the 24 elders around the throne

[NewCreation435]

"After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. 3 And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads."

Revelations 4:1-4

I've heard various interpretations of the fact that there are 24 elders around the throne with crowns. Who do you think these 24 elders are? I have heard that they represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles and various other interpretations.

 

[tango]

Perhaps they are like a junior version of the two witnesses, inviting people across time to claim to be one of the chosen few.

 

[MennoSota]

It seems that God chose not to reveal the answer.
What we observe is that God has a deliberate structure in his kingdom. Just as the church is appointed elders, so God has appointed elders in his kingdom.
It will be a joy to finally be home and no longer living in a foreign land.

 

[atpollard]

12 Protestants and 12 Catholics positioned on opposite sides of the Throne, so each can only see God and Christ can finally get some peace and quiet among His Bride. :cheer:
12 Credobaptists and 12 Padeobaptists positioned on opposite sides of the Throne, so each can only see God and Christ can finally get some peace and quiet among His Bride. :cheer:
12 Monergists and 12 Synergists positioned on opposite sides of the Throne, so each can only see God and Christ can finally get some peace and quiet among His Bride. :cheer:

...

 

[Andrew]

They appeared to John as "elders" in this heavenly vision, this does not necessarily mean that they were ever once human or resurrected, I'm guessing angels