JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning the 24 elders mentioned in the book of Revelation.

Some falsely teach that the 24 elders are taken from among saved mortals. This assumption is primarily based on a mistranslation of Revelation 5:8-10. According to the original inspired Greek, the last half of verse 9 and all of verse 10 should read: "... for thou wast slain, and has redeemed them (the saints, not us, the 24 elders) to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made them (not us) unto our God kings and priest: and THEY (not WE) shall reign on the earth."

These "elders" are powerful SPIRIT BEINGS -- not men -- who assist God at His throne in heaven. On the other hand, the resurrected saints will reign on earth! See Revelation 20:4.

We know that the 24 elders are not redeemed human beings because no man except Jesus Christ (John 3:13) has ascended to the heaven of God's throne. All saved human beings -- those who are Christ's true servants -- will be given immortality AT CHRIST'S COMING -- when He returns to the earth to rule and reign (I Cor. 15:22-23).

The 24 elders, then, are a part of the created heavenly host. They are created spirit beings and have been given positions of responsibility in the government of God, through which He rules the universe.

Thank you for your interest. If you have further questions, please let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT