The Two Witnesses
Numerous and varied interpretation have been given concerning the two witnesses. Some have suggested that they are not literal individuals. However, in view of the fact that they die and are resurrected, the implication is that they are actual people. Another problem is their identification. A common interpretation is that they are Moses and Elijah because the judgments inflicted by Moses and Elijah in the Old Testament are similar to those of these two witnesses. Further support is given the identification of Elijah because of the prediction (Mal. 4:5) that he will appear "before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes." Christ said this prophecy of Elijah was partially fulfilled in His lifetime (Matt. 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13; cf. Luke 1:17) And both Moses and Elijah were involved in the transfiguration (Matt. 17:3), which anticipated the Second Coming. But a problem with this suggested identity is that Moses had already died once. (Bible Knowledge Commentary, pgs. 955-956)
The Two Witnesses Are Not Actually Identified by Scripture
While there is room for considerable discussion of...various views, the fact is that the passage does not identify the two witnesses, and they probably do not have historic identification. The description of the two witnesses as olive trees and lampstands has an Old Testament background (Zech. 4:2-14). The two witnesses in this passage were Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor. Their connection to the lampstands was that they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the olive oil. In a similar way the two witnesses of Revelation 11 will be empowered by the Holy Spirit. (Bible Knowledge Commentary, pg. 956)
Who Are They Then?
Like prophets of old the two witnesses will be able to do supernatural miracles, and fire will destroy those who will try to harm them. Like Elijah they will have power to stop rain, and will have power like Moses to turn water into blood and to bring on plagues. In the midst of the unbelief, apostasy, and satanic power of the Great Tribulation these two witnesses will be a threat to the entire wicked world for a literal period of 1,260 days. (Bible Knowledge Commentary, pg. 956)
Final Thought
It is interesting to bring parallels to Scripture and there are many parallels between the ministry of Moses and Elijah and the relationship between the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Antichrist is a political entity, while the False Prophet is a religious entity. In Egypt, Moses dealt with the political ruler, Pharaoh, and In Jerusalem, Elijah dealt with the Jezebell, a woman who promoted false religion. Coincidence? Perhaps...perhaps not.