other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were
dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads." The book of
Revelation nowhere specifically identifies who the twenty-four elders
are. However, they are most likely representative of the Church. It is
unlikely that they are angelic beings, as some suggest. The fact that
they sit on thrones indicates that they reign with Christ. Nowhere in
Scripture do angels ever rule or sit on thrones. The Church, however,
is repeatedly said to rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 2:26-27,
5:10, 20:4; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30).
In addition, the Greek word translated here as "elders" is never used
to refer to angels, only to men, particularly to men of a certain age
who are mature and able to rule the Church. The word elder would be
inappropriate to refer to angels, who do not age. Their mode of dress
would also indicate these are men. While angels do appear in white,
white garments are more commonly found on believers, symbolizing
Christ's righteousness imputed to us at salvation (Revelation 3:5,18;
19:8).
The golden crowns worn by the elders also indicate these are men, not
angels. Crowns are never promised to angels, nor are angels ever seen
wearing them. The word translated "crown" here refers to the victor's
crown, worn by those who have successfully competed and won the
victory, as Christ promised (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8; James
1:12).
Some people believe these twenty-four elders represent Israel, but at
the time of this vision, Israel as a whole nation had not yet been
redeemed. The elders cannot represent tribulation saints for the same
reason—not all had yet been converted at the time of John's vision.
The most likely option is that the elders represent the raptured
Church which sings songs of redemption (Revelation 5:8-10). They wear
the crowns of victory and have gone to the place prepared for them by
their Redeemer (John 14:1-4).
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