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Darries asked: Who are the 24 elders in Revelation 4:4 or what is that representing?

Great question, Darries.

Before I answer your question, I have a sermon from that passage. You can LISTEN HERE. 

In seeking to identify the twenty-four elders mentioned in Revelation 4:4, it’s helpful to know that the number twenty-four is often used in Scripture as a representative number. It’s used to represent a host of people.

For instance, there were twenty-four officers of the sanctuary representing the twenty-four divisions of the Old Testament priests. Israel had thousands of priests, but they were represented by the twenty-four. 

There were also twenty-four divisions of singers in the temple, representing several mass choirs in 1 Chronicles 25.

So, I believe that the twenty-four elders are a representative group, and what they represent is the church. The church will have been raptured to Heaven prior to that time, and will be praising God in the court of Heaven and before the throne of God.

The lyrics to what we will be singing are down in Revelation 4:11, as we sing:

Worthy are you, our Lord and God . . .

This is very personal worship. The promise of Christ to the church has come true. He promised us that we will be robed in white garments (Revelation 3:5 and 3:18); that we will be rewarded with crowns upon our heads (Revelation 3:11); and that we will be seated on thrones (Revelation 3:21). The twenty-four elder in John's vision represent all of us who will be doing exactly what is described. 

These twenty-four are not angels; nor are they the twelve apostles and the twelve sons of Israel, as many have speculated. Due to their garments and their crowns and the thrones, which are specifically promised to the church, and because of their personal worship of their Lord and God, I’m convinced they represent the company of the redeemed, you and me, worshiping the Lord following the rapture of the church.

Why is this important? This scene brings us great comfort. During the tribulation, as God pours out his wrath, the church is singing. We’re not terrified of His wrath because we will have been rescued by faith in Christ. So while the whole earth experiences the wrath of God in utter terror, the church will be in Heaven, secure in our place and position, with our reward and white robes, exulting in their worship of sovereign God.

Learn More:

The book of Revelation is one of the most fascinating and mysterious books in the Bible. It is filled with imagery and symbolism that can be difficult to decipher. One of the most intriguing images in Revelation is the group of 24 elders that appear in several passages throughout the book. In this article, we will explore the identity and significance of the 24 elders in Revelation.

Who are the 24 Elders in Revelation?

The 24 elders are first mentioned in Revelation 4:4, which describes a vision of the throne room of God. John, the author of Revelation, sees "twenty-four elders sitting on thrones, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads." These elders are described as worshiping God and singing praises to Him.

Later in the book, the 24 elders are mentioned again in Revelation 5:8-10, where they are seen holding harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song, declaring the worthiness of the Lamb (Jesus) to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.

The identity of the 24 elders has been a subject of debate among scholars and theologians. Some believe that they represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles, symbolizing the unity of the old and new covenants in Christ. Others believe that they are a heavenly council of angelic beings or represent the glorified Church.

However, there are a few key characteristics of the 24 elders that may shed light on their identity. First, they are described as sitting on thrones, which suggests that they hold positions of authority and judgment. Second, they are clothed in white garments and wear golden crowns, which are symbols of victory and righteousness. Finally, they are seen offering prayers and singing praises to God, which suggests that they are intimately involved in the worship and service of God.

I believe that the twenty-four elders are a representative group, and what they represent is the church. The church will have been raptured to Heaven prior to that time, and will be praising God in the court of Heaven and before the throne of God.

What is the significance of the 24 Elders in Revelation?

The 24 elders play an important role in the book of Revelation, serving as witnesses to the unfolding of God's plan of salvation. They offer worship and praise to God, declare the worthiness of the Lamb, and participate in the heavenly vision of God's throne room.

Their presence in the book of Revelation also suggests that God's plan of salvation is not just for individuals, but for a community of believers. The 24 elders represent the faithful community of believers who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and are now seated in heavenly places with Christ.

Conclusion

The 24 elders in Revelation are a mysterious and intriguing image that has captured the imagination of scholars and theologians for centuries. While their identity may be debated, their significance is clear. They represent the faithful community of believers who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and are now seated in heavenly places with Christ, offering worship and praise to God for all eternity.