^11:1And there was given to me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it.

And there was given to me a MEASURING ROD like a staff;

This is a continuation of chapter 10.

We will now see the "active" part of the prophesy. Up to now, John was to hear, see, and write. Now the prophesy starts, and it usually begins with the prophet measuring (assessing) the spiritual state of the nation.

and someone said,

Many scholars believe this is Christ speaking. However, it also could be the strong angel with the little book (Revelation 10:1).

"Rise and measure

The figurative meaning would say this refers to the Christian church in general. The literal meaning would mean the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. Since Revelation is first and foremost a Jewish writing, this should be taken literally (Revelation 7:1-8).

What does the measuring mean? The Jews in rebuilding the temple and resuming animal sacrifices signify they refuse to accept Jesus as Messiah as He came 2000 years ago. Instead, "the beast" in the rest of Revelation is accepted, Daniel 9:27, Daniel 12:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Matthew 24:15.

Those who accept Christ realize "the temple" is man's body with Christ and Holy Spirit living therein, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Thus, the "measuring" is to show the Jews how lacking Old Testament temple and altar (ritual) are compared to Jesus Christ and His COMPLETE forgiveness and High Priestly authority (Hebrews 7:11-19).

The "measuring" also denotes preparation for destruction of old Jewish tradition (Isaiah 65:7, Lamentations 2:7-8, Amos 7:7-9, and 2 Kings 21:13) and reconstruction (or restoration) of Messiah (Ezekiel 40:3-5, Zechariah 2, Revelation 21:1,15-27).

Note the order of measuring:

LESSON: If you call yourself a Christian, your worship, sacrifice, and praise MUST be to the Lord and not to a building, pastor, or fellow believers. You, personally, will be MEASURED!