Matthew 17:1
A high mountain — Probably Mount Tabor. Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28.... [ Continue Reading ]
A high mountain — Probably Mount Tabor. Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28.... [ Continue Reading ]
And was transfigured — Or transformed. The indwelling Deity darted out its rays through the veil of the flesh; and that with such transcendent splendour, that he no longer bore the form of a servant. His face shone with Divine majesty, like the sun in its strength; and all his body was so irradiated... [ Continue Reading ]
There appeared Moses and Elijah — Here for the full confirmation of their faith in Jesus, Moses, the giver of the law, Elijah, the most zealous of all the prophets, and God speaking from heaven, all bore witness to him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let us make three tents — The words of rapturous surprise. He says three, not six: because the apostles desired to be with their Master.... [ Continue Reading ]
Hear ye him — As superior even to Moses and the prophets. See Deuteronomy 18:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
Be not afraid — And doubtless the same moment he gave them courage and strength.... [ Continue Reading ]
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 shall make others disbelieve it; till the Son of man be... [ Continue Reading ]
Why then say the scribes, that Elijah must come first — Before the Messiah? If no man is to know of his coming? Should we not rather tell every man, that he is come, and that we have seen him, witnessing to thee as the Messiah?... [ Continue Reading ]
Regulate all things — In order to the coming of Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
Elijah is come already — And yet when the Jews asked John, Art thou Elijah? He said, I am not, John 1:21. His meaning was, I am not Elijah the Tishbite, come again into the world. But he was the person of whom Malachi prophesied under that name.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mark 9:14; Luke 11:37.... [ Continue Reading ]
He is lunatic — This word might with great propriety he used, though the case was mostly preternatural; as the evil spirit would undoubtedly take advantage of the influence which the changes of the moon have on the brain and nerves.... [ Continue Reading ]
O unbelieving and perverse generation — Our Lord speaks principally this to his disciples. How long shall I be with you? — Before you steadfastly believe?... [ Continue Reading ]
Because of your unbelief — Because in this particular they had not faith. If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed — That is, the least measure of it. But it is certain, the faith which is here spoken of does not always imply saving faith. Many have had it who thereby cast out devils, and yet wil... [ Continue Reading ]
This kind of devils — goeth not out but by prayer and fasting — What a testimony is here of the efficacy of fasting, when added to fervent prayer! Some kinds of devils the apostles had cast out before this, without fasting.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mark 9:30; Luke 9:44.... [ Continue Reading ]
When they were come to Capernaum — Where our Lord now dwelt. This was the reason why they stayed till he came thither, to ask him for the tribute. Doth not your Master pay tribute? — This was a tribute or payment of a peculiar kind, being half a shekel, (that is, about fifteen pence,) which every ma... [ Continue Reading ]
Jesus prevented him — Just when St. Peter was going to ask him for it. Of their own sons, or of strangers? — That is, such as are not of their own family.... [ Continue Reading ]
Then are the sons free — The sense is, This is paid for the use of the house of God. But I am the Son of God. Therefore I am free from any obligation of paying this to my own Father.... [ Continue Reading ]
Yet that, we may not offend them — Even those unjust, unreasonable men, who claim what they have no manner of right to: do not contest it with them, bat rather yield to their demand, than violate peace or love. O what would not one of a loving spirit do for peace! Any thing which is not expressly fo... [ Continue Reading ]