Matthew 19:28 — the promise of 12 thrones for those who followed Jesus does not necessarily include Judas; Matthias' replacement and the symbolic nature of the number 12 both resolve the tension.

Winger presents several approaches: (1) Judas was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1), who qualified because he had followed Jesus from John's baptism through the crucifixion — so the "twelve who followed" still number twelve with Matthias; (2) the verse may not be hyper-literal — "twelve thrones" could be symbolic of the authority the apostles will hold rather than twelve specific physical thrones; (3) Jesus says "you who have followed me" not "the twelve apostles," which is slightly fuzzy language possibly indicating Jesus was already accounting for Judas' disqualification. The parallel in Luke 22:28-30 adds context about the Last Supper setting. Winger suggests Jesus may have deliberately left the language slightly ambiguous knowing Judas would not remain among the faithful.