24 Elders
“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.” (Rev 4:4 KJV)
There are several possible explanations of the identity of the 24 elders. The 24 elders could represent the Church. We see in 5:9 the descriptions that have been given of the Church is also given of the elders. They are redeemed and come out of every nation.
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” (Rev 5:9 KJV)
With this explanation the number 24 would not have any significance. It is also possible they represent the redeemed from both the Old and New Testaments with 12 representing the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 representing the 12 apostles. This is more likely as both groups are seen in New Jerusalem.
“12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
(Rev 21:12-14 KJV)
Also, ‘white raiment’ and ‘crowns of gold’ are worn by all beleivers.
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev 3:5 KJV)
“And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Rev 6:11 KJV)
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;” (Rev 7:9 KJV)
“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Rev 19:8 KJV)
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Rev 19:14 KJV)
Elder – 4245 πρεσβύτερος presbuteros {pres-boo’-ter-os}
Meaning: 1) elder, of age, 1a) the elder of two people 1b) advanced in life, an elder, a senior 1b1) forefathers 2) a term of rank or office 2a) among the Jews 2a1) members of the great council or Sanhedrin (because in early times the rulers of the people, judges, etc., were selected from elderly men) 2a2) of those who in separate cities managed public affairs and administered justice 2b) among the Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches) The NT uses the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably 2c) the twenty four members of the heavenly Sanhedrin or court seated on thrones around the throne of God