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Who were the two men in heaven?

In the Bible, there are a few stories that reference two men in heaven. Based on the context, it seems most likely that the two men referred to in these stories are Moses and Elijah. Let’s take a closer look at the biblical evidence surrounding the identity of the two mysterious men.

The Transfiguration

The most well-known account of two men appearing with Jesus is the Transfiguration, found in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. In this story, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. While praying, Jesus begins to shine with brilliant light and his clothing becomes dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear and begin talking with Jesus. Peter suggests building shelters for them, but then a voice from heaven speaks, saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The vision fades, and Jesus is alone with his disciples again.

Most biblical scholars agree that the two men who appeared with Jesus were Moses and Elijah. Some reasons for this identification include:

  • Moses and Elijah were two of the most revered prophets in Israel’s history
  • Both had unique, miraculous departures from earthly life – Elijah was taken up to heaven alive in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11), while Moses died alone and was personally buried by God (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).
  • Moses and Elijah’s presence represent “the Law and the Prophets” – the two major divisions of the Old Testament.
  • Peter refers to the figures as “Moses and Elijah” in his offer to build shelters for them (Luke 9:33)

The Transfiguration scene symbolically shows Jesus’ glory as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Moses and Elijah’s appearance affirms Jesus’ identity and the continuity between his mission and God’s purposes in the Old Testament.

The Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation also contains a mysterious reference to two witnesses in chapter 11:

And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. (Revelation 11:3-5)

These two witnesses are given divine power to prophesy, perform miracles and withstand harm. After they prophesy for 1,260 days (or 3 1/2 years on the biblical calendar), the beast from the bottomless pit will kill them, and their bodies will lie in the street for 3 1/2 days before being resurrected and ascending to heaven (Revelation 11:7-12).

While the two witnesses are not directly named, many scholars identify them as Moses and Elijah based on several parallels:

  • The miracles they perform (turning water to blood, drought, plagues) are similar to judgments Moses inflicted on Egypt.
  • Elijah was known for calling down fire from heaven to consume his enemies (2 Kings 1:10-12).
  • The 3 1/2 years of prophecy echoes the 3 1/2 year drought when Elijah prayed for rain (James 5:17).
  • After the two witnesses die, Revelation says the inhabitants of the earth will gloat over their bodies. This may correlate with Moses’ burial location being hidden and disputed (Deuteronomy 34:6).

If the two witnesses are indeed Moses and Elijah, it demonstrates that God is continuing to work through these key figures even after their earthly lives ended. Their appearance is meant to encourage and empower God’s people in the midst of persecution.

Other Clues about the Two Men

Aside from the Transfiguration and Revelation accounts, there are a few other clues about the identity of the two mysterious men:

  • In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells a parable about a beggar named Lazarus who dies and is carried by angels to be with Abraham and a rich man in the afterlife. This indicates Abraham may have been one of the figures with Moses and Elijah.
  • When Jesus was baptized, Matthew 3:16-17 describes the Spirit of God descending like a dove and God’s voice speaking out of heaven. Some believe this symbolically parallels Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) appearing at the Transfiguration.
  • John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Some think this further connects Elijah to the two witnesses.

Conclusion

In summary, the biblical accounts strongly support Moses and Elijah as the two mysterious men who make divine appearances in the Transfiguration and Revelation. The Law and the Prophets standing with Jesus signify God’s faithfulness across the Old and New Testaments. While other figures like Abraham or Enoch have been proposed, the overwhelming evidence points to Moses and Elijah appearing together multiple times to encourage God’s people at key moments in redemptive history.

Their powerful witness reminds us that faithfulness to God may require endurance through suffering. But in the end, God’s purposes will triumph and His faithful ones will be vindicated. The testimony of Moses, Elijah and ultimately Christ should inspire us to persevere through every trial until that final day of resurrection victory.