24 elders in Revelation Chapter 4

twenty-four elders spoken of in Revelation Chapter 4

 In Revelation Chapter 4, the Apostle John is called up to Heaven, to the throne room of God. In the first few verses of that chapter, John observes the throne of God. Then he is also shown twenty-four lesser thrones around God's throne "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats, and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold," Revelation 4:4.

The number of these individuals is significant. In the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, there were 24 courses, or shifts (1 Chronicles 24:7-19). The Church is also described as a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5-9).

With these thoughts in mind, theologians differ about the identity of these elders. Some view them as being either exclusively Israel or exclusively the Church. Others feel that the group is comprised of both Israel and the Church (12 Jewish patriarchs plus 12 apostles). But most believe that the Church is at least partially represented by this assembly.

Notice that they have "white raiment" and "crowns of gold." These facts indicate that John is viewing them at a time in the future when the Rapture of the Church, and ensuing Judgment of the Believer's Works, have already taken place. Meanwhile, the Tribulation is beginning in earnest on Earth, with the seven seal judgments about to be unleashed. This is another indication of the pre-Tribulation timing of the Rapture. Finally, notice the activity of these twenty-four elders in Heaven:


"The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sits on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created," Revelation 4:10-11.

Like the four living creatures also seen in this chapter, the twenty-four elders are engaged in worship of the Lord. This indicates that we, too, will occupy ourselves with this activity in Heaven. We should begin to prepare now - not only by singing God's praises, but also by honoring Him in worship by our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.