{7} And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the {q} 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.

(7) It is not lost, that is neglected for God's sake.

(q) The regeneration is understood to mean that day when the elect will begin to live a new life, that is to say, when they will enjoy the heavenly inheritance, both in body and soul.

People's New Testament

19:28 Ye. The apostles.

In the regeneration. At the coming of the Lord the second time.

When the Son of man shall sit, etc. In his final triumph over all evil.

Shall sit upon twelve thrones. Christ shall sit on the throne of his glory and the apostles also shall have thrones.

The twelve tribes of Israel. The reference is probably spiritual rather than literal. The inspired preaching of the apostles presented the conditions of pardon under the New Covenant. Thus they bind and loose, or judge. In judgment, salvation will turn on whether the Jews, or the true Israel (Ga 3:29), have obeyed the apostles' doctrine. The apostles even now judge the church.

Wesley's Notes

19:28 In the renovation - In the final renovation of all things: Ye shall sit - In the beginning of the judgment they shall stand, 2Cor 5:10. Then being absolved, they shall sit with the Judge, 1Cor 6:2: On twelve thrones - So our Lord promised, without expressing any condition: yet as absolute as the words are, it is certain there is a condition implied, as in many scriptures, where none is expressed. In consequence of this, those twelve did not sit on those twelve thrones: for the throne of Judas another took, so that he never sat thereon.

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] regeneration

Gr. "palingensia" = "re-creation," "making new." The word occurs once again in Ti 3:5. There it refers to the new birth or a believing person; here to the re-creation of the social order, and renewal of the earth Isa 11:6-9 Rom 8:19-23 when the kingdom shall come. (See "Kingdom (O.T.),"

See Scofield Note: "Zech 12:8" See Scofield Note: "1Cor 15:24"

[2] judging

Disclosing how the promise Isa 1:26 will be fulfilled when the kingdom is set up. The kingdom will be administered over Israel through the apostles, according to the ancient theocratic judgeship. Jud 2:18.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

19:23-30 Though Christ spoke so strongly, few that have riches do not trust in them. How few that are poor are not tempted to envy! But men's earnestness in this matter is like their toiling to build a high wall to shut themselves and their children out of heaven. It should be satisfaction to those who are in a low condition, that they are not exposed to the temptations of a high and prosperous condition. If they live more hardly in this world than the rich, yet, if they get more easily to a better world, they have no reason to complain. Christ's words show that it is hard for a rich man to be a good Christian, and to be saved. The way to heaven is a narrow way to all, and the gate that leads into it, a strait gate; particularly so to rich people. More duties are expected from them than from others, and more sins easily beset them. It is hard not to be charmed with a smiling world. Rich people have a great account to make up for their opportunities above others. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches, to get to heaven. Christ used an expression, denoting a difficulty altogether unconquerable by the power of man. Nothing less than the almighty grace of God will enable a rich man to get over this difficulty. Who then can be saved? If riches hinder rich people, are not pride and sinful lusts found in those not rich, and as dangerous to them? Who can be saved? say the disciples. None, saith Christ, by any created power. The beginning, progress, and perfecting the work of salvation, depend wholly on the almighty power of God, to which all things are possible. Not that rich people can be saved in their worldliness, but that they should be saved from it. Peter said, We have forsaken all. Alas! it was but a poor all, only a few boats and nets; yet observe how Peter speaks, as if it had been some mighty thing. We are too apt to make the most of our services and sufferings, our expenses and losses, for Christ. However, Christ does not upbraid them; though it was but little that they had forsaken, yet it was their all, and as dear to them as if it had been more. Christ took it kindly that they left it to follow him; he accepts according to what a man hath. Our Lord's promise to the apostles is, that when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, he will make all things new, and they shall sit with him in judgement on those who will be judged according to their doctrine. This sets forth the honour, dignity, and authority of their office and ministry. Our Lord added, that every one who had forsaken possessions or comforts, for his sake and the gospel, would be recompensed at last. May God give us faith to rest our hope on this his promise; then we shall be ready for every service or sacrifice. Our Saviour, in the last verse, does away a mistake of some. The heavenly inheritance is not given as earthly ones are, but according to God's pleasure. Let us not trust in promising appearances or outward profession. Others may, for aught we know, become eminent in faith and holiness.