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Explanation for:
Matthew
17
:
13
Then the disciples understood, that he had spoken to them of John the Baptist.
11
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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":"How can it be claimed that Herod and Herodias condemned John to death while Jesus was crucified by the scribes and Pharisees? This question can be addressed simply: just as the Pharisees indicated their approval in the execution of John, Herod likewise showed his agreement in the crucifixion of the Lord. He sent Jesus to Pilate, mocking Him and treating Him with disdain."},{"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":"Though neither the experts in the law nor the sacred texts addressed this, the apostles, having become more discerning and attentive to their teachings, quickly grasped the meaning. How did the disciples come to this understanding? They had previously been informed, “He is Elijah who is to come” (Matthew 11:14), yet it is now stated that he has already arrived; furthermore, “Elijah must come first and restore all things.” Do not be misled or consider it a contradiction when it is mentioned in one instance that he “must come,” while in another it states that he “has come.” All of this holds true. When Christ proclaims, “Elijah must come first and restore all things,” He is referring to Elijah himself and the eventual turning of the Jewish people; and when He asserts, “He is Elijah, who is to come,” He designates John as Elijah, in accordance with his ministry. Similarly, the prophets referred to every righteous king as David, and the Jews called the leaders of Sodom and the descendants of Ethiopia by these names, based on their way of life. Just as Elijah will herald the second coming, John served as the herald for the first. Christ refers to him as Elijah not only for this reason but also to illustrate that He is perfectly aligned with the Old Testament, affirming that this coming has been fulfilled as foretold by prophecy. Thus He adds, “came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him as they pleased.” What does “as they pleased” signify? He was imprisoned, reviled, executed, and his head was presented on a platter. “So shall the Son of Man suffer from them.” Notice how He timely reminds them once more of suffering. He has already brought them comfort through John's tribulations and not only that but also through the great miracles He soon begins to perform. When He speaks of suffering, He immediately follows with miraculous acts; this pattern is evident before and after His statements, on every occasion. Then “He began to show...that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things...and be killed” (Matthew 16:21). When did this occur? Then, at the moment they acknowledged Him as the Christ and the Son of God. Yet, on the mountain, He brought to their attention His sufferings, as He revealed a wondrous vision while the prophets proclaimed His glory. After recounting the story of John, He added, “So also the Son of Man shall suffer from them”; and not long after, when He had cast out the demon which the disciples could not expel, “While they were in Galilee,” the Evangelist recounts, “Jesus said unto them, The Son of Man shall be delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him, and on the third day He shall rise again” (Matthew 17:22-23). He did this to mitigate their overwhelming sorrow through the majesty of miracles and to provide them some comfort. Likewise, when He referenced John’s death, He also offered them great consolation. But if anyone inquires, “Why did He not send Elijah now, given the many signs attesting to His coming?” - We respond, Because even now those who identify Christ as Elijah do not believe in Him; as it is clearly stated, “Some say thou art Elijah, and others Jeremiah” (Matthew 16:14). The only distinction between John and Elijah lies in the timing. You may ask, How will they then believe? He will not arrange everything solely by the glory of His name, but also because the glory of Christ will spread widely and be more radiant than the sun in that era. Therefore, when Elijah arrives, after a significant reputation and anticipation has already been established, and preaches Jesus, his message will be warmly welcomed. When Christ expresses that “they did not recognize him,” He seems to be providing an excuse for His adversaries while comforting His disciples. Furthermore, He reassures the latter by pointing to His innocent suffering, wrapping their grief in two significant signs: the one that occurred on the mountain and the one that is yet to come. When they heard this, they did not ask Him when Elijah would arrive, either because they were weighed down by the sorrow of suffering or due to fear. It often happened that once they sensed He did not intend to speak explicitly about something, their curiosity waned. When He declared in Galilee, “The Son of Man shall be delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him,” it is added by the Evangelist that they were “greatly distressed,” which two Evangelists clarify: Mark explains that “they did not understand these words, but were afraid to inquire further” (Mark 9:32); Luke records that “it was concealed from them, so that they did not grasp it, but were afraid to ask Him about this saying” (Luke 9:45)."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The Lord Jesus Christ asserted that Elijah had indeed come, identifying him with John the Baptist. However, John, when asked, professed that he was neither Elijah nor the Christ. Despite this, his acknowledgment of not being the Christ was genuine, as was his denial of being Elijah. How do we reconcile the statements from the herald with those from the Judge? It would be erroneous for the herald to mislead, as he conveys the message he receives from the Judge. John states, “I am not Elijah,” whereas the Lord proclaims, “He is Elijah” (Matthew 11:14). The Lord Jesus Christ intended to present a foreshadowing of His own coming through John, indicating that John embodied the spirit of Elijah. Just as John represented what Elijah would fulfill at Christ's second coming, there must be two comings of the Judge and, consequently, two heralds. The Judge is one, and though there are two heralds, there is not a pair of judges. It was fitting for the Judge to first come to be judged, and He sent a herald ahead of Him, referring to him as Elijah because John fulfilled the role of Elijah in His first coming. \\n\\nIndeed, dear