Studying Prophecy
One of the reasons for understanding what is to come is to prepare now for that time. Will those who believe they'll be "Raptured" be prepared?
Something else also to be understood is the idea of duality and figurative speech, as well as singular and literal meanings, in Scripture.
Duality of prophecy is where something happens at one point, but then happens later at another point in a slightly different way (Similar to the early and latter rains concept Scripture mentions).
Antiochus Epiphanies sacrificed a pig on the altar of the temple in the 1st century. We see another example of this happening in the future when the man of sin goes into the Holy of Holies and defiles it:
And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [7 years], but in the middle of the week [3 ½ years] he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate, Dan 9:27.
Things go further with the Man of Sin as we read on in Daniel (but with the added insight of what Yahweh's people will be doing and what will happen to them).
Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation. By smooth words he will turn to unrighteousness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their Elohim will display strength and take action. Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time, Dan 11:31-35.
Things to note:
1. The people who know their Elohim will display strength and take action.
2. Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many.
3. They will be granted a little help.
After the Man of Sin enters the Holy of Holies, the people knowing Yahweh (they have a relationship with Him) will stand strong. Some will fall to the wayside - weak for a time (many days) - by fire, sword, and even held prisoner to help them to grow spiritually. Eventually they'll be given extra spiritual help from Yahweh. Make no mistake, a little of Yahweh's Strength is a lot! In fact, many will flatter them when they see that strength in action.
There is nothing pleasant about going through hardship, but we see there is a benefit for those that have Yahweh in their lives. Yahweh's Spirit is strengthened within. It is like what Yahshua told the Apostle Paul,
My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness, 2 Cor. 12:9a.
The Beast, it is revealed, will also have strength (empowered by Satan) to do his damage for 3 ½ years. False teachers are also said to have some evil powers, Matt. 24:24.
This same 3 ½ year time period is likely when the two witnesses will be strengthened with Yahweh's Spirit power (having been prepared by the hardships of the previous 3 ½ years). They will be able to prophesy/teach fully, Rev. 11:3. However, in verse 7, the Beast is, at this time, able to overcome the saints, which is evidently at the end of the time period of forty-two months.
There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him, Rev. 13:5. (see also Rev. 11:2)