Who are the 24 elders mentioned in Revelation 11:16?

David established 24 divisions of the priesthood to serve by turn in the temple later built by Solomon. (1Ch 24:1-18) This assists in identifying the “twenty-four elders” who were seated round about God’s throne in white outer garments and who were wearing crowns. (Re 4:4) The footstep followers of Jesus Christ, his spiritual brothers, are promised kingship and priesthood with him in the heavens. These elders could not be only the apostles, who numbered just 12. They therefore evidently represent the entire body of the “royal priesthood,” the 144,000 (as represented in the 24 priestly divisions serving at the temple) in their positions in the heavens, as crowned kings and priests.—1Pe 2:9; Re 7:4-8; 20:6.

In ancient Israel, “older men [elders] of Israel” represented and spoke for the entire nation. (Ex 3:16; 19:7) In the same way “elders” may stand for, or represent, the entire congregation of spiritual Israel. Therefore, the 24 elders seated on thrones about God might well represent the entire body of anointed Christians who, proving faithful till death, receive the promised reward of a heavenly resurrection and thrones near that of Jehovah. (Re 3:21)

No one knows who the 24 elders are who are mentioned in Revelations. The bible never defines their origins. But that doesn't stop man from making educated guesses.

There are many theories. The most popular theory is that they are the 12 apostles (The 11 disciples and Paul) and the 12 sons of Jacob.

D&C 77: 5

5 Q. What are we to understand by the four and twenty elders, spoken of by John?

A. We are to understand that these elders whom John saw, were elders who had been faithful in the work of the ministry and were dead; who belonged to the seven churches, and were then in the paradise of God.

John’s day was one of great persecution and martyrdom for the Saints (see Revelation 6:9–11). The Church leaders to whom John was writing were experiencing immense difficulties. In their dire circumstances they received the assurance that by faithfully enduring the trials placed upon them they would yet be exalted in the presence of God, “clothed in white raiment” with “crowns” on their heads (Revelation 4:4). How comforting it would be to them, and what a great source of strength for them, to receive this message from John.

Pastor Art is correct.

I have been told that 12 are the apostles, and that the other 12 are prophets of the Old Testament. Where this idea came from I have no idea.

We know that the seat at Jesus' right hand has already been reserved - but we don't know for whom. They could be anyone. They could even be elders of the angels.

Jim, http://www.bible-reviews.com/

It never says it explicitly. I've heard many people say they think 12 are the 12 Apostles and the other 12 are the sons of Jacob.

Revelation is all symbolism, in a NT class we talked about how roman emperors pretended to be gods, they were followed around by "elders" who "worshiped" them. 12 is the number of perfection/completion in Jewish/Christian thought/history. When you multiply that it signifies complete perfection, and supremacy. Showing Jesus is the true King of King Lord of Lord who is superior to mere men who pretend to be god.

I liked that explanation, but it is still one of many theories. I never heard the thing about the 24 priests from OT times, that may even be better. Christians need to be ok with saying "we don't know the answer" to some questions. This is one of them. It is ok to talk about what it may or may not mean, we may even be edified by it, but I would seriously question anyone who said that this passage means exactly this __________.

read the Bible cover to cover a few times, read a few dozen commentaries, immerse yourself in the study of early NT times, and then let us know if you are any closer to figuring it out. I would love to know.

@blade: how could the 24 elders be the 144,000 when Rev. 14:1-3 depicts the 144,000 singing a new song before the 24 elders. Are they singing a song in front of themselves? That makes ZERO sense.

I Chronicles 24 gives the specific NAMES of 24 priests, all descendants of Aaron the High Priest, who were established to govern the House of God in David's time.

King David made all the plans for the Temple that his son, Solomon would build. Along with all the building materials, David furnished the organizational structure according to Moses' teaching.

David called for all the remaining descendants of Aaron the High Priest to come forth and fulfill the role of Chief Priests in the new Temple. Aaron had four sons, but two of them died childless (Nadab and Abihu). Of his two other sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, David found two remaining descendants that could be certified. They were Zadok of Eleazar and Ahimelech of Ithamar.

David found 16 sons of Zadok and 8 sons of Ahimelech - all totaling TWENTY FOUR ELDERS. These twenty four elders were raised up to represent the house of Aaron the High Priest as governors of the sanctuary and house of God. Their purpose was to reestablish the ministry of the High Priest.

So when John saw twenty four elders around the throne in heaven, it may actually be the twenty four elders of the Temple priesthood established by David.

I really don't know. The apostles are to judge the 12 tribes. I heard this priest say that one of the angels that John was speaking to in revelations was one of the prophets. they could be the prophets.

the Apostles may not even be the elders.... it just says "24 elders" they could really be just about anyone going from what the Bible mentions....