An important interpretative issue in the book of revelation revolves around the identity of the 24 elders. Around the throne were twentyfour thrones, and on the thrones i say twentyfour elders sitting, clothed in white robes. The twenty four elders of revelation are a priestly order of angels which served as a pattern for the priestly rotation who ministered in solomons temple. The reference to the 24 elders in the book of revelation can be first found in revelation 4. Also called abijah, chief of the twenty four courses of priests 1 chronicles 24.
Revelation, chapter 4 twentyfour elders series, part 2 of 3. We have evidence that many saints were resurrected after jesus resurrection matthew. However, they are most likely representative of the. The twenty four elders of revelation sabbath sermons. These saints are 24 elders seated in the throne room of god as john had seen them in heaven. There are three clues that the bible gives about the identity of the elders. Saint john described the scene, before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal. The 12 foundations are the apostle of christ while the 12 gates are the 12 tribe of israel. One clue may be that they are called elders, implying they would be much older than christians were at the time john wrote revelation. Heres why i feel these cannot be angels but must be men as it seems although glorified men. Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the lord our god. Twentyfour elders appear in the book of revelation 4. The picture we get in revelations is that the cranial nerves are somehow bowing down to serve a spiritual process that takes place on the throne of the brain, or the third ventricle. The number 24 in scripture is used of 2 completed groups, levitical priests and musicians, therefore the use of the number 24 indicates a complete church.
It is not the church alone which is interested in the revelation which will throw light on lifes mysteries and the delay of the. And the twentyfour elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped god who was seated on the throne, saying, amen. The 24 elders first appear in revelation 4 and are described as sitting around the throne in heaven. They fall down and worship the lamb, jesus christ, offering the same reverence to him that they did to the father revelation 4. In fact, the book of revelation that presents it links the first part cf. Sep 09, 2016 jesus takes the book from the hand of god the father.
Surrounding the throne were twenty four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts see the notes on revelation 4. There are seven references in revelation to this group and what they are doing. Around the throne were twenty four thrones, and on the thrones i say twenty four elders sitting, clothed in white robes. Revelation 4 bible commentary wesleys explanatory notes. The bible does not specifically provide the identity of these elders.
Jul 15, 20 william branham is, regardless of all his critics and deniers, the promised prophet elijah from malachi 4. The twentyfour elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped god, who was seated on the throne. In revelation 4, a door in heaven is opened, so that john can have a look at heaven. The meaning, if the explanation of the symbol be correct, is, that the church universal unites in praise to god for all that characterizes his administration. 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. The second clue is found in the number of elders and their role in laying the foundations of the old and new. The word elder in the majority of places where it is used in the scriptures means the representative head of a city, family, tribe or nation, so the four and twenty elders are representative of the redeemed human race. And round about the throne in a circle, are four and twenty thrones, and on the thrones four and twenty elders the most holy of all the former ages.
They are also distinct from angels in other places in revelation 7. This page, the first in a series of four, will begin to explore the identity of. The 24 elders in revelation 45 are a good testcase for methods of interpretation in this unusual book. The representatives of the redeemed church in heaven see the notes at revelation 4. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And upon the seats i saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in. Rather, it is a book of mystical teaching, relating especially to the esoteric experiences of the evolving consciousness. Revelation 4 and 5 describe the throne room of god in heaven and its activities. On the one hand he says they do not represent the church, but in the same sentence affirms the false idea that this proves the rapture occurs before the tribulation. Test your knowledge of the bible with over 150 challenging questions and answers.
The four and twenty elders casting their crowns before the divine throne is a pencil drawing and watercolour on paper by the english poet, painter and printmaker william blake. One of the elders comforts john explaining that jesus has prevailed to loose the sevensealed scroll rev. Who are the 24 elders mentioned in the book of revelation. Sermon by william branham revelation, chapter 4 twenty four elders series, part 2 of 3 preached on sunday, 1st january 1961 at the branham tabernacle in jeffersonville, indiana, u. This is significant in that there were 12 tribes of israel and 12 apostles.
However, they are most likely representative of the church. Nov 07, 2016 the twentyfour elders fall down in front of the one who sits on the throne and they worship the one who lives forever and ever. It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels. The lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are. Who could possibly be the 24 elders mentioned in revelation 5.
More specifically, they may either represent 1 the church, 2 representatives of israel, or 3 the twelve patriarchs and twelve apostles matthew 19. We are thus involved in a grandiose portrayal of the divine court where god and the lamb, that is, christ. Apr, 2018 the 24 elders in revelation 45 are a good testcase for methods of interpretation in this unusual book. Are the twentyfour elders of revelation 45 angels or humans.
The crowns of gold denote their kingly authority to act upon the case. As representatives of the church, and as interested in its welfare, they are now introduced as rejoicing in its final triumph, and in the destruction of its last foe. The 24 elders are symbolic of the entire 144,000, who are to be corulers with jesus, in jehovah gods heavenly kingdom. So, the 24 elders represents the 144,000 in their glorious heavenly position. They are created spirit beings and have been given positions of responsibility in the government of god, through which he rules the universe.