friends, consider how accurately I speak. When John was conceived and subsequently born, the Holy Spirit foretold his destiny: “And he shall be the Forerunner of the Most High, in the spirit and power of Elijah” (cf. Luke 1:17). Thus, John is “not Elijah,” yet he operates in the spirit and power of Elijah. To be in the spirit and power of Elijah means to function under the same Holy Spirit while resembling Elijah. Why in the likeness of Elijah? Because John represented in the first coming what Elijah will represent in the second. Therefore, in literal terms, John's declaration was correct, while the Lord spoke metaphorically when He said, “Elijah is John.” John, being truthful, maintained that he was not Elijah. If one speaks of the nature of the Forerunner, then indeed, John embodies Elijah. But if we refer specifically to individual identities, John is John, and Elijah remains Elijah. Accordingly, the Lord accurately claimed, in typological terms, “He is Elijah,” while John truthfully asserted, “I am not Elijah.” Neither John nor the Lord were deceitful; neither the herald misrepresented, nor did the Judge, provided one grasps this distinction. And who can truly comprehend it? Only those who emulate the herald’s humility while recognizing the grandeur of the Judge. The herald embodies the utmost humility. John’s greatest virtue lies in this humility; despite the possibility of deceiving others into believing he was the Christ due to the grace upon him, he openly confessed, “I am not the Christ.” When asked, “Are you Elijah?” (see John 1:20-21), if he had responded affirmatively, it would imply that Christ had already returned to judge, and had not first come to be judged. His answer, “I am not Elijah,” served to indicate that Elijah would indeed return. \\n\\nConsider, then, the humble Christ before whom John appeared, contrasting with the majestic Christ who will one day be heralded by Elijah. The Lord further proclaimed, “He is John the Baptist, who is yet to come.” John arrived as a type, while in His personal manifestation, Elijah will come again. The two heralds bore likenesses while preserving their distinct identities, with one Lord of judgment accompanied by either herald announcing Him. When they inquired of John, “Are you Elijah?” he replied, “No.” When they asked if he were a prophet, he responded, “No.” They pressed him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to relay to those who sent us: What do you say about yourself?” He responded, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness” (John 1:21-23). This reference was made by Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 40:3), and thus was John fulfilled in this prophecy, proclaiming, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” What was his message? Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the paths of our God (cf. Is. 40:3; Matt. 3:3; John 1:23)."},{"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":"The disciples realized that he was referring to John the Baptist, as he had previously indicated to them that he was the Elijah who was to arrive."},{"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":"The clarity of the Lord's message left no room for misunderstanding among the disciples. They came to realize that He was referring to John the Baptist, recalling His earlier remarks regarding him. It was a common practice among the Jews to refer to one individual by the name of another due to similarities in their service and way of life. Prophets would often liken every righteous king to David, and the Jews made comparisons to the princes of Sodom and the descendants of Ethiopia based on their conduct. As it is said, \\"as Elijah will be the forerunner of the Second Coming, so John was the forerunner of the First\\" (St John Chrysostom)."},{"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":"\\"But they did not recognize him\\": Despite many individuals acknowledging John as the precursor who, through baptism, readied the Jewish people for the emergence of Christ’s kingdom on earth and submitted to his baptism (cf. Matt. 3:5, 6), the broader Jewish community failed to grasp the true essence of his mission and the profound significance of his identity. \\"And therefore they did to him as they pleased\\": they imprisoned him, argued with him, executed him, and displayed his head on a platter. \\"For by allowing Herod to take his life, even when they had the power to stop it, they effectively became his murderers” (Theophil.). - \\"So likewise must the Son of Man endure suffering at their hands.\\" The disciples recognized that He was referring to the Baptist. St. Chrysostom, commenting on the inquiries of the disciples and the Lord's responses (Matt. 17:10-12), notes: \\"There was speculation about the coming of Christ and Elijah; however, the interpreters misrepresented it. The Scriptures speak of two comings of Christ, one that has occurred and one that is to come. The apostle, in disclosing these truths, declared: 'the grace of God appeared,’ etc. (Titus 2:11-13). The prophets also refer to both; they proclaim that the forerunner of the second will be Elijah, while the first had John, whom Christ referred to as Elijah—not because he was literally Elijah, but because he accomplished the role designated for him. Just as Elijah is to announce His second coming, John announced the first. However, the scribes, mixing both and misleading the populace, spoke only of the latter when they told the people that if this man was indeed the Christ, then Elijah must come before him.... What was Christ’s reply? Elijah will certainly appear before My second advent, yet Elijah has also come now, and if you inquire about him, he is on the way.... He will persuade the Jewish people to believe in Jesus Christ, so that when he comes, they may not be completely lost. Thus, recalling these matters, He stated: ‘And He will arrange all things,’ meaning He will rectify the disbelief of the Jews of that time\\" (cf. Theophilus)."},{"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":"Jesus provided a similar answer to this inquiry as He previously did regarding the delegation from John (refer to Matthew 11:14). The prophecy in Malachi foretells that Elijah will return before the Second Coming of Christ to enact the final judgment upon humanity, and John was appointed to prepare the way for the Lord at His First Coming. The Archangel Gabriel indicated that John would come in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17)."