Revelation 5:8 what is the Protestant interputation?

Question

Revelation 5:8 says "When he took it, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down BEFORE THE LAMB. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, WHICH ARE THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS."

As a Catholic, I believe this is a verse that symbolizes the communion of the saints. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Answer 1

Saints = believers. Prayers of saints = our prayers.

Answer 2

The entire book of revelation is a vision, or perhaps a reality that John experienced and in that vision a book is revealed which no one can open. A lamb (Jesus Christ) comes forward and is able to open the book by removing the seven seals that keep the book shut. When He takes the book, the verse you quoted takes place and all those present fall down and worship Christ. The seven seals represent seven terrible things that will happen on earth during the "Great Tribulation". I don't believe this passage has anything whatsoever to do with communion.

Answer 3

It seems to me this is a real event in heaven where the 24 'elders' present the prayers of the saints on earth before the throne.

Answer 4

It says the prayers of the saints, so I guess it means that the Christians prayers have an odor to them. This is not the only time smells were mentioned. Ezra 6 :10.

Answer 5

In verse 6 we find mention of a lamb that had been slain. In verse 9 it says, "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God."

I am certain this lamb is Jesus. He was slain and He is the only one who can redeem us to God.


REV. 5.
[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.
[7] And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
[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.
[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;

Answer 6

I personally believe in the sainthood of all believers (as evidenced by Paul in a few of the letters he wrote, I will look it up if you want, but I'm feeling lazy right now). So, I believe that this verse indicates that our prayers are a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

Answer 7

some scholars interpret the 24 elders to be the 12 disciples and the old testament prophets...i think all believers will be worshiping God as well.

Answer 8

Prayers OF the saints...not TO the saints....

Answer 9

I believe it is merely an offering to the Lamb.

Answer 10

Forget all that. Look at First Corinthians eleven fourteen. Peace, be still.