Chapter 17:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Lightfoot
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Malachi Mark
Matthew 17
Concise Complete
The transfiguration of Christ. (1-13) Jesus casts out a
dumb and deaf spirit. (14-21) He again foretells his sufferings. (22,23) He
works a miracle to pay the tribute money. (24-27)
Verses 1-13 Now
the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of the only begotten of the
Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness
his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them,
when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by the
glorious sight. Peter thought that it was most desirable to continue there, and
to go no more down to meet the sufferings of which he was so unwilling to hear.
In this he knew not what he said. We are wrong, if we look for a heaven here
upon earth. Whatever tabernacles we propose to make for ourselves in this world,
we must always remember to ask Christ's leave. That sacrifice was not yet
offered, without which the souls of sinful men could not have been saved; and
important services were to be done by Peter and his brethren. While Peter spoke,
a bright cloud overshadowed them, an emblem of the Divine presence and glory.
Ever since man sinned, and heard God's voice in the garden, unusual appearances
of God have been terrible to man. They fell prostrate to the earth, till Jesus
encouraged them; when looking round, they beheld only their Lord as they
commonly saw him. We must pass through varied experiences in our way to glory;
and when we return to the world after an ordinance, it must be our care to take
Christ with us, and then it may be our comfort that he is with us.
Verses 14-21
The case of afflicted children should be presented to God by faithful and
fervent prayer. Christ cured the child. Though the people were perverse, and
Christ was provoked, yet care was taken of the child. When all other helps and
succours fail, we are welcome to Christ, may trust in him, and in his power and
goodness. See here an emblem of Christ's undertaking as our Redeemer. It
encourages parents to bring children to Christ, whose souls are under Satan's
power; he is able to heal them, and as willing as he is able. Not only bring
them to Christ by prayer, but bring them to the word of Christ; to means by
which Satan's strong-holds in the soul are beaten down. It is good for us to
distrust ourselves and our own strength; but it is displeasing to Christ when we
distrust any power derived from him, or granted by him. There was also something
in the malady which rendered the cure difficult. The extraordinary power of
Satan must not discourage our faith, but quicken us to more earnestness in
praying to God for the increase of it. Do we wonder to see Satan's bodily
possession of this young man from a child, when we see his spiritual possession
of every son of Adam from the fall!
Verses 22-23
Christ perfectly knew all things that should befall him, yet undertook the work
of our redemption, which strongly shows his love. What outward debasement and
Divine glory was the life of the Redeemer! And all his humiliation ended in his
exaltation. Let us learn to endure the cross, to despise riches and worldly
honours, and to be content with his will.
Verses 24-27
Peter felt sure that his Master was ready to do what was right. Christ spoke
first to give him proof that no thought can be withholden from him. We must
never decline our duty for fear of giving offence; but we must sometimes deny
ourselves in our worldly interests, rather than give offence. However the money
was lodged in the fish, He who knows all things alone could know it, and only
almighty power could bring it to Peter's hook. The power and the poverty of
Christ should be mentioned together. If called by providence to be poor, like
our Lord, let us trust in his power, and our God shall supply all our need,
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. In the way of obedience, in
the course, perhaps, of our usual calling, as he helped Peter, so he will help
us. And if any sudden call should occur, which we are not prepared to meet, let
us not apply to others, till we first seek Christ.
Chapter 17:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Lightfoot
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Malachi Mark
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
