua, is expected to be fulfilled during the time of the Apocalypse. Because of that timing, this ancient writing would seem to be referring to one of the two witnesses (one witness may go to China and other parts of Asia more than the other one):

The two witnesses will be working to warn the world about the disasters that befall it--this would include the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. The two witnesses will be saints (cf. Revelation 14:12). And some people all over the world will be spiritually rescued by listening to them--the "great multitude" of Revelation 7:9-10 would likely include many Asians. (More on Asia can be found in the article Asia in Prophecy.)

Thus, this could be a prophecy within the Chinese world of one of the two witnesses. It is possible that this could have come from Christian-contact with China be some early followers of the apostles (some believe that the Apostle Thomas got at least close to China in the first century).

There is a passage in Daniel 8 that discusses that something will happen at the end:

13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, "How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled under foot?"

14 He said to me, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated."

15 Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man.

16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision."

17 So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, "Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end."

18 Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright.

19 And he said, "Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be (Daniel 8:13-19, note NIV shown for verse 14 as it is more literally correct than the NKJV there).

The late evangelist Dr. Hoeh explained this as follows:

Turn in your Bibles to verse 14 of chapter 8...here is a prophecy that two thousand three hundred evenings and morning sacrifices would cease to be offered. Since the daily sacrifice was offered twice a day, this prophecy is actually speaking of one thousand one hundred fifty (1150) days. In 1150 days there would be exactly two thousand three hundred sacrifices offered at evening and morning…At the end of this 1150-day period the sanctuary is to be “cleansed” or “justified”…

In Daniel 11 the last King of the North is pictured…This amazing prophecy of the 2300 evenings and mornings is yet to be fulfilled in our day. A great crisis is yet to occur in Palestine…

A great European Church-State union will be in control of Palestine and the whole Western World. It will prohibit the Truth. It will "cast down the truth to the ground." It will practice and prosper!

It will persecute and martyr God's Holy people. It will be allowed to tread Jerusalem underfoot and to prohibit the daily sacrifice at the sanctuary for 1150 days. It will substitute its own abominable, idolatrous rites in place of the evening and morning sacrifice. Jesus referred to this same event in Matthew 24:15. "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, STAND IN THE HOLY PLACE, (whoso readeth, let him understand;) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains ... for then shall be great tribulation ..."--climaxing in the second coming of Jesus Christ (verses 15-21).

The Gentiles will tread down Jerusalem for 1260 days (Rev. 11)--a period that includes the 1150 days. It is the time of the two witnesses...God will suddenly intervene in human affairs. He will put an end to this idolatrous system. (Hoeh H. The 2300 Days Revealed. Plain Truth, August 1965, pp. 25-29)

Another explanation might allow that approximately 110 days before the 1260 days is over (1260 minus 1150; there are also 3 days that the two witnesses are dead and the 1290 days that needs to be considered, etc., thus 110 is in that sense an approximate number) that the European Church/State power will be stopped from holding its idolatrous sacrifices (“mass” is considered a sacrifice by Eastern and Roman Catholics).

Although Antiochus Epiphanes seems to be involved in an ante-type fulfilment of this, the fact that Daniel 8:17 says, “the vision refers to the time of the end” shows that it has end-time ramifications. And Daniel 8:26 states it was MANY DAYS later than when he wrote this:

26 "And the vision of the evenings and mornings
Which was told is true;
Therefore seal up the vision,
For it refers to many days in the future." (Daniel 8:26)

Because the supporters of the Beast will turn against the woman who sits on seven hills (Revelation 17:9), the end of the 1150 evenings and mornings may be when Revelation 17:15-17 is fulfilled (Dr. Hoeh seemed to have it before then). The 2300 evenings and mornings is something we may have to await more Divine guidance for.

Since the two witnesses end up dying in Jerusalem after they prophesy for 1260 days (Revelation 11:3,7-8), it may be that somehow God will cause them, or their supporters, to somehow stop the sacrifices of the European power there--if this is a reference to "mass" instead of Jewish animal sacrifices.

