What Good Have I Done?

Witnesses Before Christ’s Return

Introduction

Among the many prophecies concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, one of the most striking is the account of two prophets who will minister in Jerusalem during the last days. This prophecy, found in the Book of Revelation, has been affirmed by latter-day prophets and apostles as a literal event that will unfold before Christ’s return in glory. Their ministry, death, and resurrection serve as a final witness to the world of the power of God and the truth of His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Scriptural Prophecy

The Apostle John recorded in Revelation 11:3–12 that two special witnesses will be raised up in Jerusalem. They will prophesy for 1,260 days, perform miracles, and testify of Christ with divine authority. Despite their power, they will eventually be slain, and their bodies will lie in the streets for three and a half days. Then, in a miraculous display, they will be resurrected and ascend into heaven in full view of their enemies.

The most direct prophecy comes from the New Testament:

• John the Revelator describes “two witnesses” who will prophesy in Jerusalem for 1,260 days (about 3½ years).

• They will have power to perform miracles, call down plagues, and testify of Christ.

• Eventually, they will be slain by their enemies and their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for 3½ days.

• After this, they will be resurrected and ascend into heaven, striking fear into those who see it.

Teachings from Modern Prophets

Latter-day Saint leaders have taught that these two witnesses will be real prophets, not symbolic figures. Joseph Smith testified that John’s vision would be literally fulfilled in the last days (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 286). Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that they will be “raised up to the Jewish nation” and will have power to withstand armies until their appointed mission is complete. President Spencer W. Kimball likewise confirmed that their ministry would serve as a powerful testimony to the Jewish people and the world.

1. Bruce R. McConkie (Apostle, Mormon Doctrine)

   • He taught that these two witnesses will be “two prophets” raised up to the Jewish nation.

   • They will be given power and authority to prophesy and to testify of Christ during the final great siege of Jerusalem.

   • Their ministry is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Revelation 11.

2. Joseph Smith (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 286)

   • He linked the prophecy to the last days in Jerusalem, noting that these events are literal and will occur before Christ’s return in glory.

3. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol. 3)

   • He clarified that they are not symbolic figures, but real prophets, called of God, who will minister in Jerusalem.

   • Their martyrdom and resurrection will serve as a final testimony to the Jewish people and the world before the Lord’s coming.

4. President Spencer W. Kimball

   • He also confirmed that the two witnesses are real prophets, not figurative representations, and their ministry will demonstrate God’s power over nations and armies.

Lessons for Today

While the prophecy points to a future event, it also reminds us of the Lord’s pattern: He sends prophets to bear witness of His Son and prepare the world for His coming. The ministry of the two witnesses highlights the courage required to stand for truth, the certainty of opposition, and the ultimate triumph of God’s power. For believers today, their example can strengthen faith in Christ and increase readiness for His return.

Conclusion

The prophecy of the two prophets in Jerusalem stands as one of the most dramatic events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Their testimony, their sacrifice, and their miraculous resurrection will serve as a powerful witness to all nations that the Lord’s promises are sure. As we study their role, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our own discipleship, preparing our hearts for the day when Christ will come again in glory.

Keywords: prophecy, witnesses, Jerusalem, Second Coming, resurrection

Hashtags: #LDSProphecy #SecondComing #JerusalemWitnesses #FaithInChrist #BookOfRevelation

References

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). Revelation 11 [Scripture text]. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/rev/11?lang=eng The Church of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). Revelation 11: Two Special Witnesses [Student study guide]. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-student-study-guide/the-revelation-of-saint-john-the-divine/revelation-11?lang=eng The Church of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). Revelation 8–11 [Seminary manual]. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-seminary-student-manual-2023/revelation-8-11?lang=eng The Church of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). Chapter 54: Revelation 4–11 [New Testament student manual]. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-student-manual/revelation/chapter-54-revelation-4-11?lang=eng The Church of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). The Battle of Armageddon: A Prophetic View [Old Testament enrichment]. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/enrichment-i?lang=eng

// posted by John Fisher @ October 03, 2025