The twenty four elders, then, are a part of the created heavenly host, that is, angels of high rank and honor. I believe they are old testament prophets who who were severely persecuted and in most cases slain for the sake of righteousness, as christians later were in taking up their cross and following christ. The ultimate bible quiz book is a fun and interactive way to learn the most important aspects of the bible, and the perfect supplement to your bible study. Further, the elders also worship the lord revelation 4. Are the 24 elders of revelation past kings of judah and. Along with the twenty four elders, they have harps and golden vials full of. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vi. Summoned to sinai with nadab, abihu, and seventy elders exodus 19. Praise our god, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small. The book of revelation does not tell us distinctly who these 24 elders are, but in chapter 21 we learn about the 12 tribes of israel the names of the patriarchs and the twelve apostles. Better, and when he took the roll, the four living beings and the twenty four elders fell before the lamb, having each a harp, and golden vials or, censers full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints or, the holy ones. One of the elders explains who the victorious saints are rev 7.
There are many theories as to the identity of the twenty four elders of revelation 4. In revelation, the elders are always grouped with angels rather than men, but are distinguished from. Their identity is not given directly but much can be learned by the clues provided. Three angels broadcasting network 3abn 3,196,754 views 58. Around the throne were twenty four thrones, and on the thrones i saw twenty four elders sitting, clothed in white robes. Then i saw a lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. Evidence that elders represent redeemed saints greek. The four and twenty elders casting their crowns before the. The book of revelation makes several references to a group called the twentyfour elders rev 4. Wheaton, illinois and round about the throne were four and twenty seats. However, some information is provided that allows us to rule out some possibilities and consider a few options.
The four living creatures and twentyfour elders in. Feb 12, 2015 22 revelations mark of the beast exposed revelation s ancient discoveries duration. Around the throne were twenty four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads revelation 4. Please explain the twenty four elders standing around the throne of god. The book of revelation nowhere specifically identifies who the twentyfour elders are. The elders hold golden bowls that contain the prayers of the saints rev 5. First, these twentyfour elders are described as human, male elders. Twenty four elders appear in the book of revelation 4. I t is most important to realize that the book of revelation is purely spiritual symbolism and not prophecy at all. The white robes show that they are men from earth, redeemed by rev. The twentyfour elders of revelation are a priestly order of angels which served as a pattern for the priestly rotation who ministered in solomons temple. Reading revelation intelligently jesus creed a blog by. What is important in this vision is the worship god receives from all of creation. They are on thrones surrounding the fathers thrones 3.
Based on these descriptions, these twenty four elders represent those who worship the lord. There are a few unusual views for the 24 elders we should probably set aside early on. The specific names of each of the twenty four elders of revelation 1 are as follows. Nov 19, 2015 the book of revelation does not tell us distinctly who these 24 elders are, but in chapter 21 we learn about the 12 tribes of israel the names of the patriarchs and the twelve apostles. Are the twentyfour elders of revelation 45 angels or. The second clue about the 24 elders is that there were 24. They are not angels, creatures, or females, but specifically use male terms to describe these beings. This list is simply the combination of the hebrew patriarchs rev. And upon the seats i saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment. Why do the four and twenty elders in revelation give. The elders thank god for rewarding the saints rev 11. The first clue is found in the apparel worn by the elders. The last words of jesus featuring very special guests dr.
The 24 elders appear in a heavenly scene before the commencement of judgments. The four and twenty elders casting their crowns before the divine throne, c. The twenty elders are the 12 apostles and 12 tribes of israel, revelation 21 made it clearthere are 12 foundations in that city of jerusalem and upon every each foundation are 12 gates on it. The twentyfour elders, the four beasts, and the throne of god. In chapter five of the book of revelation, the four living creatures and the twenty four elders are singing of the worthy lamb. The 4 beasts and the 24 elders fell before the lamb. The first thing the elders do is cast away their crowns and in the end their thrones are gone. Then i heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder. The number twelve is often used in the bible to signify perfection of governance. He wrote, around the throne were twenty four thrones, and on the thrones i saw twenty four elders sitting, clothed in white robes. Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of god. In his commentary on the book of revelation larkin states the the 24 elders are the 12 sons of israel and the 12 apostles. A levite, in whose house the ark of god rested twenty years 1 samuel 7. He wrote, around the throne were twentyfour thrones, and on the thrones i saw twentyfour elders sitting, clothed in white robes.
Examples include twelve months in a year, twelve hours in a day. These twentyfour elders lay their crowns in front of the throne saying. John, calling himself the elder, had met the 24 elders, and in doing so, presented a great mystery. Oct 01, 20 the specific names of each of the twenty four elders of revelation 1 are as follows. The twentyfour elders of revelation listed by name october 1, 20 by matthew ervin 11 comments the specific names of each of the twentyfour elders of revelation are as follows. The twentyfour 24 elders in revelation who are they. What are the four beasts and twenty four elders as. Who the 24 elders represent can be very important in regards.
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