Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus elevates His disciples' commitment by promising them a future role as judges alongside Him in the restored world, highlighting that their faithfulness now earns them a place of authority and honor in God's new creation. This isn't just about a reward; it's about participation in God's ultimate justice and reign.
Responding to Peter's question about their reward for leaving everything behind, Jesus promises the twelve disciples a special place in the future "new world." He assures them that when He returns in glory, they too will reign with Him, sitting on twelve thrones and judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This glorious future reign, described as a "regeneration" or a complete renewal of all things, is presented as the ultimate reward for their faithfulness.
Jesus speaks of a future 'regeneration.' What exactly does this mean? It's more than just personal renewal – it's about a cosmic reset!
The word 'regeneration' (from the Greek 'palingenesia') points to a profound renewal of all things. It's not just about individual spiritual rebirth, but the complete restoration of creation.
A Cosmic Makeover
Think of it as God's ultimate 'fix-it' project. This isn't just a spiritual renewal of hearts, but a grand recreation where all of creation is renewed and restored to its intended perfection. It's a concept that echoes the Old Testament prophecies of a new heaven and new earth.
Timing is Key
Jesus links this 'regeneration' to the 'Son of Man sitting on his glorious throne.' This isn't happening now; it's tied to Christ's future reign and the ultimate judgment. It's when the whole universe will be born again, a grand cosmic reset.
Jesus promises the twelve apostles they will 'sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.' What does this 'judging' really entail?
Jesus’ promise to the apostles is extraordinary. It’s not just about them having a special place in heaven; it’s about participating in His future reign.
Assessors, Not Sole Judges
While the word 'judging' can sound intense, the context suggests more of an honored role as assessors or vice-regents alongside Christ. They are promised seats of authority and distinction in the coming kingdom.
A Symbol of Completeness
The 'twelve thrones' directly mirrors the 'twelve tribes of Israel.' This signifies completeness and the establishment of God's people in an ordered, restored kingdom. It highlights the apostles' foundational role in bringing the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, the spiritual 'twelve tribes.'
Beyond Earthly Kingship
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing Jesus' humanity as well as his divine authority, heavenly origin, and future role as universal judge.
palingenesia · Greek Noun
The messianic age or the future state of creation where God’s kingdom is fully established, often associated with the restoration of all things and the final judgment.
krinō · Greek Verb
The exercise of judicial authority, discernment, and administrative rule. In an eschatological context, this refers to the delegated authority of the saints to oversee God's people under Christ's reign.
This promise from Jesus is deeply rooted in the disciples' radical commitment, offering a future hope of supreme honor and participation in God's ultimate restoration, not just a present reward.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Jesus calls fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John. They immediately leave their livelihoods and families to follow Him, a significant sacrifice.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Jesus formally designates twelve men from His followers to be His closest companions and to carry on His mission, symbolizing a new spiritual leadership.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ascension
After His resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven, promising His followers that they will receive power from the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30-33
The Early Church and the Holy Spirit
Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles begin boldly preaching the Gospel, establishing the early church and facing persecution.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' promise to the apostles, stating they will 'eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and... sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.' It reinforces the idea of their future honor and participation in Christ's reign.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3Paul explains that the saints will judge the world and even angels, echoing the concept of believers having a role in judgment alongside Christ. This broadens the understanding of 'judging' from a specific judicial sentence to a position of honor and authority in God's restored creation.
Revelation 20:4This prophetic vision describes 'thrones' and those who 'reigned with Christ for a thousand years,' directly connecting to the promise of the apostles sitting on thrones. It paints a picture of the future kingdom where Christ's followers share in His rule.
Isaiah 1:26This Old Testament prophecy speaks of restored judges and counselors, mirroring the idea of appointed individuals holding positions of authority in a renewed society. It shows the concept of God re-establishing just rule as a theme throughout Scripture.
Titus 3:5This verse uses the word 'regeneration' in relation to the 'washing of rebirth,' highlighting the spiritual renewal that occurs for believers. While Matthew 19:28 refers to a future, cosmic regeneration, this passage connects to the initial spiritual transformation that prepares one for that future state.
vincentMatthew 19:28: "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Have followed"Peter had said together the words we have left, we have followed. Jesus replies to them separately; for the latter was peculiar to the apostles, the former common to them with others" (Bengel).In the regenerationThe final restitution…
calvinMatthew 19:27-30: "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"
- Then Peter answering said to him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? 28. And Jesus said to them, Verily I say to you, That you who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And whos…
Jesus elevates His disciples' commitment by promising them a future role as judges alongside Him in the restored world, highlighting that their faithfulness now earns them a place of authority and honor in God's new creation. This isn't just about a reward; it's about participation in God's ultimate justice and reign.
Responding to Peter's question about their reward for leaving everything behind, Jesus promises the twelve disciples a special place in the future "new world." He assures them that when He returns in glory, they too will reign with Him, sitting on twelve thrones and judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This glorious future reign, described as a "regeneration" or a complete renewal of all things, is presented as the ultimate reward for their faithfulness.
Responding to Peter's question about their reward for leaving everything behind, Jesus promises the twelve disciples a special place in the future "new world." He assures them that when He returns in glory, they too will reign with Him, sitting on twelve thrones and judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This glorious future reign, described as a "regeneration" or a complete renewal of all things, is presented as the ultimate reward for their faithfulness.
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This isn't about a worldly kingdom with earthly power, but a heavenly authority that reflects Christ's own reign. It's a promise of ultimate vindication and a share in Christ's glorious rule.
c. AD 40s-60s
Apostolic Ministry and Expansion
The apostles, including Paul who replaced Judas, travel widely, establishing churches and spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 62-70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Jerusalem and its iconic Temple are destroyed by Roman forces, marking a catastrophic end to the Old Covenant era and a significant turning point for Judaism.
Late 1st Century AD
New Testament Writings
The Gospels and Epistles, including Matthew's account, are written, preserving Jesus' teachings and the apostles' experiences for future generations.
"Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." — Jesus elevates His disciples' commitment by promising them a future role as judges alongside Him in the restored world, highlighting that their faithfulness now earns them a place of authority and ho…
