Who are the twenty-four (24) elders in Revelation?

Answer

Revelation 4:4 declares, “Surrounding the throne were twenty-four 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 does not specifically identify who the twenty-four elders are. However, they most likely represent the Church. It is improbable that they are angelic beings, as some suggest. The fact that they sit on thrones indicates that they reign with Christ. The Church is repeatedly said to rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 2:26-27, 5:10, 20:4; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30).

Moreover, 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).

Another reason to view the twenty-four elders as the Church is the bowls they hold in Revelation 5. There, we read,

. . . the twenty-four elders fell down beforeBefore the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which represent the prayers of God’s people. They sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood, you purchased for God
individuals from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
You have made them a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:8-10).