Luke 9:30 Study Bible: And look, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah,

◄ Luke 9:30 ►

Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus.

Suddenly
The word "suddenly" indicates an unexpected and immediate occurrence. In the Greek, the term used is "ἰδού" (idou), which is often translated as "behold" or "lo." This word serves to draw the reader's attention to a significant event. The sudden appearance of Moses and Elijah underscores the divine nature of the Transfiguration, emphasizing that this is a moment of great importance and revelation. It reminds us that God's interventions in history often come unexpectedly, calling us to be vigilant and ready for His divine actions.

Two men
The phrase "two men" refers to Moses and Elijah, two of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. Their presence is symbolic, representing the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Moses, as the lawgiver, and Elijah, as the prophet, together encapsulate the entirety of the Old Testament witness to God's covenant and promises. Their appearance with Jesus signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Him, affirming His messianic identity and mission.

Moses and Elijah
Moses and Elijah are central figures in Jewish history and theology. Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law on Mount Sinai, represents the foundation of the Jewish faith. Elijah, a powerful prophet known for his miracles and confrontation with idolatry, represents the prophetic tradition. Their presence at the Transfiguration highlights Jesus as the culmination of both the Law and the Prophets. Historically, both figures had mysterious departures from this world—Moses was buried by God in an unknown location, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Their appearance here suggests continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus.

Began talking
The act of "began talking" indicates a conversation of significance. The Greek word "συνελάλουν" (synelaloun) implies a dialogue or discussion. This conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah is not recorded in detail, but it is understood to concern Jesus' impending "departure" (Luke 9:31), which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. This dialogue signifies the heavenly endorsement of Jesus' mission and the divine plan of salvation, which was foretold by the Law and the Prophets.

With Jesus
The phrase "with Jesus" places Christ at the center of this divine encounter. Jesus is the focal point of the conversation, underscoring His preeminence and authority. The presence of Moses and Elijah with Jesus affirms His role as the Messiah who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and covenants. This moment on the Mount of Transfiguration reveals Jesus' divine glory and His unique position as the mediator between God and humanity. It serves as a powerful testament to His identity as the Son of God, who bridges the old covenant with the new.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Law on Mount Sinai. His presence at the Transfiguration symbolizes the Law.

2. Elijah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Elijah is known for his zealous defense of the worship of Yahweh against Baal worship. His presence represents the Prophets.

3. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. In this event, He is transfigured, revealing His divine glory.

4. The Transfiguration
This event occurs on a mountain, where Jesus' appearance is transformed, and His divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John.

5. The Mountain
While the specific mountain is not named in the text, it serves as a place of divine revelation, similar to Mount Sinai and Mount Carmel in the Old Testament.

Teaching Points

The Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets
Jesus' conversation with Moses and Elijah signifies that He is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. This underscores the continuity and culmination of God's redemptive plan through Christ.

The Glory of Christ
The Transfiguration reveals Jesus' divine nature and glory, affirming His identity as the Son of God. Believers are called to recognize and worship Jesus as Lord.

The Importance of Divine Revelation
Just as God revealed His plans and purposes on mountains in the Old Testament, the Transfiguration is a moment of divine revelation. Believers should seek God's presence and guidance in their lives.

The Role of Witnesses
Peter, James, and John serve as witnesses to this divine event. As followers of Christ, we are called to bear witness to His glory and truth in our lives.

The Continuity of Scripture
The presence of Moses and Elijah highlights the unity and continuity of the Old and New Testaments. Believers should study the whole counsel of God to understand His complete revelation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration deepen our understanding of Jesus' mission and identity?

2. In what ways does the Transfiguration encourage us to seek and recognize the glory of Christ in our daily lives?

3. How can the concept of divine revelation, as seen in the Transfiguration, influence our approach to prayer and Bible study?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of Peter, James, and John as witnesses to this event, and how can we apply these lessons in our own witness for Christ?

