IDENTIFICATION OF THE “TWENTY FOUR ELDERS” IN REVELATION 4:4 (1)

INTRODUCTION

In the vision of Rev 4, John saw a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. He who sat there was like a jasper and a Sardis stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. (Rev. 4:2-4).[1]  John is given a vision intended to call attention to the sovereignty of God over the history and the unique privilege of Christ to unfold the future. [2] 

For a long time the identification of the “twenty fours elder,” (Greek: τέσσαρας πρεσβυτέρους) in Revelation 4:4 has been a dispute among scholars. Scholars give diverse interpretations of the twenty four elders associated with the throne of Revelation. Some scholars asserted that the identification of the “twenty four elders” denote  to human beings on the other hand some asserted that they are angelic celestial being. Who are those twenty four elders? What is the correct interpretation of twenty four elders associated with the throne and its implications to God’s people? This similarity would pose a question to Bible students which demand an answer.

Statement of the Problem

The identification of the “twenty four elders” in Rev 4:4 would pose a problem to the interpretation of the text. What is the original text said and to whom John the “twenty four elders” refers? and what the original reader’s understanding of this problematic text? What is the correct interpretation and identification this twenty for elders?

Purpose and Importance of  Research

This research attempts to resolve the enigma of the phrase of the “twenty four elders.” who those twenty four elders are. Yet this paper attempts to determine who they are specifically and what is the theology implication of this text into our modern time.

Delimitations

The scope of this paper is delimited on the investigation of the identity of the phrase ”twenty four elders“ and its theology implication as well as its theology application. The text of Rev 4:4 has been chosen for exegesis because: (1) it is a complete self unit; (2) it present one of the most difficult text in the Bible; and (3) it is concise enough for thorough exegesis.           

Methodology

This research primarily is conducted by an exegetical study of the texts in issue. Scholarly commentaries, journals, papers and other works will be consulted, studied and considered in this research. Through theological reflection the following steps will be taken: first the historical background of context and second literary analysis of the phrase of the “twenty elders” in its lexical-grammatical, contextual aspects; third, broader and extra-biblical sources identified as well as a brief review of scholarly views on the topic. Finally summary and conclusion will be made. 

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[1]Scriptural passages are quoted from the NewKing James Version.

[2]Steve Gregg, Revelation Four Views A Parallel Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publisher, 1997), 84