The 24 elders were righteous people whom Jesus carried with him to heaven, when he was leaving the Earth. The 24 elders are not Angels, for the word 'elder' in the Bible refers to them. Throughout the scriptures, the word elder is clearly seen to have three significant meanings.

Firstly the word elder is used in the family to refer that someone is older than their brothers or sisters. A clear example is; then Rebecca took her elder son's best clothes which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. (Genesis 27:15, Genesis 10:21 and Genesis 29:16.)

Secondly the word elder is used in the nation to refer to the individual who is old and the aged, who have acquired more life experiences and they give advice to the people, whiles they also be intermediary in the work of God between his people.

A clear example; go and gather the elders of Israel together and say unto them, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham of Isaac and of Jacob appeared on to me saying, I have surely visited you and seeing that which is done to you. (Exodus 3:16.)

Lastly, the word elder is used to refer to the individual people, who were appointed usually ordained after fasting and prayers that they should lead the church. A clear example; so when they had ordained elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23 James 5:14.)

Meanwhile another word elder has been referring to other people, with defined role and is never referred to be heavenly title not even among angels. But in the book of Revelation, a group of people were referred to be elders. (Revelation 4:4). Meanwhile the word elder has been understood as earthly title. How come in heaven?

In many minds the 24 elders are the sum of the 12 sons of Jacob, and the twelve apostle of Christ. But that is not the explanation. "The 12 sons of Jacob have never been referred to as elders, but they were the heads of the people whom the descendants of Jacob were to be divided as tribes.

All these are the 12 tribes of Israel and this is it that they are father had spoken to them, and bless them according to everyone's blessing. (Genesis chapter 49:28).Besides the apostles were also not referred to as elders, but it was their duty to evangelise the gospel unlike the elders who were supposed to steward the church.

When the early church began to face problems, as to whether the converted gentiles were to be circumcised, the words of Luke made a clear distinction and in it, the apostles were never referred to be elders for the elders also had their role. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas should go up to Jerusalem on to the apostles and elders about this question.

The 24 days lived on this earth and their lives were godly and they were being taken to heaven for purpose. The 24 elders have crown of gold on their heads from which we can conclude that they were overcomers. They were there saints who came out of the graves after Jesus Resurrection, who went to the holy City and appeared on to many. (Matthew 27:52-53).

This favoured saints came out glorified. They were chosen and holy ones from every age from creation down even to the days of Christ