Matthew 17:6

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, For the exposition, see the notes at Luke 9:28. The time of this section is sufficiently denoted by the events which all the narratives show to have immediately preceded it-the first explicit announcement of His death, and the transfiguration-both being between his third and his forth and last Passover,...

6._And having heard this _God intended that the disciples should be struck with this terror, in order to impress more fully on their hearts the remembrance of the vision. Yet we see how great is the weakness of our nature, which trembles in this manner at hearing the voice of God. If ungodly men mock at God, or despise him without concern, it is because God does not address them so as to cause his presence to be felt; but the majesty of God, as soon as we perceive him, must unavoidably cast us down....

1-13 Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by the glorious sight. Peter thought that it was most desirable to continue there, and to go no more down to meet the sufferings of which he was so unwilling to hear. In this he knew not what he said. We are wrong, if we look for a heaven here upon earth. Whatever tabernacles we propose to make for ourselves in this world, we must always remember to ask Christ's leave. That sacrifice was not yet offered, without which the souls of sinful men could not have been saved; and important services were to be done by Peter and his brethren. While Peter spoke, a bright cloud overshad...

Verse Matthew 17:6. _FELL ON THEIR FACE_] Dismayed by the _voice_, and dazzled by the glory of the _cloud_. So _Daniel_, Daniel 8:17, and _Saul of Tarsus_, Acts 9:4....

THEY FELL ON THEIR FACE - They entered into the cloud, or the cloud enveloped them, Luke 9:34. “They were therefore afraid.” They were awed at the presence of God, and prostrated themselves in solemn adoration on the ground, and their fears were removed only by the voice of their beloved Master. No man can see God and live; and it is only the glory of God, as it shines in the face of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 4:6), that mortals can bear....

EXPOSITION MATTHEW 17:1 _The Transfiguration of Jesus_._ _(Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28.) This mysterious event was intended primarily to confirm the faith of the three apostles who were to have the chief hand in founding the Church. The Lord had just announced his future sufferings and death. This prediction had been a grievous blow to Peter, and doubtless to the others also. He had stumbled at the cross, and had brought on himself a stern rebuke for his slowness and worldliness. So to comfort the chosen three under the thought of what awaited their Master, they were shown a glimpse of the glory which he has in heaven; they saw the Law and the prophets yielding subjection to him; t

AND WHEN THE DISCIPLES HEARD IT,.... The voice out of the cloud, and which they apprehended came from God, and was uttered with so much majesty: THEY FELL ON THEIR FACE: not so much out of reverence, or for the sake of adoration, but as persons struck with astonishment and fear, and were as half dead; and so fell with their faces fiat to the ground, not being able to stand before God, to behold his majesty, and hear his voice: AND WERE SORE AFRAID: they were filled with fear, when, awaking out of their sleep, they saw the surprising glory of Christ, and of the two men that were with him, insomuch that they knew not what to think, or say; and so they were when they entered into the cloud, and still more upon hearing the voice of God himself, even though it was a voice of love, grace, and mercy; see Deuteronomy 5:24. But yet they were not struck wi

Matthew 17:1. _And after six days_ Luke says, «about an eight days after these sayings;» but I suppose he counted the day before and the day after. «After six days,» and the first day was, probably, the first day of the week, so he was now coming to another Lord's day. One of the high Christian festivals of the life of Christ was about to be celebrated. Jesus was not yet dead, therefore it was not the resurrection that was celebrated on that day, but the transfiguration. «After six days,» six days' teaching concerning the cross before he revealed his glory. Dear brethren, there are many in these days who delight to speak almost exclusively about the glory of the second advent. Now, God forbid that we should be silent concerning that great theme! But I think our teaching concerning it must be given after six days' consideration of the sufferings of Christ. Let those who will say, «

5. THE COMING GLORY; the Helpless Disciples and the Power of the King. The Tribute Money. CHAPTER 17 _ 1. The Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1 .) 2. The Helpless Disciples and the Power of the King. (Matthew 17:14 .) 3. The Second Announcement of His Death and Resurrection. (Matthew 17:22 .) 4. The Tribute Money.(Matthew 17:24 .)_ The first part of this chapter gives us the record of the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. The portion before us is one of the richest in the entire book of Matthew; so full of precious teachings and suggestions that one almost shrinks from attempting an expos

THE TRANSFIGURATION, AND THE COMING OF ELIJAH (Mark 9:2 *, Luke 9:28). The narrative agrees closely with Mk., the chief difference being the appropriate addition of Matthew 17:7. The fear of the disciples occurs earlier in Mk., and is made the occasion of Peter's intrusion; in Lk. it is omitted. MATTHEW 17:10. The disciples are puzzled because Elijah has only just appeared_ after_ the coming of the Messiah, whereas the scribes said he was to come _first._ The answer of Jesus is not very clear. We may take it thus: (The scribes are right in saying that) Elijah comes and rectifies everything ...