The difference between using "prophets and apostles" versus "apostles and prophets" is that the former is used in reference to Israel's/Earthly/Prophetic program, and the latter is used in reference to God's program with the Body of Christ/heavenly/Mystery program.
So with that said, look at that word "heaven" in this verse.
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
Notice that the focus of this verse has to do with heaven, where these "holy apostles and prophets" now are. As you also know, the book of Revelation is a prophecy that will take place in the future, even future from where we now are in history. By the time this verse is fulfilled, all of us in the church, the Body of Christ, will already be Raptured up into Heaven.
So I believe that God is talking specifically to members of the Body of Christ, in particular those early apostles and prophets, originally given to edify the Church while Paul is finishing writing his epistles.
Ephesians 2:20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Some of these early men in the Body were killed like Paul was, and in this context, God will finally avenge their murders.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-8
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Also notice that God mentions these "heavenly" people earlier in the book...
Revelation 12:12
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
So in my study of these verses, I believe that God is talking about men in the Body, particularly, men who were early members in the beginning, who are now in heaven, and still will be when these verses are fulfilled.
Hopefully this helps...Maranatha!
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