After the apostle John had taken in some of the wonder and glory of God the Father on His throne, he beheld four angelic living creatures serving about the Lord. Surrounding these four were twenty-four elders, each seen seated upon a throne.
John writes:
4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 “You are worthy,O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:4,9-11 (NKJV)
Having previously looked at the four living creatures, or cherubs, high-order angels responsible for leading the worship of God and carrying out His will, we now ask, who are these 24 elders seated upon their own thrones?
The short answer is, we do not know. But some conclusions may be drawn:
1) The elders appear to be ranked below the four living creatures, as these four direct the worship of God and the elders follow.
2) The 24 appear to be human beings, wearing white robes of redemption, though angels wear white, as well.
3) The elders appear to have some positional authority, given their proximity to the throne of God while wearing crowns. Crowns are generally granted in the grace and mercy of God, hence these are offered back to Him in gratitude and worship.
4) The 24 elders will offer up the prayers of the saints, indicating both priestly as well as kingly duties.
So, who might these twenty-four elders be?
I have always liked the theory that they are representative authorities, kings and priests, with half being Old Testament saints chosen from the twelve tribes of Israel, and the remainder being the twelve apostles of the New Testament. As Judas had disqualified himself, it is likely that the 12th apostle is, in fact, the apostle Paul, as one born out of due time.
As seeing the risen Christ was a requirement of being an apostle, Paul writes of Jesus:
8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:8 (NKJV)
We cannot say for certain that this is the correct identification for these high-ranking heavenly personalities. God has not revealed everything to us yet. But as Paul also writes:
12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NKJV)
Reflection
The throne room of God will one day be shown to us, as well – believers who have come to the cross of Christ for cleansing and redemption. By His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, Jesus opens the door to heaven for all who would come to Him by faith. He is right here to be invited in by humble hearts, everywhere, no matter our background, history, or current situation. Christ is good and loves each one of us beyond measure. As ambassadors of Christ, we beg you, say yes to Him today.
Father God, thank You for Jesus who makes it possible for us to approach Your holy throne room, cleansed of all our sin. By His mercy and grace we are now seen to be without spot or blemish. We, too, cast our own crowns at Your feet in gratitude for all that You have done for us. We praise You and worship You in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
