I don't propose to know dogmatically who either of the two witnesses will be during the tribulation. I have heard aguments for several options:
1. Enoch and Elijah: because of an interpretation of Hebrews 9:27
My problems with this argument:
I believe this passage should be taken as a general principle and not so "literal" as supposed for several reasons.
a. The verse says "once to die." This would rule out Lazarus, Jairus' daughter, the widow of Nain's son, Etychus (did he die?), etc. because they died twice. If one is to take this verse absolutely literally, he must deal with the people who were raised from the dead. I believe that this verse is a general principle that says unless divine intervention occurs, everyone should expect to die once and no going back. God, if he wants to, can have a few exceptions who either died twice or not at all.
b. Using the same "literal" perspective gives a conflicting problem with another Hebrews passage that mentions Enoch. Hebrews chapter 11 is the famous hall of faith. Enoch is listed here in verse 5.
I am not saying that the two witnesses can't be Enoch and Elijah, but that they don't have to be for Hebrews 9:27.
2. Moses and Elijah: because of several reasons:
a. They were the ones who were "witnessed" at the Transfiguration
b. They are the figure heads for "the Law and the Prophets."
c. They both combined did many of the things that the two witnesses will do:
Not much really, there are quite a few good arguments for Moses and Elijah. However, I think that Malachi 4:5 may have been fulfilled by John the Baptist.
Here is an idea that I am throwing into the air. I don't necessarily stick by it, but I just want to see what you all think.
3. Daniel and John the Apostle: for several reasons:
b. They both were presented with a book. Perhaps the book that Daniel was told to seal up is the same one that John ate?
c. They are both told by an angel that they would do something again. Daniel was told to rest, but that he would "stand in the lot at the end of the days." John was told that he would "prophesy again before many."
Perhaps the two witnesses are two who witnessed the same end time events for which they would preach in their duration.
1. Enoch and Elijah: because of an interpretation of Hebrews 9:27
It is reasoned that since Enoch and Elijah were the only two recorded in Scripture who apparently did not die but were taken straight to heaven bodily, according to the rule of Hebrews 9:27, they must meet their appointment, and therefore they must be the two witnesses without question.
My problems with this argument:
I believe this passage should be taken as a general principle and not so "literal" as supposed for several reasons.
a. The verse says "once to die." This would rule out Lazarus, Jairus' daughter, the widow of Nain's son, Etychus (did he die?), etc. because they died twice. If one is to take this verse absolutely literally, he must deal with the people who were raised from the dead. I believe that this verse is a general principle that says unless divine intervention occurs, everyone should expect to die once and no going back. God, if he wants to, can have a few exceptions who either died twice or not at all.
b. Using the same "literal" perspective gives a conflicting problem with another Hebrews passage that mentions Enoch. Hebrews chapter 11 is the famous hall of faith. Enoch is listed here in verse 5.
This verse says that Enoch "should not see death." Does this mean that he would not die ever, or would not die until the tribulation? It depends upon how literal you need to be. The "literal" problem continues in verse 13, after a list of persons were mentioned (including Enoch).
If one were to take this verse as "literally" as required in 9:27, one would have to conclude that Enoch died, contradicting verse 5 which said that he should not see death. It should be understood that the died in verse 13 is a blanket statement that does not include Enoch.
I am not saying that the two witnesses can't be Enoch and Elijah, but that they don't have to be for Hebrews 9:27.
2. Moses and Elijah: because of several reasons:
a. They were the ones who were "witnessed" at the Transfiguration
b. They are the figure heads for "the Law and the Prophets."
c. They both combined did many of the things that the two witnesses will do:
d. That at least Elijah will be one witness because of Malachi 4:5.
My problems with this argument:
Not much really, there are quite a few good arguments for Moses and Elijah. However, I think that Malachi 4:5 may have been fulfilled by John the Baptist.
Here is an idea that I am throwing into the air. I don't necessarily stick by it, but I just want to see what you all think.
3. Daniel and John the Apostle: for several reasons:
a. They were both "witnesses" to end times events. John saw many of the same things that Daniel saw.
b. They both were presented with a book. Perhaps the book that Daniel was told to seal up is the same one that John ate?
c. They are both told by an angel that they would do something again. Daniel was told to rest, but that he would "stand in the lot at the end of the days." John was told that he would "prophesy again before many."
Perhaps the two witnesses are two who witnessed the same end time events for which they would preach in their duration.
