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Explanation for:
Matthew
17
:
4
And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Peter, in response, said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here.' The one who rises to the heights does not yearn for earthly concerns but wishes to remain above continually. If it pleases you, we might construct three shelters here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. However, Peter, as attested by another Gospel writer, has misunderstood. You are unaware of what you are expressing. There is no need for three shelters; the Gospel itself encompasses the teachings of both the Law and the Prophets. Should you desire to prepare three shelters, do not conflate the servants with the Lord but rather erect three distinct ones—one for the Father, one for the Son, and one for the Holy Spirit—so that your heart may be a single dwelling for those whose divine essence is unified."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What does the passionate Peter proclaim? ‘It is good for us to be here’ (Matthew 17:4) he asserts. Having learned that Christ must journey to Jerusalem and endure suffering, he, terrified for Him, refrained from expressing his initial objection, ‘Be compassionate to Yourself’ (Matthew 16:22). Instead, out of fear, he conveys the same sentiment with different, albeit vague, words. Now, gazing upon the mountain and the serene wilderness, he believed that this very location provided protection, and he not only wished for the safety it promised but also thought that Jesus would not have to go to Jerusalem. Peter desires for Christ to remain here eternally and thus mentions the tents. If this were to happen, he reasoned, we wouldn’t need to go to Jerusalem; and if we avoid going there, then Christ would escape death, for there it was foretold that the scribes would confront Him. Yet, not daring to voice this outright, but longing for it to come to pass, Peter boldly exclaimed, ‘It is good for us to be here!’ Moses and Elijah are present—Elijah, who called down fire from heaven on the mountain, and Moses, who entered into darkness to commune with God; and no one would discover our presence here. Do you see the fervent love Peter has for Christ? Do not think that his suggestion was not carefully considered; rather, reflect on how intensely he felt and how his love for Christ consumed him. It is clear that Peter did not speak out of fear for himself, as evidenced by his declarations when Christ predicted His impending death—‘I will lay down my life for you; even if I must die with you, I will not disown you’ (Mark 14:31). Observe how he embraced danger for the sake of Christ, showing no intent to retreat from the crowd that sought to harm Him; instead, he drew his sword and severed the ear of the high priest's servant. His concern was not for his own safety but for that of his Lord. As he pondered his earlier words, seeking to avoid any further reproach, he continued: ‘If you wish, let us build three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’? What are you saying, Peter? Had you not just acknowledged Him as distinct from servants, and now you group Him with them once more? Such was the disciples' imperfection before the cross! Although Peter had received a revelation from the Father, he did not maintain it firmly; rather, he was beset by fear—not just the type I previously mentioned, but also the fear that arose within him from the vision itself. Therefore, the other Evangelists, in discussing this, indicate that fear led to his confusion in articulating these words, stating that Mark recorded: ‘he knew not what to say; for they were terrified’ (Mark 9:6); and Luke remarked: ‘Let us make three booths,’ adding, ‘not knowing what he said’ (Luke 9:33). Furthermore, to illustrate that both Peter and the other disciples experienced profound fear, Luke notes: ‘they were heavy with sleep; and when they awoke, they saw His glory’ (Luke 9:32). Here, the evangelist refers to the overwhelming heaviness that descended upon them due to the vision. Just as excessive brightness can blind the eye, they were overwhelmed by the radiance of the light. This illumination did not come by night, but rather in the full light of day, and their weak vision was burdened by the brilliance. What then transpired? Neither Christ nor Moses nor Elijah spoke; it was the Father, the greatest and most trustworthy, who spoke from the cloud. Why a cloud? This is characteristic of God's appearances. ‘Cloud and darkness are around Him’ (Psalms 96:2); additionally, ‘He shall ride upon a swift cloud’ (Isaiah 19:1); furthermore, ‘You make the clouds your chariot’ (Psalms 103:3); and again, ‘a cloud removed Him from their sight’ (Acts 1:9); likewise, ‘with the clouds of heaven came forth one like the Son of man’ (Daniel 7:13). Thus, in order for the disciples to be assured that this voice was indeed God's, there was a cloud—a radiant one at that."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In his lack of understanding, Simon demonstrated considerable insight through his words, as he recognized Moses and Elijah, similar to how John, guided by the Spirit, acknowledged the Lord who came to him, testament to the fact that he declared, ‘I did not know Him’ (John 1:31). Thus, if the Spirit disclosed these truths to them, then it was the Spirit speaking through Simon, also expressing what Simon himself was unaware of. He suggested constructing three shelters for Christ, Moses, and Elijah, intertwining the notion of freedom with the Spirit's guidance. When Moses and Elijah appeared, Simon exclaimed, ‘If you will, Lord, let us make three shelters here.’ His statement reflected his recognition that the mountain was a place of peace, free from the burdensome presence of the scribes, which resonated deeply within him. He was captivated by the sweet fragrance of Christ's kingdom, which delighted his senses. Gazing upon the Lord's glory in what seemed a place of disgrace, he rejoiced in the company of Moses and Elijah and wished the Lord had remained away from Caiaphas and Herod. Just as He once expressed, ‘Let it not be ... with Thee ... this’ (cf. Matt. 16:22), Simon too empathetically noted: ‘Let us make three shelters here.’ He was unaware of the implications of his words (cf. Lk. 9:33), for the Lord was destined to ascend the Cross, and the shelters were not meant for them in that moment but awaited them in the world to come. ‘Acquire,’ He admonished, ‘friends ... for yourselves, who shall receive you into their eternal dwellings’ (cf. Luke 16:9). Moreover, Simon did not fully grasp what he was saying, as he mistakenly equated Christ with Moses and Elijah by suggesting they should each have a shelter."},{"author-name":"Leo the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8913282004723ddef43ef_Leo%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The apostle Peter, inspired by the unveiling of the divine mystery, turned away from worldly pursuits and developed a deep yearning for the eternal. Overflowing with joy from his experiences, he expressed a desire to remain with Jesus, reveling in the splendor of Christ’s glory. Thus he stated, \\"Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, we will make three tabernacles here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.\\" However, the Lord did not respond to his suggestion; not out of rudeness, but because it was not suitable, as the salvation of humanity could only be achieved through the sacrifice of Christ. Through Christ’s example, the faith of humanity is held accountable. Let us recognize, amid our life’s trials, that we must seek patience before we experience glory, for the blessings of leadership do not arrive before the time of testing."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Peter was unaware of the implications of his words. Prior to the Savior's passion and victory over death, along with the transformation of our mortal forms, it was beyond Peter's grasp to be in union with Jesus and to aspire to the heavenly abodes. Such events were destined to occur only after the Savior's resurrection and His ascension into glory."},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"And suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him, conversing with Him. Peter exclaimed to Jesus, \\"Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, we will build three booths: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah\\" (Matt. 17:3-4; Mk. 9:3; Lk. 9:29). Those who transition from the literal to the spiritual understanding perceive the Law and the prophets alongside the Word, proclaiming His coming with a loud voice. Why did Peter refer to the bushes? It is because all knowledge and virtue, when viewed in light of the eternal, are akin to a fleeting bush—as the Apostle states, \\"prophecies... will cease, and knowledge will be made useless\\" (1 Cor. 13:8). The three booths represent the active, natural, and theological realms. Peter assigned the theological booth to the Lord, recognizing Him as God; the natural contemplation was given to Moses, as he wrote concerning the creation of all things; and the active booth was assigned to Elijah, who embodies purity, zeal, and asceticism."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Filled with deep affection for the Lord and reluctant to see Him journey to Jerusalem for the suffering He had predicted, Peter, however, hesitated to outright denounce Him. He feared further reproach, so he simply suggested that the Lord stay, believing the mountain was a safe refuge, unseen by those who plotted against Him. Peter recalled that Moses and Elijah could protect Him; the former had triumphed over many nations, and the latter had called down fire from heaven against fifty soldiers. When he remarked, \\"It is good for us to be here,\\" he realized his words were misguided, only reflecting his personal thoughts. Thus, he added, “If you wish, we will set up three shelters here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” What were you thinking, Peter? Just moments ago, you declared Him to be the true Son of God, and now, by placing the Lord alongside His servants, do you truly believe they could safeguard Him? Observe how flawed the disciples were before the agony of the cross. Peter then found himself caught in a dual state of agitation: on one side was his anxiety for the Master, and on the other, the astonishing vision that startled him, prompting him to speak without understanding, as noted by Luke (Luke 9:33). Mark (Mark 9:6) records that he was unaware of what he was saying, not knowing a better response. He also expressed that they were afraid, and Luke (Luke 9:32) mentions their heavy eyes, weighed down with sleep. They were filled with fear—having perceived a presence beyond humanity—and were faint from the splendor surrounding them. Although it was daylight, the overwhelming brightness obscured their vision and muddled their thoughts until they were fully awake, as noted by Luke (Luke 9:32), enabling them to catch a glimpse of His glory. Thus, Peter’s premature words stemmed from his disorientation. The three shelters symbolize three paths to salvation—action, contemplation, and theology. Elijah exemplified action, marked by bravery and discernment; Moses represented contemplation, serving as legislator and judge; while Christ embodied the perfect theologian in all aspects. This is a metaphorical shrub compared to the future rest that is vastly superior."