Who are the 24 elders

igwt · #1 11-30-2005, 08:19 PM

This question was posed on ATS forum.

In the book of Revelations it mentions the 24 Elders who surround the throne of god. Who are the 24 Elders? Angels?

Saturnino · #2 12-01-2005, 03:35 AM

No, they are people. They are said to be saints.
Probably 12 representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Old testament) and 12 apostles (New Testament).
There are angels too around the throne, but they are clearly described.

George_Bush · #3 12-01-2005, 04:01 AM

Quote:

igwt wrote:
This question was posed on ATS forum.

In the book of Revelations it mentions the 24 Elders who surround the throne of god. Who are the 24 Elders? Angels?

The 24 Elders are a symbol for the Israel of God before the Cross, and the Israel of God after the cross.

The Old 12 Tribes, and the New 12 Tribes. It stands for the entirety of Spiritual Israel for all ages before and after the Cross.

Saturnino · #4 12-01-2005, 04:10 AM

This is Mathhew Henry's commentary on the passage:

Four-and-twenty seats around the throne, were filled with four-and-twenty elders, representing, probably, the whole church of God. Their sitting denotes honour, rest, and satisfaction; their sitting about the throne signifies nearness to God, the sight and enjoyment they have of him. They were clothed in white raiment; the imputed righteousness of the saints and their holiness: they had on their heads crowns of gold, signifying the glory they have with him.

truebeliever · #5 12-01-2005, 05:46 AM

It certainly is saying something about the total completeness of something.

A long journey has ended.

igwt · #6 12-01-2005, 07:34 AM

Thanks for the answers...should do some googling on it as it is a facinating subject in its self...