What people are included in the 144,000?

TL;DR:

The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation are Jews who will play an important role during the tribulation period. The 144,000 will serve as a vital part of God's redemptive plan to share the gospel to the ends of the earth in the last days.

what does the bible say?

The 144,000 are a group comprised of 12,000 people from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, mentioned in Revelation 7:2–4. They are sealed by God during the tribulation period, marking them as servants of God and believers in Jesus as the Messiah. The purpose of the 144,000 is to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Although the 144,000 will begin their ministry during the first half of the tribulation, many others from all nations will also come to faith. The 144,000 reveal the enduring nature of Israel and God's faithfulness to His promises.

from the old testament

The 144,000 are only mentioned in the New Testament.

from the new testament

The 144,000 are mentioned in Revelation 7:2–4, which reads, "Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, 'Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.' And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel."
Revelation 7:5–8 clearly notes that these 144,000 individuals include 12,000 people from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. They are also mentioned as being servants of God, which indicates their role as believers. The 144,000 are Jews who have received salvation in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This passage also describes them as being sealed on their foreheads. Whether or not this is a visible sign or symbolic, it is a seal referring to salvation. This would fit the idea of the "helmet of salvation" the apostle Paul mentions in Ephesians 6:17.
The time period during which these Jewish Christians will serve is specified. The angels are told, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until…" (Revelation 7:3). The harm of the earth, sea, and trees takes place during the last three and a half years of the seven-year tribulation period. Therefore, the ministry of the 144,000 will begin during the first half of the tribulation, though it may continue throughout the entire tribulation period. In fact, many interpreters see the 144,000 serving as part of the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Revelation also makes clear that these 144,000 Jewish servants of God are not the only people who will turn to the Lord during the tribulation period. Revelation 7 speaks of a vast number of individuals from every cultural background who will worship the Lord in heaven.

implications for today

The 144,000 Jews reveal the enduring nature of the Jewish people and of Israel into the future. During the tribulation period, Israel will be under threat, yet many Jews will continue to live during this time, with large numbers turning to Jesus as the Messiah. Just as God has preserved Israel throughout history, we can trust that He will remain faithful to His promises in our own lives. When we face trials or moments of doubt, we can find comfort in knowing that God's plans are steadfast and that He is continually at work, even in the midst of difficult times. The turning of many Jews to Jesus during the tribulation period encourages us to boldly share the gospel with others, trusting that God's power to save is greater than any circumstance. Our role is to remain faithful in sharing the hope we have in Christ, knowing that God's timing and His ways are perfect, and He is working all things according to His plan.

understand

The 144,000 are 12,000 individuals from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, sealed by God during the tribulation period.
The 144,000 will share the gospel to the ends of the earth during the tribulation.
The 144,000 reveal the enduring nature of Israel and highlight God's faithfulness to His promises throughout history.

reflect

How does knowing that the 144,000 are sealed by God during the tribulation encourage you in your salvation?
What does the role of the 144,000 in spreading the gospel teach you about your own responsibility to share the good news with others?
How can you find comfort in God's plans for Israel and the world?

engage

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the 144,000 are a select group of believers in Jehovah who will enjoy a special place with Him in the afterlife. In this view, the individuals are composed of devout Jehovah's Witnesses who have served more faithfully than all others. This is inaccurate for a variety of reasons, such as: the Bible clearly states that the 144,000 are Jewish, will exist in the future, are believers in the resurrected Jesus as Messiah, and will serve on earth, rather than in the afterlife. How can we clarify misconceptions people may have about the 144,000 from a biblical perspective?
How can we support and encourage others in their faith journey, similar to how the 144,000 will serve as witnesses during the tribulation?
How do the enduring nature of Israel and God's promises impact the way we view God's plan for the future and our role in it today?