Commentary Par XXIV 19-21

From among the 'dancers' and from the group of them that was most joyful, evidently the one that includes the apostles, came a 'flame' that was as bright as any other there.  We perhaps need to be reminded that Dante is beholding the Church Triumphant, minus Jesus and Mary.  When we examine the inhabitants of the Rose ([Par XXXII 118]), we will see that the only two apostles mentioned there (Peter and John) are in the highest rank in that great stadium.  Their situation here lends support to those who believe that the group set apart here is also apostolic.  But see C.Par.XXIV.13-18.