Matthew 19:28 - Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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What does "Matthew 19:28" mean?
Matthew 19:28 is a complex and debated verse with several layers of meaning. Let's break it down:
"Jesus said to them, 'Most certainly I tell you...'": This is a common formula Jesus uses to emphasize the importance and truthfulness of what he's about to say.
"...that you who have followed me...": This refers specifically to the twelve disciples who have left everything to follow Jesus. He's speaking directly to them.
"...in the regeneration...": This is the most challenging part of the verse. "Regeneration" (Greek: palingenesia) can have several meanings:
A General Renewal: Some interpret it as the new creation, the restoration of all things, or the coming of the Messianic age. This refers to a future time of transformation and renewal.
Individual Spiritual Renewal: Some see it as referring to the individual experience of being "born again" or spiritually renewed, but this interpretation doesn't fit well with the rest of the verse.
The Resurrection: Some connect it to the resurrection of the dead, when the new heavens and new earth are established.
The first meaning, referring to a general renewal or the Messianic age, is the most common and likely interpretation given the context of the verse.
"...when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory...": This refers to Jesus' second coming and establishment of his kingdom. The "throne of his glory" speaks to his divine authority and power. "Son of Man" is a title Jesus often used to refer to himself, emphasizing both his humanity and his divine role.
"...you also will sit on twelve thrones...": This is a promise of significant authority and honor for the disciples. Sitting on thrones symbolizes rulership and power.
"...judging the twelve tribes of Israel.": This is another point of debate. "Judging" doesn't necessarily mean condemning. It can also mean:
Ruling/Governing: The disciples will participate in the governance of the restored nation of Israel.
Vindicating/Affirming: The disciples' faith and actions will serve as a standard by which the twelve tribes of Israel are judged, perhaps showing who truly belongs to the faithful remnant.
Witnessing: The disciples' presence and testimony will be part of the judgment process.
The "twelve tribes of Israel" can refer to:
The literal descendants of Jacob: A restored and purified nation of Israel in the future.
The Church: In some interpretations, the Church is seen as the "new Israel," comprised of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus is promising his disciples that, in the future age of renewal when he returns in glory to establish his kingdom, they will share in his authority and reign by sitting on thrones and participating in the governance or judgment of the (restored) nation of Israel (or the Church).
Different interpretations and key points to consider:
Literal vs. Symbolic: Some interpret the thrones and judging of the tribes literally, while others see it as symbolic of the disciples' significant role and reward in the new kingdom.
The Nature of the Kingdom: Is this a purely earthly, political kingdom, or a spiritual kingdom? Different theological perspectives will influence the interpretation.
Predestination and Reward: The verse reinforces the idea that those who have faithfully followed Jesus will be rewarded in the future kingdom.
Judas: A common question is what happened to Judas's throne. This often leads to discussions about Matthias being chosen to replace him.
Ultimately, understanding this verse requires careful consideration of the historical context, the use of symbolic language, and different theological perspectives. It's a verse rich in meaning that continues to be debated and discussed.
Matthew 19:28 - Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
What does "Matthew 19:28" mean?
Matthew 19:28 is a complex and debated verse with several layers of meaning. Let's break it down:
"Jesus said to them, 'Most certainly I tell you...'": This is a common formula Jesus uses to emphasize the importance and truthfulness of what he's about to say.
"...that you who have followed me...": This refers specifically to the twelve disciples who have left everything to follow Jesus. He's speaking directly to them.
"...in the regeneration...": This is the most challenging part of the verse. "Regeneration" (Greek: palingenesia) can have several meanings:
A General Renewal: Some interpret it as the new creation, the restoration of all things, or the coming of the Messianic age. This refers to a future time of transformation and renewal.
Individual Spiritual Renewal: Some see it as referring to the individual experience of being "born again" or spiritually renewed, but this interpretation doesn't fit well with the rest of the verse.
The Resurrection: Some connect it to the resurrection of the dead, when the new heavens and new earth are established.
The first meaning, referring to a general renewal or the Messianic age, is the most common and likely interpretation given the context of the verse.
"...when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory...": This refers to Jesus' second coming and establishment of his kingdom. The "throne of his glory" speaks to his divine authority and power. "Son of Man" is a title Jesus often used to refer to himself, emphasizing both his humanity and his divine role.
"...you also will sit on twelve thrones...": This is a promise of significant authority and honor for the disciples. Sitting on thrones symbolizes rulership and power.
"...judging the twelve tribes of Israel.": This is another point of debate. "Judging" doesn't necessarily mean condemning. It can also mean:
Ruling/Governing: The disciples will participate in the governance of the restored nation of Israel.
Vindicating/Affirming: The disciples' faith and actions will serve as a standard by which the twelve tribes of Israel are judged, perhaps showing who truly belongs to the faithful remnant.
Witnessing: The disciples' presence and testimony will be part of the judgment process.
The "twelve tribes of Israel" can refer to:
The literal descendants of Jacob: A restored and purified nation of Israel in the future.
The Church: In some interpretations, the Church is seen as the "new Israel," comprised of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus is promising his disciples that, in the future age of renewal when he returns in glory to establish his kingdom, they will share in his authority and reign by sitting on thrones and participating in the governance or judgment of the (restored) nation of Israel (or the Church).
Different interpretations and key points to consider:
Literal vs. Symbolic: Some interpret the thrones and judging of the tribes literally, while others see it as symbolic of the disciples' significant role and reward in the new kingdom.
The Nature of the Kingdom: Is this a purely earthly, political kingdom, or a spiritual kingdom? Different theological perspectives will influence the interpretation.
Predestination and Reward: The verse reinforces the idea that those who have faithfully followed Jesus will be rewarded in the future kingdom.
Judas: A common question is what happened to Judas's throne. This often leads to discussions about Matthias being chosen to replace him.
Ultimately, understanding this verse requires careful consideration of the historical context, the use of symbolic language, and different theological perspectives. It's a verse rich in meaning that continues to be debated and discussed.