Answer: These two classes are respectively referred to in Joel 2: 28 as the “old men” and the “young men” who will dream dreams and see visions, that is, receive revelations from heaven, as Christ’s visible representatives in the earthly phase of God’s Kingdom during “the times of restitution” (Acts 3: 19-21) for the world of mankind.

The Ancient Worthies are designated by the Hebrew word zekenim, which is translated “old men” in Joel 2: 28, “elders” in Psalm 107: 32, “ancients” in Isaiah 24: 23, and by the corresponding Greek word presbuteroi in Hebrews 11: 2, translated “elders.” In Hebrews 11: 38 they are referred to as persons “of whom the world was not worthy”; which is why these faithful ancients (from Abel to John the Baptist, some of whom are described in Hebrews 11) are designated as “Ancient Worthies.” By analogy, the “young men,” literally “youthfuls” (Joel 2: 28) are designated as “Youthful Worthies.”

The former are God’s consecrated servants who were faithful unto death before Pentecost, when the first spirit begetting of prospective members of Christ’s Bride took place; and the latter are God’s faithful servants who consecrated themselves to God and His service here in the end of the Gospel Age, after spirit begetting ceased and no more persons were inducted into the Little Flock, but before the end of the time apportioned by God for the selection of the Youthful Worthy class. These classes are two of the four elect classes developed prior to the Millennial Age, when restitution blessings will be given to the world, including their being placed on trial for everlasting life. These elect classes are distinct from the quasi-elect and the non-elect, the “sons” and “daughters” of Joel 2: 28.

The other two elect classes that have been developed prior to the Millennial Age are the Little Flock and the Great Company, referred to respectively in Joel 2: 29 as the “servants” and the “handmaids.” These two classes will form the invisible spiritual, or heavenly phase of God’s Kingdom during the Mediatorial Reign of Christ.

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