Revelation 11:7 — “Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks a dramatic turning point in the story of the two witnesses. Up to this point, they have been protected by God. They’ve boldly spoken His truth, performed powerful signs, and could not be harmed. But now, once their mission is complete—once they’ve finished the work God gave them—the beast rises from the Abyss, attacks, overcomes them, and kills them.
This tells us something important: God is fully in control of timing. The witnesses are untouchable until they’ve finished their testimony. Only then does He allow the beast to strike. The “beast from the Abyss” is a symbol of evil rising up from the deep places of spiritual darkness—what many understand to be a representation of demonic power or even a coming world ruler who opposes God and His people.
This event does not mean the witnesses have failed. It means they were faithful to the end. Their physical death is not the end of their story—it is part of a bigger plan.
Historical Context
At the time Revelation was written, Christians were facing real persecution. Many were killed for their faith by Roman authorities. This verse would’ve spoken deeply to them. It doesn’t paint a sugar-coated version of life. Instead, it shows the truth: sometimes God’s people suffer and even die in the course of obedience.
The “beast” would have reminded readers of the oppressive Roman empire, with its emperor worship, cruelty, and hatred of the Christian faith. But the promise here is subtle but strong: evil may appear to win for a moment, but only after God’s mission through His people is done.
The image of the Abyss also connects to Jewish and early Christian beliefs about the deep, dark realm where demonic forces dwell—a place of rebellion against God.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches a hard but necessary truth: faithfulness to God does not always mean safety in this life. Sometimes, it means suffering. Sometimes, it means death. But it also teaches that God is still in control. The witnesses are not caught off guard. Their mission ends when God says it ends.
The rise of the beast introduces a theme that runs through the rest of Revelation: the war between good and evil, light and darkness. God allows evil to rise for a season, but it is always limited, always temporary, and always under His authority.
This verse also reminds us that death is not the final defeat for God’s people. It’s the beginning of something greater.
Literary Analysis
Revelation uses vivid symbols to communicate spiritual realities. In this verse, “the beast from the Abyss” represents a powerful enemy of God and His people. The Abyss is a recurring image in Revelation—always a place of deep darkness and rebellion (see Revelation 9:1, 17:8, and 20:1-3).
The timing of events is important: the witnesses are attacked after they finish their testimony. The structure of the sentence highlights God’s sovereignty—first mission completed, then martyrdom allowed.
The pattern follows the biblical storyline: testimony, opposition, apparent defeat… followed by victory. It echoes the life of Jesus, who was rejected and killed—but only after completing His work.
Biblical Cross-References
- Daniel 7:21 – “As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them.”
- John 19:30 – Jesus said, “It is finished,” just before He died—His mission completed.
- Revelation 13:7 – The beast is allowed to wage war against God’s people and conquer them for a time.
- Luke 12:4-5 – Jesus warns that some may kill the body, but they cannot touch the soul.
- Romans 8:36-37 – “We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that obedience to God doesn’t always lead to applause or safety. Sometimes it leads to rejection, resistance, and even real danger. But we are not to fear.
God gives His people a mission, and He gives them strength to complete it. Only when the work is done does He allow the enemy to touch them. Even then, death is not a defeat. It’s a doorway.
This verse also challenges us to finish our testimony—to speak truth, live boldly, and not back down, no matter the pressure. God will protect us until the work He gave us is done.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
It may seem hard to connect this kind of suffering to a loving God, but love doesn’t mean protecting someone from all pain. It means staying close through it all and bringing purpose even from the hardest moments.
God’s love is seen in how He gives the witnesses their assignment, empowers them, protects them, and brings them home when the time is right. He doesn’t leave them unprepared or alone.
A loving God does not waste suffering. He uses it for eternal purposes—and in doing so, He honors the faithfulness of His people in ways the world can’t understand.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse closely follows the pattern of Jesus’ life. Jesus was sent by God, spoke truth boldly, performed miracles, and was hated by the world. He was arrested, beaten, and killed—not because evil was stronger, but because His mission was complete.
Just as Jesus said, “It is finished,” before He died (John 19:30), these witnesses finish their testimony before they are killed. Jesus also told His followers they would face persecution (John 15:18-20), and that some would be killed—but that their reward would be great (Matthew 5:11-12).
Jesus’ death was not the end—it led to resurrection and victory. That same hope applies to the two witnesses, and to every believer.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach me about completing the mission God has given me?
- How do I respond to the idea that faithfulness to God might lead to suffering?
- In what ways am I tempted to give up before my testimony is “finished”?
- What comforts me most about God’s control over timing and events?
- How does Jesus’ own suffering and victory shape how I view trials in my life?