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Peter, filled with deep affection for Christ and desiring to protect Him from harm, expresses, \\"It is good for us to be here,\\" wishing neither to depart nor to face death. Should anyone approach, we have Moses and Elijah by our side; Moses triumphed over the Egyptians, and Elijah called down fire from heaven; they too will assist when adversaries come. He spoke this out of sheer fear, as noted by Luke, not fully understanding his own words. Struck by the extraordinary nature of the moment, he truly did not grasp what he was articulating, yearning for Jesus to stay on the mountain and avoid the suffering that awaited Him. Yet, to avoid sounding presumptuous, he adds, \\"if you will.\\""},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Joy and sorrow erupt from the passionate lips of Peter: NOW PETER SAID TO JESUS, ‘LORD! Teacher! IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE; why should we separate, why should the prophets leave this place? IF YOU WISH, just give us the command, and we will construct three shelters or booths: one for YOU, one for Moses, and one for Elijah, and we will be content without the shelters.’ ‘Even if adversaries approached,’ states Blessed Theophylact, ‘we have intercessors - Moses and Elijah. Moses triumphed over the Egyptians, and Elijah called down fire from heaven....’ ‘Do you notice,’ observes St Chrysostom, ‘how passionately Peter cherished Christ? How his love for Christ ignited him? He believed that if Jesus Christ stayed here, we would not travel to Jerusalem, and if we do not go, He shall not perish; for, as Jesus stated, the scribes would confront Him there.’ ‘The uniqueness of the vision left him so astonished that he did not fully grasp his own words, wishing that Jesus had remained on the mountain, “for he did not know what to say,” as St Luke records. Yet, to avoid seeming presumptuous, he adds: “if you wish” (Blessed Theophylact). ‘Simon still perceives Jesus in a human way and places Him alongside Moses and Elijah. But the Lord quickly demonstrated through His actions that He required no shadow from him, for He had provided a cloud of glory for forty years to His people in the wilderness’ (St Ephraim the Syrian)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Lord, it is good for us to be here,\\" Peter expressed, as noted by the Evangelist Mark: “for he knew not what to say” (Mark 9:6), with Luke adding that he spoke \\"not knowing himself what he was saying\\" (Luke 9:33). Overcome by this extraordinary vision and filled with wonder, Peter wished for it to endure, ideally forever, so that they could remain in that sacred place. Saint Chrysostom illuminates Peter’s mindset, suggesting that upon hearing that Jesus was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer, Peter, gripped by fear for Him, hesitated to voice his concerns directly due to his earlier rebuke; instead, he timidly conveyed his thoughts with vague expressions. Observing the mountain and the desolate wilderness, Peter felt that the location could offer refuge, and he entertained a hope that Jesus would not descend to Jerusalem. Peter longed for Jesus to remain there perpetually, recalling the notion of tents. He reasoned that if this were to occur, they would avoid the journey to Jerusalem, and consequently, Christ would escape death, as there Jesus had foretold that the scribes would confront Him. However, lacking the courage to articulate this desire, he expressed his wish with the words, \\"It is good for us to be here,\\" all the while knowing Moses and Elijah were present—Elijah, who brought down fire from heaven, and Moses, who ventured into the divine darkness and dialogued with God, leading Peter to think that their presence would keep them hidden (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus). Regarding shelters, the Jewish people, much like other Eastern cultures, constructed structures such as tents. These were typically created by erecting a pole fixed into the ground, from which ropes were anchored to stakes placed at various points around the pole, covered with fabric (Is. 54:2-3). Sometimes, animal skins replaced the cloth, or materials such as leaves and bark were utilized."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Peter declared, “How wonderful it is for us to be present here! Let us construct three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”"},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the awe-inspiring vision began to fade and the glorious figures prepared to depart from the Savior, He entered into the cloud that enveloped them. Peter, filled with wonder, fear, and joy at this remarkable scene, felt at a loss for words yet desired to extend their stay. He called out, \\"Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; let us build three tents: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.\\""}]}
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