Ques. Who are the four and twenty elders in Rev. 4 and 5?
Ans. The four and twenty elders represent, not only the Church, but also the redeemed: all that are Christ's at His coming. Thus, the type of the four and twenty courses of priesthood is fulfilled (1 Chron. 24). It is intelligent worship that specially marks them as redeemed. The Church ceases to be seen on earth at the end of Rev. 3, and the elders cease to be seen in heaven when the marriage of the Lamb takes place.