The timing of Revelation 5 excludes the apostles from being included in the 24 elders.
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
God the Father holding the book with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
The angel looking for one worthy to open the book and loose the seals.
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
No “man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth” is yet present in this scene in heaven, worthy to open the book and loose the seals.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Verse 3 and 4 tells us Jesus was not yet present in this scene in heaven. That places the timing of this just before His ascension after His resurrection.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
One of the elders announce Jesus has prevailed and is worthy to open the book.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Jesus is now present in this heavenly scene.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Jesus takes the book from the hand of God the Father.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
The 4 beasts and the 24 elders fell before the Lamb. All 28 of them had harps and golden vial.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
All 28 sang the new song.
ASV 9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,
This translation offers no contradictions. All 28 beasts and elders could truthfully sing this song in worship as the scripture says they did.
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
ASV 10 and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.
In the ASV neither the beasts or the elders claim to be the redeemed
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
No resurrected immortal humans identified in this verse, all are heavenly beings. Beasts, elders and many angels. Based on the fact that the above scene (vs 1-4) is just before and the moment of the Lamb’s arrival in heaven the 24 could not include the 12 apostles, they were still alive on the earth, there had been no rapture of the saints, the seals were not yet open. John did not see himself among the group. To simply declare the 24 elders are resurrected humans because of the word elders, with no evidence shows no discernment, regard for the text or common sense.
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
All of those mentioned in verse 11 were praising the Lamb.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Once again the 4 beasts are included with the 24 elders all worshiping “him that liveth for ever and ever”
There are many created beings in heaven. Some have different functions and responsibilities.
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 3:22
Genesis 11:7
Psalm 82:1
Job 1:6
Daniel 4:13
Daniel 4:23
Daniel 10:20-21
Revelation 12:7-10
I have made my case reasoned from scripture, if anyone disagrees, no problem, make your case and let’s discuss it. If all one can do is name call and toss out disparaging comments they may be suspect in their approach, conclusions and motives.
