Rev 4:4, 6 | PNT | STEP | Around the throne [were] four and twenty seats . Rather, "thrones", as in the Revised Version. The central throne was encompassed by twenty-four lesser thrones. Upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting . Critics are not agreed as to the signification of these elders, but most of them think that they symbolize the glorified church of God gathered round the throne. They disagree as to the significance of the number twenty-four. There were twenty-four courses of priests. There were twelve tribes, and twelve apostles. Possibly the number of the latter was doubled to symbolize the entire church, Jew and Gentile. In a note below I will give my own view of the Twenty-four Elders. The ancients were (1) twenty-four in number; (2) they were clothed in white raiment , the color of victory and purity; (3) on their heads were crowns of gold , not the diadem which means a kingly crown, but the golden crown of honor ("stephanos"). See PNT .

Revelation of John 4:4

Around the throne [were] four and twenty seats. Rather, "thrones", as in the Revised Version. The central throne was encompassed by twenty-four lesser thrones.

Upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting. Critics are not agreed as to the signification of these elders, but most of them think that they symbolize the glorified church of God gathered round the throne. They disagree as to the significance of the number twenty-four. There were twenty-four courses of priests. There were twelve tribes, and twelve apostles. Possibly the number of the latter was doubled to symbolize the entire church, Jew and Gentile. In a note below I will give my own view of the Twenty-four Elders. The ancients were (1) twenty-four in number; (2) they were clothed in white raiment, the color of victory and purity; (3) on their heads were crowns of gold, not the diadem which means a kingly crown, but the golden crown of honor ("stephanos").

See PNT Re 3:11.

Revelation of John 4:6

A sea of glass like unto crystal. This deep, transparent sea before the throne is supposed to symbolize the purity and calmness of the Divine rule. It stands solid, calm and clear.

In the midst of the throne, and round about the throne. The four forms which are next described were to the right and left of the throne in the midst between these extremes. The throne was in their midst.

Four beasts. "Four living creatures", as in the Revised Version. Four "beasts", as in the Common Version, is an incorrect idea. The Greek for "beasts" is different ("thiria"). They are four "zoa", "living forms".

Full of eyes. Their eyes looked backwards as well as forward. The description of these wonderful objects is next given.