The book of Revelation needs to be read with the intention of the author clearly in mind. John the Seer was providing a message of salvation not a preview of coming events. For example, we need to understand the meaning behind the text: “Surrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders sat.” Twelve is, of course, the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. Twelve is also important in the Christian Church since it was the number of the apostles. The fact that twenty-four elders (twelve plus twelve) surround the throne is the authors way of insisting that there is continuity between the action of God among the Chosen People and in the New Israel which is the Church.
