Ministry of the Witneses

"These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want." (Revelation 11:4-6 - New International Version)

The Two Witnesses are called the two olive trees and the two candlesticks, or lamp stands. The symbolism of the two olive trees comes from the writing of Zechariah.

“Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two ancient ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zechariah 4:11-14 - King James Version)

This would seem to an Old Testament reference to the Two Witnesses of the Tribulation. That the Two Witnesses are the two lamp stands indicates that they shine out brightly in a dark and immoral world.

The Anti-Christ will seek to destroy these two men, but God protects them. They are given the ability to do great miracles. Like Elijah, they use fire to destroy their enemies and they cause a drought. Like Moses, they turn water into blood and send plagues upon the earth. While Satan should be rejoicing as he rules the world and accepts the worship of most of humanity, these two will be a constant thorn in his side.