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Now after six days1 Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John2 (the brother of James) and ascended with them to a very secluded place on a tall mountain.3
| 1 | After six days: Mark 9:2 agrees though Luke 9:28 says, “But it happened about eight days after…” Some see the transfiguration as the fulfillment of what the Nazarene said earlier (Matthew 16:28). It ought to be observed that there is nothing in the “vision” which speaks of the arrival of Jesus’ kingdom in power. |
| 2 | Peter, James, and John: Are these the primary foundation stones of the Congregation? Note in Mark 13:3 Andrew is added to a select group among the apostles. |
| 3 | A very secluded place on a tall mountain: Or, KJV: into an high mountain apart; KNX: where they were along; LB: a high and lonely hill. Some believe this is that 9,000-foot mountain nearest Caesar Philippi, Mount Hermon. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Matthew 17:1 as the theme verse of chapter seventeen – Heavenly Proof. Jesus takes three apostles to witness his transfiguration and the voice of God declaring him to be His Son. [1-9] Back with all the apostles the question of Elijah’s coming is raised and answered. [10-13] Thereafter Jesus cures a father’s son and teaches about the strength of faith no bigger than a mustard seed. [14-21] The Nazarene again tells his apostles about his coming betrayal and death. [22, 23] Despite the news of his resurrection the disciples are grief-stricken.
With Peter Jesus raises the question of paying taxes to religious authority. [24-27] Though the sons are tax-free the disciples should not be a stumbling-block and so Jesus performs a miracle to produce the temple tax.
Abba our Father bless those who believe.
[29 October 2002]
Six days after the conversation recorded in the last chapter. Luke says, “about an eight days” (Lu 9:28). About, not exactly. Luke’s eight days include the fractional days at the beginning and end of the day of the conversation and the day of transfiguration. Matthew’s six days are the six complete days intervening between them.
