Actually, there is nothing specific in that passage about saints rising from the grave or the so-called rapture. That is an inference based on a faulty interpretation of the text.
And while the passage is about the "great tribulation", it's clear from the context that the event was a 1st century occurrence. Some folks get tripped up on the language of the sun being darkened, etc, but a careful examination of the Old Testament prophets will reveal identical or similar language used to describe the temporal judgment against nations.
1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw. ... 9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. (Isaiah 13)Jesus' disciples, those Jews of that day quite familiar with the language of the prophets, understood the words of Jesus and did indeed flee from Jerusalem when they saw the approaching Roman armies. They saw the "abomination of desolation" and "fled to the mountains".
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matt. 24)Same event, similar language, different audience. In this case, it describes the temporal judgment that was about to fall upon ancient Israel, "this generation", in the transition from old covenant to new.20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, (Luke 21)
36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation . 37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' " (Matt. 23)