Re: NT Wright and the confusion of kingdom and new creation

The assertion here (and in Lk. 22:28-30) that the disciples will sit on thrones with Christ may have a quite specific reference to the eschatological narrative. In the regeneration, which refers not to the final new creation but to God’s people restored following judgment (cf. Is. 65:17; 66:22; and Josephus’ use of the word palingenesia in Ant. 11.2.9 for the ’rebirth’ of the nation following exile), those who literally and painfully (Luke describes them as ’those who have stayed with me in my trials’) followed Jesus are assured that when the Son of man sits on the throne of his glory, they will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The very precise focus on Israel (twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes) suggests that this is to be understood within the narrative of an impending historical judgment on the nation (in other words, the war of AD 66-70), which Jesus interprets in the light of Daniel 7. The disciples will be vindicated with Jesus for choosing the narrow path of suffering that leads to life and will (symbolically?) sit with him in judgment over rebellious Israel when it reaches the end of the broad path leading to destruction.

I tried to look up the reference in Josephus which you cite above but do not find it. By "Ant. 11.2.9" I assume you mean Antiquities Book 11. Chapter 2. Paragraph 9. If that is not the case please inform me what is referenced so that I can look it up. The copy of Josephus which I have does not appear to have 9 paragraphs - only two. However, 11.3.9 does seem to be your reference.

Moving on, while I do agree with you that Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:29-30 have "a quite specific reference to the eschatological narrative"; I have a real problem with your comment:

"In the regeneration, which refers not to the final new creation but to God’s people restored following judgment (cf. Is. 65:17; 66:22; and Josephus’ use of the word palingenesia in Ant. 11.2.9 for the ’rebirth’ of the nation following exile)"

According to your understanding, which "nation" was Josephus referring to as being "reborn" in Ant. 11. 3. 9? Please name that "nation".

I very much want (need) to know why and how you draw a distinction between the "regeneration" of 19:28 and your proposed "final new creation." Where does the Bible speak to the subject of "a final new creation"?

In your comments above, it seems to me that, you have assumed a lot of things that are not in evidence.

There is much more that I would like to discuss about this topic; so I will come back to it, after I see your response to the above.

Please tell me, according to your understanding - when does "the Son of man sit in the throne of His glory"? And what is the "throne of His glory"? Where is it located?

However, it is your next statement that I have a real problem with:

"The very precise focus on Israel (twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes) suggests that this is to be understood within the narrative of an impending historical judgment on the nation (in other words, the war of AD 66-70), which Jesus interprets in the light of Daniel 7. The disciples will be vindicated with Jesus for choosing the narrow path of suffering that leads to life and will (symbolically?) sit with him in judgment over rebellious Israel when it reaches the end of the broad path leading to destruction. "

Will you please give me the name of "the nation" which you think was at "war" with the Romans in AD 66-70?