What does 'regeneration' mean in Matthew 19:28?
In Matthew 19:28, 'regeneration' means the restoration of something back to its original state or condition. Jesus uses the term when speaking to the eleven who followed Him, referring to a future restoration. It denotes a return to a prior condition, as the context of His answer to Peter about rewards indicates.
Les explains that in Matthew 19:28, Jesus is answering Peter, who asked what they would have after forsaking all to follow Him. Jesus says to the twelve, specifically the eleven excluding Judas, that in the regeneration they will be rewarded. Les points out that regeneration means restoring something back to its original, and that Peter was not questioning salvation but reward, since he already believed Jesus was the Christ. The context is the kingdom of heaven being at hand.
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.
More Questions
What does the comma in Matthew 19:28 mean for interpreting 'in the regeneration'?
In Matthew 19:28 the comma after 'followed Me' is significant; if that comma is removed, the verse sounds as though the disciples were following Jesus 'in the regeneration,' but the comma shows that is not the way the verse should be read.
What is 'the regeneration' in Matthew 19:28?
'In the regeneration' in Matthew 19:28 is still future and refers to the kingdom, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory—not to the present time when the disciples were following Jesus.