1 Ne 12:9 the twelve apostles….shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel…twelve ministers shall judge thy seed.

We often imagine that Jesus Christ will be our judge. In John 5:22 we learn that the Father judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. The Son, however, has committed judgment unto others. The Father delegated the responsibility to the Son, and the Son delegated the responsibility to the twelve apostles and twelve disciples. These 24 men, and others, will judge mankind under the direction of the Savior. This was made clear when the Lord spoke to Peter in Matt 19:28, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

In Revelation we learn that the books were opened….and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works (Rev 20:12).  The Father is responsible for writing the books, the Savior is responsible for establishing the pattern by which men should be judged, and the Savior’s apostles/disciples are the actual judges. This pattern is shown in 3 Ne 27:25-27. This prompted the counsel to the twelve disciples, Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.  The scriptures are replete with confirmations that this judgment will be just, But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth (Rom 2:2), Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments (Rev 16:7).

Who else will be a judge? 1) Bishops, stake presidencies, and higher church councils act as judges on matters under their administration (DC 107:69-80). 2) When missionaries are rejected and perform the ordinance of dusting off their feet, they will act as judges for the people who rejected their message (DC 75:19-22). 3) The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment against the people who rejected Christ during his ministry because they [the men of Ninevah] repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here (Matt 12:41). 4) Paul says that the saints will also judge the world, Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (1 Cor 6:2)

Bruce R. McConkie

“Under Christ a great hierarchy of judges will operate, each functioning in his assigned sphere. John saw many judges sitting upon thrones. (Rev. 20:4.) Paul said the saints would judge both the world and angels. (1 Cor. 6:2-3.) The elders are to sit in judgment on those who reject them. (D. & C. 75:21-22; Matt. 10:14-15.) Daniel saw that judgment would be given to the saints. (Dan. 7:22.) The Nephite Twelve will be judged by the Twelve from Jerusalem and then in turn will judge the Nephite nation. (1 Ne. 12:9-10; 3 Ne. 27:27; Morm. 3:19.) And the Twelve who served with our Lord in his ministry shall judge the whole house of Israel. (D. & C. 29:12.) No doubt there will be many others of many dispensations who will sit in judgment upon the peoples of their days and generations—all judging according to the judgment which Christ shall give them, ‘which shall be just.’ (3 Ne. 27:27.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:558.)