The great tribulation did indeed happen after John was told those words, but the trumpets are not part of the great tribulation.
You are right, the Resurrection of the believers is not the Rapture, even though it is commonly known by that name.
Here are the verses of Revelation that are referring to the Resurrection of the believers:
Please notice that the dead in Christ rise first and are caught up to heaven in a cloud at the time of a loud shout and the sounding of the last trumpet, just like mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
Revelation 11:11-13
11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. |
Please notice that Jesus is in the clouds and harvests the earth as mentioned in Matthew 13:39.
Revelation 14:14-16
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. |