11:1–2 Many stylistic and thematic elements of this second part of the interlude differ from its first part. For this reason, most commentators think this difficult passage, which centers on the ministry and fate of the “two witnesses,” is derived from some discredited Jewish apocalyptic midrash on Daniel and adapted here by John for his Christian audience (Beasley-Murray, Revelation, pp. 176–81). However, unless John thought it contained an authentic prediction of a temple siege and the ultimate vindication of two witnesses, and unless he thought it of value for Christian proclamation, it is difficult for us to explain why he would pick up and use a prophecy regarded as false by the Jewish community. In any case, we do not think questions of sources need to be settled before coherent mean…