5. How does the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as demonstrated in this passage, impact our understanding of the Bible as a unified account?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 24
Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai parallels the Transfiguration, where God's glory is revealed.

1 Kings 19
Elijah's experience on Mount Horeb, where he encounters God, connects to his appearance at the Transfiguration.

Matthew 17 and Mark 9
These parallel accounts of the Transfiguration provide additional details and perspectives on the event.

Hebrews 1
This passage emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, which Moses and Elijah represent.

Sermons

In the Holy Mount'	Alexander Maclaren	Luke 9:30
The Saviour's Secret Revelations	R.M. Edgar	Luke 9:18-36
A Bore the Cloud	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Luke 9:28-36
Arguments in Favour of Hermon as the Scene of the Transfiguration	Archdeacon Farrar.	Luke 9:28-36
Arguments in Favour of Tabor as the Scene of the Transfiguration	Van Oosterzee.	Luke 9:28-36
Christ's Transfiguration	T. Manton, D. D., T. Goodrich.	Luke 9:28-36
Christ's Transfiguration	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 9:28-36
Lessons	F. Jacox.	Luke 9:28-36
Lessons from the Transfiguration	H. M. Grout, D. D.	Luke 9:28-36
Luminous Hours	H. W. Beecher.	Luke 9:28-36
Modern Transfigurations		Luke 9:28-36
Our Lord's Transfiguration	W. B. Wright.	Luke 9:28-36
The Beauty of Jesus Christ	Canon Body.	Luke 9:28-36
The Countenance as an Index	W. F. Crafts.	Luke 9:28-36
The Irradiation of Our Lord's Raiment	Canon Body.	Luke 9:28-36
The Mountain Where the Transfiguration Took Place	Canon Body.	Luke 9:28-36
The Prayers of Christ	B. Wilkinson, F. G. S.	Luke 9:28-36
The Redeeming Majesty of the Son of God	A, J. Morris.	Luke 9:28-36
The Transfiguration	R. H. McKim, D. D.	Luke 9:28-36
The Transfiguration	Stopford A, Brooke, M. A., D. Moore, M. A.	Luke 9:28-36
The Transfiguration	T. M. Herbert, M. A.	Luke 9:28-36
The Transfiguration of Christ	T. S. Evans, D. D.	Luke 9:28-36
The Transfiguring Look	E. H. Chapin, D. D.	Luke 9:28-36
The Transforming Power of Communion with God	John Christian, D. D.	Luke 9:28-36
Thoughts on the Transfiguration	T. Binney.	Luke 9:28-36
Transfiguration During Prayer	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 9:28-36
We Must Climb If We Would See Christ	Bishop Hacket.	Luke 9:28-36
Why a Mountain was Chosen for the Transfiguration	Bishop Hacket.	Luke 9:28-36
A Revelation of the Heavenly Life	Canon Body.	Luke 9:30-32
Celestial Visitors	Thomas Jones.	Luke 9:30-32
Christ Crucified	J. G. Rogers, B. A.	Luke 9:30-32
Death an Exodus	S. Cox, D. D.	Luke 9:30-32
The Central Truth of the Transfiguration	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Luke 9:30-32
The Conference During the Transfiguration	H. Belfrage.	Luke 9:30-32
The Conference on the Mount	T. Manton, D. D.	Luke 9:30-32
The Decease At Jerusalem	H. J. Bevis.	Luke 9:30-32
The Thought of Death Amid the Raptures of the Transfigura	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	Luke 9:30-32
Two Divisions in the Glorified Church	Canon Body.	Luke 9:30-32

