Verse 14
Since there are foundations to the city (cf. Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:13-16), it will be a permanent abode for the righteous in contrast to temporary dwellings that lacked foundations. The foundations may be one on top of each other in layers, but probably each section of the wall, between the gate-towers, has its own foundation. [Note: Wilcock, p. 208.] As the walls and gates represent protection, so the foundations speak of permanence.
Evidently the church, represented by the apostles (cf. Ephesians 2:20), will be in the New Jerusalem, as will Israel (Revelation 21:12). However assigning the name of each apostle to a particular foundation stone is as impossible as matching the names of Israel’s tribes with the gates. Even identifying exactly which of the apostles and tribes will receive this honor is impossible now. Note the distinction between Israel and the church even in the eternal state (cf. Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30). God had a role for each group and an identity separate from the other in the past and as He does in the present. [Note: Scott, pp. 433-34; Walvoord, The Revelation . . ., pp. 322-23; Johnson, p. 596.] This distinction between the foundations and the walls harmonizes with belief that the church did not replace Israel in the plans of God.
"The combination of the twelve tribes in Revelation 21:12 and the twelve apostles is a way of saying that Israel of old and the Christian church are united in God’s final scheme of things." [Note: Morris, p. 250.]
Being a covenant theologian, Morris did not mean that Israel and the church will be distinct throughout eternity as different segments of the people of God. He meant that this passage presents Israel and the church as all the people of God united in God’s final scheme of things. However, as a dispensationalist I can accept his statement at face value.
That these are apostles "of the Lamb" again focuses glory on the Lamb in this city.
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