A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 19:30

"But many shall be last [that are] first; and first [that are] last." — Matthew 19:30 (ASV)

The last first and the first last (ο εσχατο πρωτο κα ο πρωτο εσχατο). This paradoxical enigma is probably in the nature of a rebuke to Peter and refers to ranks in the kingdom. There are many other possible applications. The following parable illustrates it.