On the other hand, God may stop mass directly Himself as this is close to the end of the Day of the Lord. But as suggested earlier the Beast may do it directly. This could be because of fear from the Asians (cf. Daniel 11:44) or disappointments with the Church of the City of Seven Hills (Revelation 17:16-18) or both.

But since the two witnesses only have about three months to preach at this time before they are killed, it may be that God will have them in Jerusalem then and have them stop the European sacrifices, while allowing the European power to remain to plot their deaths.

It needs to be understood that some Roman Catholic writers do believe that the stopping of the sacrifices mentioned by Daniel in chapter 8 and 12 specifically are referring to an action by or for Antichrist related to stopping Roman Catholic Mass. Sadly, some Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies against 'Antichrist' point to Jesus (see Do Certain Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus?)--though not all do (some refer to an apostate pontiff; many of those prophecies are quoted in the article Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?).

And as mentioned earlier, some Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies appear to be warning against God's two witnesses.

Don't Use the Two Witnesses as an Excuse

While God does have a plan involving the two witnesses, many feel that they do not need to support the current work of fulfilling Matthew 24:14. They basically say God will take care of that through the two witnesses.

And while God will insure that Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled, consider the following:

34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." (John 4:34-38)

3 Jesus answered, "... 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:3-4)

Jesus expects His people to do the work of sowing the message and not use excuses or delays. Jesus CONDEMNS the Laodiceans for their lukewarm work (Revelation 3:14-21)--and in the time of the end, the Laodiceans are the DOMINANT Christians in terms of numbers.

Jesus taught that Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled BEFORE the start of the Great Tribulation:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

While the two witnesses will preach that same gospel, they will not be given power by God until shortly prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (cf. Revelation 11:2-3,9). The two witnesses are not the only ones that are to support that work. See also: Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word.

Perhaps it should be noted that during the Sardis era of the Church of God, those of Sardis did not believe that they needed to be concerned about Matthew 24:14 as the 'third angel's message' (Revelation 14:6-11) would be enough of a witness (and that includes the first two angels messages as well). While there will be that witness (see The Final Phase of the Work), the Philadelphians of the Church of God believe this is one reason that the Philadelphia era needed to begin--an era to go through the open doors (Revelation 3:7-13) to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

In the end time, prior to the Great Tribulation, most Christians will be Laodicean and not have the type of work that Jesus wants--and He threatens to spew them out of His mouth for that (Revelation 3:14-22).

Notice a prophecy that we would expect the two witnesses would help fulfill:

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

While Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 61:1-2a (Luke 4:17-21), it may be that He will have His two witnesses fulfill verses verses 1-3.

The two witnesses are actually on the scene before they are known as the two witnesses, hence they are almost certainly alive now, as God's 6,000 year plan for humanity to rule itself is just about at its end (this is discussed in the article Did The Early Church Millenarianism?).

Because of misunderstandings of Catholic writers and private prophets, those who rely on those traditions of men more than the Bible will not recognize the two witnesses once they appear.

Jesus warned that false prophets will arise and do miracles. Those who are waiting for Enoch and Elijah to literally come from Paradise to the earth, before they will accept God's true witnesses, are deceiving themselves. The vast majority of human beings will be deceived (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). But you do not have to be.

The two witnesses will be killed and there are non-biblical prophecies that others may rely on to support killing them.

The two witnesses are most likely alive now, and God will raise them up probably in the relatively near future. The two witnesses will more successfully proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God.

Those who do not wish to be deceived need to repent and believe the gospel now, as later it may be too late.

Thiel B. Who Are the Two Witnesses? www.cogwriter.com/thetwowitnesses.htm (c) 2007/2008/2009/2010/2011/2012/2013/ 2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 / 2022 / 2023 /2024 0914 (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quiénes son los dos testigos?)

Who Are The Two Witnesses?

Bl. Dionysius of Luetzenburg