Yes, the disciples will have authoritative roles in the future kingdom.
The disciples will sit on twelve thrones, ruling the twelve tribes of Israel. This will occur in the regeneration when Christ sits on His throne of glory, and it is a direct answer to Peter's question about what they would receive for following Him.
Matthew 19:28 — This verse directly states that in the regeneration, the disciples will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
In Matthew 19:28, Jesus tells His disciples that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, they also will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This promise is given in response to Peter's statement that they had forsaken all to follow Him (Matthew 19:27). The term 'regeneration' refers to the restoration of all things, a time when the earth is renewed and the kingdom is established. The twelve disciples are promised positions of rulership over the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating a literal, governmental role in the future kingdom.
Les Feldick emphasizes that the disciples' role in the future kingdom is literal and specific: they will sit on twelve thrones, ruling the twelve tribes of Israel. He points out that this promise was a central expectation for the disciples, and it explains their question in Acts 1:6 about restoring the kingdom to Israel. Les clarifies that Judas is excluded, and Matthias takes his place (Acts 1). He also notes that the disciples' rule will be under Christ, who will be the King in Jerusalem.
Jesus promised that in the regeneration, when He sits on His throne of glory, the twelve disciples will sit on twelve thrones, judging or ruling the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). This promise was made directly to the Twelve, excluding Judas, and was a source of their expectation for the kingdom.
Les Feldick explains that this promise was uppermost in the disciples' thinking, driving their question in Acts 1:6 about restoring the kingdom to Israel so they could rule. They were human and held onto this promise, eagerly anticipating their positions of authority.
The disciples will rule over the twelve tribes of Israel. They will have governmental authority, sitting on thrones, and will serve under Christ who will be the King in Jerusalem. This is a literal, earthly rule, not merely a spiritual blessing.
Kingdom Expectation
Les notes that even after resurrection, the disciples were focused on the kingdom promise, not yet on the Gentiles.
Twelve Thrones Explained
Les explains that the twelve will sit on twelve thrones ruling the twelve tribes, and this is why the disciples were so focused on the kingdom.
Regeneration and Thrones
Les defines the regeneration as the time when the curse is lifted and the kingdom is ready; then the disciples will rule the twelve tribes.
Disciples' Expectations
Les shows the disciples were eager to assume their thrones, remembering Jesus' promise even on the Mount of Olives.
Peter's Question
Les references Matthew 19:27, showing Peter's question about leaving everything, which prompted Jesus' promise.
Uppermost in Thinking
Les emphasizes that the disciples constantly thought about ruling the twelve tribes, and Jesus did not rebuke them for their kingdom expectation.
Plain Language
Les stresses that Jesus' words are plain: the twelve will sit on twelve thrones, ruling the twelve tribes, and Judas is excluded.
Abrahamic Covenant Foundation
Les connects the promise of thrones to the Abrahamic covenant, showing it is rooted in Israel's promises.
Matthew 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.
This is the key verse directly promising thrones and ruling over Israel.
Acts 1:6: When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Shows the disciples' expectation and desire for the kingdom, tied to their promised rule.
Yes, according to Matthew 19:28, the twelve disciples will sit on twelve thrones, ruling the twelve tribes of Israel. This will happen when Christ sits on His throne of glory in the regeneration.
No, Judas is excluded. Les Feldick points out that Matthias took his place, so the twelve thrones are occupied by the faithful twelve apostles.
Les Feldick explains that the regeneration refers to the time when the earth is restored to its original state, the curse is lifted, and the kingdom is established. Then Christ will sit on His throne, and the disciples will rule.
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