},{"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":"A significant question weighed heavily on their minds. They had witnessed Elijah and were now more convinced than ever that their Teacher was truly the Messiah. “But how do the scribes assert,” they inquired, “that Elijah must come first and prepare everything?” In response, the Savior revealed to them that Elijah had already come, yet they had not recognized him, and that he had suffered the same fate at the hands of his people that awaited Him. It was then they understood that He was referring to John the Baptist."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon receiving the Lord's command not to disclose what they had witnessed until His resurrection, the apostles adhered to His instruction, yet they questioned one another, \\"What does it mean to rise from the dead?\\" They interpreted the resurrection as the magnificent commencement of the Messiah's Kingdom, prompting them to ask the Lord, \\"Why do the scribes assert that Elijah must arrive first?\\" In response, Jesus corrected their understanding, preparing them not for the splendor of His reign but for a profound self-abasement, saying, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things, and as it is written of the Son of Man, he must suffer many things and be humiliated.” He added, “I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him anything they desired; likewise, the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” The disciples realized He was referring to John the Baptist. By the Lord’s command, the holy apostles maintained silence and refrained from sharing their experience in those days. However, once the period of silence regarding this glorious occurrence had passed, Peter referred to the transfiguration as the clearest evidence of the Divine power and majesty of the Savior."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In his account of the transfiguration, Luke briefly notes that during that time, the disciples did not share with anyone what they had witnessed, without indicating that their silence stemmed from a specific directive from Christ. He also omits any mention of the discussion about Elijah's appearance prior to the Messiah's arrival. On the other hand, Mark recounts how Jesus instructed the disciples not to reveal this vision—understood in the context of Acts 7:31—until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. This left the disciples confused, prompting them to discuss among themselves what it meant for someone to rise from the dead, especially regarding Jesus, whom they believed to be the Messiah and, according to their understanding, should not face death (John 12:34). Instead of seeking clarity from Jesus directly about this matter, they inquired, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” \\n\\nIt is essential to trace the thought process of the apostles concerning their experiences and Christ’s statements about His resurrection. They sought clarity on two key issues: the meaning of the Son of Man rising from the dead and the scribes' assertion that Elijah must precede Him. Christ indeed addressed both queries. Matthew’s Gospel presents His response with clarity, adding that “then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.” This highlights that the reference made in Matthew 11 should not be interpreted merely as a future prediction but as a doctrinal assertion that transcends time. \\n\\nThe phrasing in Mark's account can be slightly challenging, but it is vital to recognize that here Christ responds to the two inquiries separately. Initially, He clarifies the disciples’ question regarding Elijah’s role before the coming of the Messiah, affirming that indeed, Elijah must come first (Malachi 4:5) to restore all things. He then provides an answer to another question not voiced by the disciples regarding the significance of the Son of Man rising from the dead. Some interpreters suggest adding a question mark after the mention of the Son of Man and consider what is written about Him, specifically relating to the purpose of His coming: He will endure much suffering and humiliation.\\n\\nFinally, Christ revisits the first question, stating that the prophecy about Elijah had already been fulfilled and that this Elijah suffered remarkable trials, akin to those He Himself was about to face. This reference likely pertains to the historical accounts of the prophet Elijah and the adversities he encountered from Ahab."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As they descended the mountain, both the Lord and the apostles returned to their previous relationship, with the Lord refraining from instructing His disciples to disclose the mysteries of the vision until after His resurrection. This sparked confusion among the apostles—particularly Peter, James, and John—who questioned the meaning of rising from the dead. Yet, they chose not to inquire of their Lord, likely out of a desire to avoid seeming inattentive. Instead, focused on the anticipated arrival of the kingdom of Christ, which the Lord had foretold would soon manifest in power, they redirected their attention to Elijah, whom they had witnessed on the mountain. The scribes taught that Elijah was to precede the Messiah and set everything in order; thus, the apostles pondered whether the current manifestation of Elijah should be recognized as the fulfillment of this promise or if they should await another appearance. This contemplation absorbed the disciples' thoughts. The Lord addressed their inquiry, specifically referencing the scribes and offering insights that would challenge the conventional Jewish understanding of the Messiah's reign and the events leading up to it. He emphasized that the presence of Elijah should not be regarded with the significance typically attributed to it by the Jews, nor should any other physical representation of him be anticipated. Instead, the true meaning must be regarded in a spiritual context. Indeed, Elijah was destined to come before Him, as foretold by the prophet Malachi; he was to prepare the way for the Messiah, a point on which the scribes were correct. However, they erred in interpreting it to pertain to a literal manifestation and actions of Elijah. In truth, Elijah had already appeared in John; they engaged with him as they desired, in line with the prophecies of Scripture (Mark 9:12-13). Likewise, they would not recognize the Son of Man, but would treat Him according to their own will. Yet, He would suffer, just as His precursor had."}]}
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