Matthew 17

I after six days. Probably six whole days, with parts of two others; making, according to Luke, “about eight days.” The emphasis is in the close connexion of the Transfiguration with the preceding sayings. On the Transfiguration, see notes, Luke ix. 28-36.

a high mountain apart. The word “apart” does not describe the mountain as isolated, but intimates the withdrawal of Christ with His three disciples from the rest (Mark ix. 2). The mountain was probably Hermon.

11. Elias truly shall first come.** The shortness and secrecy of Elijah’s visit on this occasion surprised the disciples, who expected him to “restore all things”; and they were further astonished by the mention of “the rising from the dead” (Mark ix. 10). Our Lord corrects their error as to the person of the forerunner, and derives from John’s death a fresh intimation of His own.

restore all things. John the Baptist, like Elijah, was only a reformer, having no new revelation to communicate.

14-21. See Mark ix. 14-29, and notes.

20 nothing shall be impossible. See Mark xi. 24, and note.

22,23. See Mark ix. 30-32, and notes.

24 tribute. Rather, “the didrachma”; the offering of a half-shekel each, which the Jews paid for the support of the Temple (Exod. xxx. 12-16).

25 prevented him. “Anticipated him,” by speaking first on the subject (“spake first to him,” R.V.). Cp. the use of “prevent” in the Prayerbook: “Prevent us, O Lord.”

custom (“toll,” R.V.) or tribute. The former word denotes a tax on goods, the latter on persons.

25. Then are the children free.** Upon this reasoning, our Lord, as Son of God, was under no obligation to contribute to the Temple, because it was His Father’s house, and therefore His own. But He waives His right, lest those who do not recognise this truth should think that He disregards the worship of God. How gladly His enemies would have used such a pretext against Him is seen in xxvi. 59-63.

27 a piece of money. Lit., “a stater”; a Roman coin worth a shekel (R.V.), and therefore enough for two persons.