Les Feldick Bible Study

Why did Peter ask Jesus what he would have in Matthew 19:27?

Peter asked because he had forsaken all and followed Jesus, and he wanted to know what reward he would receive. He had left his fishing business and home in Galilee. He was not questioning his salvation; he was seeking the reward Jesus would give when He sat on His glorious throne.

Les teaches that Peter had not forgotten the good things. He had forgotten what Jesus said about the kind of death He would die, but this promise stuck in his mind and he could not get it out. Peter was enraptured with the idea that it was just over the horizon: seven years of horrible experiences, but the end would be worth it all. In Matthew 19:27 Peter said, "Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee. What shall we have therefore?" Peter already had his salvation; that was not what he was asking about. He was asking, "What am I going to have for a reward? I left my fishing business, I left my home up there in Galilee to follow you. What am I going to have?" Les points out the Lord did not rebuke him but answered him. Jesus said that in the regeneration, when the earth will be regenerated and brought back to the garden of Eden state, when the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of His glory, King of kings, they would sit on twelve thrones ruling the twelve tribes of Israel. Les explains this was what was on Peter's mind: if Israel would just repent and be converted and recognize that the one they killed was their Messiah. There is nothing here of the power of resurrection or the atoning shed blood, although in the mind of God that was all there.

Matthew 19:27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

More Questions

What did Peter ask Jesus they would have for following Him?

Peter asked Jesus what they would receive because they had forsaken all and followed Him—that is, for following Jesus.

Why does Peter ask what the disciples will get after following Jesus?

Peter asking what else the disciples will have is like Abraham in Genesis 15, who—after God promised him the land and other things—still asked 'How do I know?', prompting the Lord to make a covenant like a title deed.

Is Peter's question in Matthew 19 about salvation or about rewards?

Peter's question about what the disciples will receive is not about salvation, because salvation was already settled back in chapter 16 when Peter said, 'Thou art the Christ.'