People

Elias, Elijah, Herod, James, Jesus, John, Peter

Places

Bethsaida, Galilee, Jerusalem, Road to Jerusalem

Topics

Behold, Conversing, Elias, Elijah, Eli'jah, Speaking, Suddenly, Talked, Talking

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Luke 9:30

5103 Moses, significance

Luke 9:28-32

2024 Christ, glory of

Luke 9:28-36

2580 Christ, transfiguration

Luke 9:30-31

9137 immortality, NT

Luke 9:30-32

5102 Moses, life of

Library

Self-Denial Versus Self-Assertion.
"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.--LUKE ix. 23. We might naturally have thought that if there was one thing in the life of the LORD JESUS CHRIST which belonged to Him alone, it was His cross-bearing. To guard against so natural a mistake, the HOLY GHOST has taken care in gospel and in epistle to draw our special attention to the oneness of the believer with CHRIST in cross-bearing; and also to prevent misunderstanding as to the character …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

January 30 Morning
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.--HEB. 12:1,2. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.--Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.--Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness. Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 1 Evening
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.--LUKE 9:23. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report.--All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.--The offence of the cross. If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: but let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 15 Evening
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.--JAS. 1:8. No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.--Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.--What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 26 Evening
Take heed to your spirit.--MAL. 2:15. Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he . . . rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun . . . answered and said, My …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 11. "Whosoever Will Save his Life Shall Lose It" (Luke ix. 24).
"Whosoever will save his life shall lose it" (Luke ix. 24). First and foremost Christ teaches resurrection and life. The power of Christianity is life. It brings us not merely law, duty, example, with high and holy teaching and admonition. It brings us the power to follow the higher ideal and the life that spontaneously does the things commanded. But it is not only life, but resurrection life. And it begins with a real crisis, a definite transaction, a point of time as clear as the morning dawn. …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

January 20. "Ye Know not what Manner of Spirit Ye are Of" (Luke ix. 55).
"Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of" (Luke ix. 55). Some one has said that the most spiritual people are the easiest to get along with. When one has a little of the Holy Ghost it is like "a little learning, a dangerous thing"; but a full baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a really disciplined, stablished and tested spiritual life, makes one simple, tender, tolerant, considerate of others, and like a little child. James and John, in their early zeal, wanted to call down fire from heaven on the …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Lord that Healeth Thee'
'He healed them that had need of healing.'--Luke ix. 11. Jesus was seeking a little quiet and rest for Himself and His followers. For that purpose He took one of the fishermen's boats to cross to the other side of the sea. But the crowd, inconsiderate and selfish, like all crowds, saw the course of the boat, and hurried, as they could easily do, on foot round the head of the lake, to be ready for Him wherever He might land. So when He touched the shore, there they all were, open-mouthed and mostly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Prayer and Transfiguration
'And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered.'--LUKE ix. 29. This Evangelist is especially careful to record the instances of our Lord's prayers. That is in accordance with the emphasis which he places on Christ's manhood. In this narrative of the Transfiguration it is to Luke that we owe our knowledge of the connection between our Lord's prayer and the radiance of His face. It may be a question how far such transfiguration was the constant accompaniment of our Lord's devotion. It …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ Hastening to the Cross
'And it came to pass, when the time was come that He should be received up, He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.'--LUKE ix. 51. There are some difficulties, with which I need not trouble you here, as to bringing the section of this Gospel to which these words are the introduction, into its proper chronological place in relation to the narratives; but, putting these on one side for the present, there seems no doubt that the Evangelist's intention here is to represent the beginning of our …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Bread from Heaven
'And the apostles, when they were returned, told Him all that they had done. And He took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city, called Bethsaida. 11. And the people, when they knew it, followed Him; and He received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. 12. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto Him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Cross and Ours
'And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him; and He asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am I 19. They answering, said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering, said, The Christ of God. 21. And He straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22. Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

'In the Holy Mount'
'And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31. Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.'--LUKE ix. 30, 31. The mysterious incident which is commonly called the Transfiguration contained three distinct portions, each having its own special significance and lesson. The first was that supernatural change in the face and garments of our Lord from which the whole incident derives its name. The second was the appearance by His …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Following "Whithersoever"
One day as Jesus was passing along the highway, a man said to him, "I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest" (Luke 9: 57). This man no doubt was greatly impressed by the wonderful works and noble character of Christ. He thought that companionship with such a man would be full of blessing and richness. Just to see and hear would be worth any man's time and effort--to hear the gracious words that came from His lips would enrich mind and heart; to see the mighty works done would inspire. To him …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks

