The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 17:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The Transfiguration.

"And six days after." This note refers to the conversation Jesus had with his disciples, in which he said, "The Son of man shall come," etc. (quote Matthew 16:27, Matthew 16:28). But the apostles are all dead, and the kingdom is still future. The Transfiguration, then, must be viewed as a symbolic anticipation and pledge of the kingdom, and Peter and James and John were those referred to who should not taste death until they had seen the Son of man coming in his kingdom; and they saw this when they were "eyewitnesses of his majesty on the holy mount." We propose to show—

I. THAT THE SPIRITUAL GLORY OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IS SET FORTH IN THE TRANSFIGURATION.

1. It exhibits the signs of a new dispensation.

2. It exhibits the signs of a spiritual dispensation.

3. It exhibits the tokens of gospel grace.

II. THAT THE PHYSICAL GLORY OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IS SET FORTH IN THE TRANSFIGURATION.

1. Jesus will yet appear in royal state.

2. The bright cloud manifested the presence of angels.

3. Moses represented the sainted dead.

4. Elijah represented the living who shall be changed.

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