Revelation 4:1-11.
Revelation 4:1-11.
American Journal of Biblical Theology
July 23, 2006
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Continuing the theme of heaven’s authority, John reports the presence of twenty-four thrones surrounding the throne of God, and seated on each throne is an elder. By their description and context, there is an authority represented by each of these thrones that is subservient to the throne of God, and those who are seated on them are given that subjected authority. Their white raiment implies that their hearts are pure, and they stand before God with His purity, sharing in His glory. What is their part in the “dispensation” of God’s authority?
We might first consider the experience of the first century church. Where their authorities are centered in Rome and Jerusalem, those authorities are exercised in what we might term a set of elders. Rome has its very hierarchal organization of individuals, from the Caesar on down, who share and dispense the authority of Rome. For the most part, these leaders are violent and corrupt, using their position for personal advantage, often abusing those beneath them in order to build their own set of riches and power. The hierarchy of leadership in the Jerusalem Jews, though painted with the picture of righteousness under the law, was likewise corrupt. The concentration of power in the Jewish leadership was also characterized by godless and self-promoting leadership. Jesus described them as “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto white-washed sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matt. 23:27). When the first-century church looked at the leadership around them, they saw nothing but godlessness. We might look at the authorities around us today and come back with the same assessment, though the occasional Christian leader sometimes may encourage us to know that all is not lost to satan.
John writes to remind us that all is not lost to satan. The elders around the throne are clothed in white, a metaphor for those who have trusted in the LORD. In heaven, the elders are godly individuals. Furthermore, they have crowns of gold. Recall that the crown was the reward for winning the race, and was traditionally nothing more than an olive branch, something that was intrinsically of no value. However, God reveals that one wins the race of this life when one places their faith and trust in Him, and the reward that awaits is of great value. Gold is still considered of great value today, with few common substances characterized by a greater worth.
What is the function of these heavenly elders? Worldly political leaders share in the authority of the government, and brutal governments spawn brutal leadership. This is the world of the first-century church. However, John will describe a “government” of elders that is quite different in its character and purpose. When we look at the work of the elders around the Revelation throne we find that they prostrate themselves before God in worship (4:8ff, 5:11ff, 7:11ff, and 19:1ff.) Note that their focus is towards the throne, not towards the people. They do not use their proximity to the throne to lord it over the people, but to lead the people in worship as they do so from a pure heart. They are heard to shout “Hallelujah” and “Amen” (19:4) as they sing praises (4:11, et. al.) and lift up prayers for the people (5:8). Individual elders speak to John (5:5, 7:13) and provide interpretations of what he sees and hears (7:14ff). Rather than hold on to the crowns as a worldly leader might do, instead they cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus (4:10).
The identity of the elders is unclear. The number, 24 implies that there are more than the 12 that God typically uses in human government (12 tribes, 12 apostles, etc), yet there appears to be no need for a great multitude. There were 24 courses of the priests, but the elders of Revelation did not execute the functions of a priest. Some have likened the number to the 12 sons of Israel plus the 12 apostles, perhaps validating the ministry of both.