Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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Harold Klingaman
I agree with the idea that the 24 elders are not angels. I've had the notion that perhaps they are the 12 apostles, and the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel. I would appreciate your thoughts on this interesting question.
Singapore Moses
Why Twenty- four Elders?
The answer is not stated, but two facts are clear:
1. The whole priesthood of old was represented by 24 elders (1Chr. 24:1- 9)
2. The names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles are written on the holy city, New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:10- 14)
What are the Seven acts of the twenty- four elders?
1. They sit on thrones (Rev. 4:4; 19:7- 8).
2. They worship God (Rev. 4:9- 11 5:8- 10).
3. They cast crowns before God (Rev. 4:10).
4. They fall prostrate before God (Rev. 4:10; 5:8, 14; 11:16; 19:4).
5. They sing and play harps (Rev. 5:8- 10).
6. They act as priests (Rev. 5:8).
7. They give John the Revelation (Rev. 5:5; 7:13- 14).
Evidence that "elders" represent raptured saints:
1. Greek:presbuteros (G4245), elder. It is never used of angels (Acts 14:23).
2. They are distinguished from angels in Rev. 5:11- 14.
3. They have crowns and sit on thrones, which are promised redeemed people (Rev. 2:10; 3:21; 20:4; Mt. 19:28; 1Cor. 9:25- 27 2Tim. 4:8). Angels are never seen in Revelation on thrones or wearing crowns. Angels are mentioned with thrones only in Isa. 14:12- 14 Col. 1:16.
4. They wear white raiment, which is used only in Revelation of Christ and saints (Rev. 3:5, 18; 6:11; 7:9, 13; 15:6; 19:8, 14).
5. It is clear from Rev. 1:1; 5:5- 7 7:13- 15 19:10; 22:8- 9 that one of the elders is the person showing John the Revelation, and that he is a redeemed man. If one of them is a man, then all 24 are men. Since they are redeemed men and in heaven on thrones all through the time of the fulfillment of Rev. 4-- Rev. 22, they must have been raptured before that.