Revelation 11 is one of the key chapters in the Bible to help us understand the 2nd half of the tribulation, known as the “great tribulation.”
Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:15-21, that the middle of the tribulation is identified by the abomination of desolation in the holy place of the Temple. This is the beginning of the “great tribulation” — the 3 1/2 years of God’s wrath being poured out upon the earth, and the government of the Antichrist seeking to destroy Israel and all who stand with her.
The two witnesses appear, after John measures the Temple, but before the abomination of desolation has been placed in the Temple (Daniel 12:11). They are given the charge of witnessing against the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit (v.7). They must prophesy 1260 days or 42 months, be killed, resurrect and ascend to heaven, with all the tribulation saints from under the altar in Revelation 6:9-11.
The two witnesses (Moses & Elijah), and the tribulation saints under the altar, and the 144,000 sealed servants will all be guests at the marriage supper of the lamb (Matthew 22:1-10). Please read ch.11 & 12 this week in preparation for our study!