Subject: Who are sitting in the 24 Thrones? |
Bible Note: Dear Elijah, I hope this helps.. "Twenty-four elders occupy other thrones. The identity of the elders is not certain. Some think that they represent the church or believers in heaven, but it seems preferable to view the elders as angels who comprise a heavenly ruling council (see Jer. 23:18, 22). These elders function as ruling priests in the present age. Michael, an angel, is identified as one of these chief princes (see Dan. 10:13; Col. 1:16). In contrast, the church is not prepared to rule until 19:7, 8. The white robes and crowns of gold point to those who are confirmed in righteousness and who possess ruling authority. The wearing of the crowns indicates that the elders had already been judged and rewarded." Nelson Study Bible "'Elders' These elders represent the Church. The very word “elder” has church significance (1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5). Crowns throughout the N.T. are exclusively presented as rewards for the faithful in the Church. These elders sit on thrones which are associated with the central judgment throne of God (vv. 2-4; cp. 1 Cor 6:2-3; 2 Tim 2:12). The appearance of these elders, already glorified, crowned, and enthroned before the opening of the sealed book of judgment (ch. 5) and before the end-time judgments are loosed upon the world (chs. 6-18), reaffirms that the Church is not to be subjected to the judicial wrath and judgments of that time (cp. John 5:24; Rom 5:9; 1 Th 1:10; 5:1-11; Rev 3:10). 'Clothed' Righteousness (garment): 3:18; 4:4; Rev 6:11. (Gen 3:21; Rev 19:8) 'Crowns' Rewards: vv. 4, 10; Rev 11:18. (Dan 12:3; 1 Cor 3:14, note)" New Scofield Bible "twenty-four elders. Representative of either the whole company of believers in heaven or an exalted angelic order worshiping and serving God there (see v. 9-11; 5:5-14; 7:11-17; 11:16-18; 14:3; 19:4)." Zondervan NASB Study Bible Nolan |