ESV Reformation Study Bible – Rev 4:4
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Rev 4:4

4:4 twenty-four elders. These angelic ministers (7:13) are here called “elders” because of their wisdom. As God’s cabinet officers, they must reflect His own wisdom, which is symbolized by age (Dan. 7:9). The term “elder” also suggests an analogy with the church’s elders who serve on earth; hence, some have suggested the elders here are simply a representation of the church.