The Meaning of παλιγγενεσία in Matthew 19.28

Abstract

Some dispute surrounds the correct interpretation of παλιγγενεσία in Mt. 19.28. While all scholars accept that this term possesses eschatological import, there is no agreement on its precise meaning. One school of thought argues that the term reflects the common apocalyptic belief in the re-creation of the cosmic order after its prior destruction at the eschaton. Other scholars, however, dispute this interpretation and insist that παλιγγενεσία has basically temporal connotations; it refers merely to the new age which will succeed the present age. This study will defend the first interpretation by introducing to the discussion two other Matthaean passages, namely 5.18 and 24.35, whose importance in relation to this subject has not been fully appreciated.