ANSWER: The book of Revelation was written in symbolic language and is not to be understood literally (Revelation 1:1, the word signified means that John was shown things in “signs,” which must shortly come to pass). So it is in this passage. It, too, was written in signs or symbolic language. Verses eleven and twelve refer back to those Christians (vss.9-10) who had suffered great persecution at the hands of the “beast,” or the Roman Empire (vs.7). After three and one-half days (a symbolic number representing a period of time designated by God), these ones were to overcome their persecution by the power of the Spirit of God; and to be raised spiritually victorious in this life, as well, as in the life to come!