Gethsemane: the Strange, Lone Struggle. Matthew 26:36-46. Mark 14:32-42. Luke 22:39-46. Hebrews 5:7.
The Pathway in: messengers ahead--Jesus felt the cross drawing near--the look of His face, Luke 9:51-55.--His disciples afraid, Mark 10:32.--indignation against sin, John 11:33, 38. marginal reading American Revision.--the Greeks, John 12:20-28. The Climax of Suffering: the darkest shadow--why the struggle is strange--shock of extremes--His purpose in yielding--separation from the Father--Matthew 27:46. Mark 15:34 margin.--the superlative degree of suffering. Alone: a full evening, Matthew …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke ix. 57, Etc. , Where the Case of the Three Persons is Treated Of, of whom one Said, "I Will
1. Give ye ear to that which the Lord hath given me to speak on the lesson of the Gospel. For we have read, that the Lord Jesus acted differently, when one man offered himself to follow Him, and was disallowed; another did not dare this, and was aroused; a third put off, and was blamed. For the words, "Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest," [3246] what is so prompt, what so active, what so ready, and what so fitly disposed to so great a good, as this "following the Lord whithersoever …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Self-Denial
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 1. It has been frequently imagined, that the direction here given related chiefly, if not wholly, to the Apostles; at least, to the Christians of the first ages, or those in a state of persecution. But this is a grievous mistake; For although our blessed Lord is here directing his discourse more immediately to his Apostles, and those other disciples who attended him …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Comer's Conflict with Satan
There are four points for our consideration this morning. That you may easily remember them I have made them alliterative: the devil's doings, designs, discovery, and defeat. I. First, THE DEVIL'S DOINGS. When this child came to Christ to be healed, the devil threw him down and tare him. Now this is an illustration of what Satan does with most, if not all sinners, when they come to Jesus to seek light and life through him; he throws them down and tears them. Allow me to point out how it is that the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Broken Column
"Lord, I will follow thee: but--." How remarkably does Scripture prove to us that the mental characteristics of mankind are the same now as in the Saviour's day! We occasionally hear stories of old skeletons being dug up which are greater in stature than men of these times. Some credit the story, some do not, for there be many who maintain that the physical conformation of man is at this day just what it always was. Certainly, however, there can be no dispute whatever among observant men as to the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."--Heb. 4:14. A CAREFUL reader of the Epistle to the Hebrews can hardly fail to observe that the words "let us" are found no less than four times in the fourth chapter. In the first verse you will read, "let us fear,"--in the eleventh verse, "let us labour,"--in the fourteenth verse, "let us hold fast,"--and in the sixteenth verse, "let us come boldly to the throne …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Self-Denial.
And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.'--St. Luke ix. 23, 24. Christ is the way out, and the way in; the way from slavery, conscious or unconscious, into liberty; the way from the unhomeliness of things to the home we desire but do not know; the way from the stormy skirts of the Father's garments …
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Transfiguration.
"And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James and went up into the mountain to pray."--LUKE ix. 28-36. The public life or our Lord falls into two parts; and the incident here recorded is the turning point between them. In order that He might leave behind Him when He died a sure foundation for His Church, it was necessary that His intimate companions should at all events know that He was the Christ, and that the Christ must enter into glory by suffering …
Marcus Dods—How to become like Christ

Alone with God.
This life of ours will never be all that it should be unless we are much alone with God. Only those who are oft alone with him know the benefit that is derived therefrom. You can not be like God unless you are much with him, and you can not live like him unless you are like him. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus departed into the mountain to be alone with the Father and that he was often "alone praying." When Jesus had anything of great importance to say to his disciples, he always took them aside …
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

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