What does Matthew 19:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 19:28 is a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples.

In this verse, Jesus addresses his disciples' devotion and following of Him.

He speaks of the time of "regeneration," often interpreted as the period of renewal of the world, which will take place when the Son of Man, a title Jesus frequently used for himself and which implies a Messianic figure, will establish His kingdom in glory.

Jesus promises his disciples that they will have a special place in this future kingdom: they will sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The "twelve tribes of Israel" represents the collective people of God in Jewish tradition.

The mention of "twelve thrones" symbolizes authority and governance, suggesting that the disciples will share in some form of Christ's leadership and decision-making in the eschaton, or end times.

This not only offered hope and vindication to the original disciples but also emphasizes the theme of righteous judgment in God's kingdom.

Historical Context

At the time Jesus spoke these words, Israel had been under Roman occupation and the Jewish people longed for liberation and the restoration of their nation. The idea of a coming Messianic age was deeply ingrained in Jewish eschatology.

Many Jews expected a Messiah who would lead them to victory over their oppressors and restore the kingdom of Israel.

In this context, the disciples themselves might have expected Jesus, whom they were beginning to understand as the Christ (the Messiah), to establish a political kingdom on earth.

However, Jesus' concept of the kingdom was more spiritual and encompassing than a political sovereignty over a specific geographic region.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret this verse in various ways:

• Premillennialism: This viewpoint might interpret the verse to refer to a literal future 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth during which the disciples will judge Israel.
• Amillennialism: Amillennialists might interpret the verse symbolically, suggesting that the "regeneration" refers to the church age wherein the disciples' authority is exercised through the foundational role they play in the church.
• Postmillennialism: Proponents of this view may suggest that the verse predicts a future period of Christian dominance on earth before Christ's return, during which Christian ethics will govern the world.
• Dispensationalism: Some dispensationalists may argue that this verse shows a distinct future period when Israel will be restored under Jesus’ rule, and the disciples will have a specific authoritative role.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 19:28 can inspire individuals to consider their roles in the world today as part of a broader narrative that culminates in God's ultimate plan for the earth.

It encourages believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that the challenges they face will one day be overshadowed by a divine reign of justice and peace.

Furthermore, Christians can derive from this verse the importance of serving faithfully in their current capacity, as the disciples did, because their labors are not in vain and will be rewarded in God's kingdom.

Cross-References

• Luke 22:29-30: "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
• Revelation 3:21: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
• 2 Timothy 2:12: "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek and their meanings include:

• "Regeneration" (παλιγγενεσίᾳ - palingenesia): This term means "rebirth" or "renewal".

It implies a restoration of something to its original state or to an improved condition.

• "Son of Man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου - huios tou anthrōpou): A term used in ancient Jewish texts including Daniel 7 as a title for an eschatological figure and used by Jesus to refer to himself, indicating his role in divine salvation history.
• "Thrones" (θρόνους - thronous): Seats or chairs symbolizing authority and power, particularly in a royal or divine context.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a future time of renewal and judgment features in many cultures and religions.

In many ancient myths, a time of cataclysmic change follows a period of decline, leading to a new era of peace and righteousness.

For example, Hinduism speaks of different Yugas or ages, with the present age (Kali Yuga) being followed by one of regeneration.

The Zoroastrian concept of Frashokereti is somewhat similar to the Christian concept of regeneration, envisioning a future where the universe will be restored to its original pure state under Ahura Mazda's rule.

In Judaism, the concept of a Messianic age – a time when a descendant of King David establishes a kingdom of peace and justice – is also comparable.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of "regeneration" can be seen metaphorically as akin to ecological succession, where after a catastrophic disturbance in nature, the environment eventually regenerates, leading to a restored ecosystem.

As for judgment and rulership, these are concepts firmly within the domain of sociology and cultural anthropology, as they reflect human systems of governance and moral order.

While science can describe processes of decision-making and sociocultural evolution, it doesn’t traditionally approach eschatological claims, which are outside its empirical scope.

Commentaries

Commentators throughout history differ in their interpretations of this verse.

Some traditional interpretations hold that the verse references the apostles' future literal reign with Christ. Others view it symbolically, reflecting the authority given to the apostles in the foundation and ongoing life of the church.

Matthew Henry's commentary expresses that this promise to the disciples symbolizes the dignity and authority of the ministers of the gospel and they’re judging or determining matters of the Christian church and doctrine.

John Wesley notes that the disciples’ judging signifies approving the faith and practice of the Israel of God.

Contemporary scholarship often views this passage through an eschatological lens, seeing it as part of Jesus' broader teaching on the end times, with varying views on how literally these future roles of the disciples are to be taken.