Matthew 17:9-10

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:9

As they came down from the mountain . The Transfiguration is supposed to have taken place at night, and the following conversation to have passed in the early morning of the next day. Tell the vision ( το Ì ὁ ì ραμα , what bad been seen ) to no man. This was a strict and formal command. The chosen three were at present not to mention the occurrence to anyone, not even to their fellow disciples. Possibly these would hardly have believed the marvellous tale, and their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:9

Holy reticence. Some of those with whom our Lord had to do wrought much mischief by failing in wise reticence. Told to keep their secrets, they blazed abroad their matter, and created a public excitement which our Lord felt bound to avoid. Reserve is said to be the "bane of friendship;" but reserve may be a sign of wise self-control and skilful estimate of circumstances and responsibilities. Reticence must be distinguished from untruthfulness. We should always tell the truth, but it is often... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:9-13

The harbinger. After the Transfiguration, Jesus and his disciples came down the mountain side. Ecstasies, even in religion, have their sombre interludes. But in these we may still remain in the blessed company of Jesus. As they descended, Jesus "commanded his disciples, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen from the dead." This command astonished them. Interpreting the prophets, the scribes expected Elijah to come as the harbinger of Messiah. As Elijah had now... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:10

Why then ( οὖν ) say the scribes that Elias must first come? The illative particle "then" shows that the apostles' question arose from something immediately preceding. The connection seems to be this: Elias had just appeared and then had vanished again; how could this visitation be reconciled with the scribes' interpretation of Malachi's prophecy? If Elias was to come before the advent of Messiah, and Jesus is the Messiah, how is it that he has only now shown himself? If he has a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 17:10-13

The Elijah ministry of John the Baptist. The disciples were perplexed at what they saw on the Mount of the Transfiguration. There Elijah appeared with Moses in conversation with Christ, and the vision recalled to mind the familiar expectation of the Jews that the prophet should precede the advent of Christ. Was this the coming of Elijah? Surely not, for it was but a momentary visit in a solitary place. Yet if Elijah had not come first, how could the Christ have come? Thus the disciples were... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 17:9

Tell the vision to no man - This vision was designed particularly to confirm them in the truth that he was the Messiah. While he was with them it was unnecessary that they should relate what they had seen. When he was crucified they would need this evidence that he was the Christ. Then they were to use it. There were three witnesses of it as many as the law required Deuteronomy 17:6; Hebrews 10:28, and the proof that he was the Messiah was clear. Besides, if they had told it then, it would have... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 17:10-13

See also Mark 9:11-13.Why then say the scribes ... - The disciples appear to have been satisfied now that he was the Messiah. The transfiguration had taken away all their doubts, but they recollected that it was a common doctrine among the Jews that Elijah would appear before the Messiah came, and they did not then recollect that he had appeared. To this difficulty the word then refers. “We are satisfied that thou art the Christ, but Elijah has not yet come, as was expected; what, then, is the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 17:9

Matthew 17:9. Jesus charged them Tell the vision to no man Not to the rest of the disciples, lest they should be grieved and discouraged because they were not admitted to the sight; nor to any other persons, lest it should enrage some the more, and his approaching sufferings should make others disbelieve it. “He knew,” says Macknight, “that the world, and even his own disciples, were not yet capable of comprehending the design of his transfiguration, nor of the appearing of Moses and Elias;... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 17:10-13

Matthew 17:10-13. His disciples asked, &c. Being much surprised at the sudden departure of Elias, and at their Master’s ordering them to keep his having appeared a secret, they had no sooner finished their dispute about what the rising from the dead should mean, than, addressing themselves to Jesus, they said, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come Before the Messiah, if no man must know of his coming? As if he had said, Since Elias has gone away so soon, and since thou... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 17:1-13

75. The transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36)Jesus’ transfiguration took place on a high mountain, possibly Mount Hermon, which was not far from Caesarea Philippi. The event was a revelation of Christ’s glory and was witnessed by only three chosen apostles. In coming into the world as a human being, Jesus had laid his divine glory aside, but now it reappeared briefly through a human body. It gave an indication of the glory he would receive after he had finished the work... read more

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