27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:27–28, NKJV)
Jesus assured the apostles a place of rule or authority over in His kingdom (see Lk. 22:30). Their authority would exist “in the regeneration,” a reference to spiritual rebirth. Of course, spiritual rebirth occurs now, through Christ and His gospel (Jno. 3:3-5; Acts 3:19-21; Titus 3:5; 1 Pet 1:22-23). Therefore, the apostles are now on the thrones Jesus promised. Their places of rule occur “when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory.” Christ’s position as King was proclaimed in Acts 2, when the apostles preached by the Holy Spirit that Jesus is seated on the throne of David, at God’s right hand, ruling as King (Acts 2:29-36; Psa. 110:1-2). Therefore, by teaching Christ’s word, the apostles rule with heaven’s approval. The kingdom exists, and the authority of the apostles is sure. The apostles have authority now, because Christ has all authority (Matt. 28:18; Acts 1:8). The apostles’ teaching executes the authority of the Son of Man. That means we must follow the apostles to have Christ’s approval (John 13:20). It is impossible to follow Christ, without following the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42).
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