The Identity of the Elders in Heaven – Rev. 4 & 5
         Rev. Bill Hofer            

     The fourth chapter represents a major turning point in the structure of Revelation.  As promised, the Lord indicated He would show John (1:19) “The things you have seen (Himself), the things which are (chps 2 & 3, the Churches), and the things which shall be after these things (wrath of God).”  The important phrase, “meta tauta,” after these things, is repeated in 4:1 and other places in Revelation. What follows, then, is a series of visions depicting the future.  John is summoned to heaven and is immediately struck by the throne standing in heaven.  He is actually at a loss to describe the ONE sitting on the throne.          
     What he sees next has been debated by many excellent Bible expositors.  “Around the throne were 24 thrones, and upon the thrones I saw 24 Elders seated.” (4:4) The identity of the Elders falls into two basic categories.  Many see them as a group representing redeemed humans, in particular, the Church. (John Walvoord, Charles C. Ryrie, J. Vernon McGee, Jerry Falwell, David Hocking) It is very tempting for pre-tribulation rapture adherents to identify these as such.  But we have better arguments than this. Others see them as a special rank of angelic beings on the order of seraphim or cherubim, (E.W. Bullinger, Henry B. Swete, post-tribber George E. Ladd).  This does not impact the rapture timing.        

Here are the typical reasons why the first group see the Elders as humans:
1. They are representative (presbuterous) of the Church and wear crowns and white robes. They have been redeemed and rewarded and given thrones.       
However, nowhere does it say they represent anything. Angels also wear white so this does not necessarily indicate redemption. And 3:21 says we will sit with Christ on His throne, not our own. The rewards of the Bema Seat do not occur prior to chp. 4.  A careful reading of 19:4-8 indicates the Bride is receiving her white linens while the Elders already wear theirs.    
           
2. Their song of testimony is relevant only to those who have been saved. (5:9, 10) 
However, the 4 living creatures join in this song (v. 8) and no one claims they are redeemed humans.
           
3. The number 24 reminds us of the priests in the OT. As a group they represented all of Israel and did not act individually.         
However, these 24 always follow the 4 living creatures (4:9, 10a) and on occasion act individually.  In 7:13 one of them asks John a question.  John, the Apostle, calls him “my lord” (kurios). This is not likely if these are human representatives of the Church. 
It is best to see these as spiritual beings who are part of the original creation of God (Col. 1:16) and have since ruled with Him in heaven. As a pre-tribber I hold to this view myself.                                             

 Originally Published September 24, 2017


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