Whom will the twelve apostles judge or rule in the future kingdom?
In the future regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, the twelve apostles will sit upon twelve thrones, judging or ruling the twelve tribes of Israel. Scripture presents this as the kingdom promise to those who followed Him during His earthly ministry.
Les explains that Jesus spoke of those who had followed Him for the last three years, and in the regeneration—which is still future, the kingdom—when the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of His glory, they also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging or ruling the twelve tribes of Israel. Les points out the dilemma this creates: twelve men are needed, but only eleven are present, so the first order of business would be filling the vacant position. He says Peter was right on and in perfect accord with the will of God when he took steps to fill that twelfth slot, because Peter expected the Lord’s return in short order. Paul would not have fit that slot, for he did not fill the qualifications.
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.