Matthew 17:5
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!"
While he was still speaking
This phrase sets the scene for a divine interruption. The context is the Transfiguration, where Jesus is on a high mountain with Peter, James, and John. The phrase underscores the immediacy and urgency of God's revelation. In the Greek, "while he was still speaking" (ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος) suggests an ongoing action, emphasizing that God's voice breaks into human conversation, highlighting the divine authority over human discourse.

a bright cloud enveloped them
The "bright cloud" is significant in biblical symbolism, often representing the presence of God. In the Old Testament, a cloud led the Israelites by day (Exodus 13:21) and filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). The Greek word for "cloud" (νεφέλη) here is associated with divine presence and glory. The brightness signifies purity and holiness, indicating that this is no ordinary cloud but a manifestation of God's glory.

and a voice from the cloud said
The "voice from the cloud" is a direct communication from God, reminiscent of God's voice at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17). This divine voice confirms Jesus' identity and mission. The Greek term for "voice" (φωνή) implies not just sound but a message with authority. This moment is a theophany, where God reveals Himself audibly, reinforcing the divine endorsement of Jesus.

This is My beloved Son
This declaration is central to Christian theology, affirming Jesus' divine sonship. The Greek word for "beloved" (ἀγαπητός) conveys deep, unconditional love, indicating a unique relationship between the Father and the Son. This echoes Psalm 2:7, a messianic psalm, and reinforces Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

in whom I am well pleased
This phrase echoes God's words at Jesus' baptism, emphasizing divine approval of Jesus' life and mission. The Greek word for "well pleased" (εὐδόκησα) suggests a sense of delight and satisfaction. It underscores the perfect obedience and righteousness of Jesus, which is pleasing to God. This approval is foundational for understanding Jesus' role as the sinless Savior.

Listen to Him!
This command is a divine imperative, urging the disciples to heed Jesus' teachings. The Greek word for "listen" (ἀκούετε) implies not just hearing but obeying. This echoes Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses speaks of a prophet like him whom the people must listen to. It underscores the authority of Jesus' words and the necessity of obedience to His teachings for all believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the New Testament, recognized as the Son of God. In this passage, He is affirmed by God the Father as His beloved Son.

2. Peter
One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his impulsive nature. He is speaking when the divine interruption occurs.

3. James and John
The other two disciples present with Peter during the Transfiguration, witnessing the divine revelation.

4. The Bright Cloud
Symbolic of God's presence, reminiscent of the Shekinah glory that led the Israelites in the wilderness.

5. The Voice from the Cloud
Represents God the Father, affirming Jesus' divine sonship and authority.
Teaching Points
Divine Affirmation
God the Father affirms Jesus' identity and mission. This underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the divine Son of God in our faith journey.

The Call to Listen
The command to "Listen to Him" emphasizes the authority of Jesus' teachings. As believers, we are called to prioritize His words in our lives.

The Presence of God
The bright cloud signifies God's presence. In our spiritual walk, we should seek to be enveloped by God's presence through prayer and worship.

Witnessing the Divine
The disciples' experience reminds us of the importance of being attentive to God's revelations in our lives, whether through Scripture, prayer, or community.

Transformation through Encounter
Just as the disciples were transformed by witnessing Jesus' glory, we too are transformed by encountering Christ in our daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the divine affirmation of Jesus as God's beloved Son impact your understanding of His authority in your life?

2. In what ways can you actively "listen to Him" in your daily routine? Consider practical steps you can take to prioritize Jesus' teachings.

3. Reflect on a time when you felt enveloped by God's presence. How did that experience influence your faith journey?

4. How can the Transfiguration event encourage you to be more attentive to God's revelations in your life today?

5. Compare the divine voice at Jesus' baptism and the Transfiguration. What significance do these events hold for understanding Jesus' mission and identity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 3:17
At Jesus' baptism, a similar divine affirmation occurs, establishing a thematic link between Jesus' baptism and the Transfiguration.

Deuteronomy 18:15
Moses speaks of a prophet like him whom the people should listen to, foreshadowing Jesus as the ultimate prophet.

2 Peter 1:17-18
Peter later reflects on this event, emphasizing its significance and his eyewitness testimony of Jesus' majesty.
A Repetition of the Divine ApprovalR. Tuck Matthew 17:5
The TransfigurationW.F. Adeney Matthew 17:1-8
The TransfigurationMarcus Dods Matthew 17:1-8
The TransfigurationJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 17:1-8
AttentionC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 17:1-13
Cloud on Mount HermonC. R. Conder., Edersheim.Matthew 17:1-13
Contrasts in LifeS. R. Hole, M. A.Matthew 17:1-13
Creed, Worship, and WorkBishop Alexander, D. D.Matthew 17:1-13
Fear and its AntidoteJ. J. Goadby.Matthew 17:1-13
Hear the SonJ. Evans, M. A.Matthew 17:1-13
Jesus OnlyC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 17:1-13
Jesus OnlyC. Bailhache.Matthew 17:1-13
Jesus OnlyDr. J. H. Vincent.Matthew 17:1-13
Jesus OnlyT. Hands.Matthew 17:1-13
Jesus Only as a DoctrineC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 17:1-13
Jesus Only as an ExperienceC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 17:1-13
Lessons of the TransfigurationW. I. Keay.Matthew 17:1-13
Lord, it is Good for Us to be HereF. J. A.Matthew 17:1-13
Nothing But JesusMatthew 17:1-13
Peter's Ecstasy of the MountJ. Burns, LL. D., J. Stewart.Matthew 17:1-13
Peter's Enjoyment of the SceneMatthew 17:1-13
Prayer is the Transfiguration of the SoulLapide.Matthew 17:1-13
Spiritual Suggestions of the TransfigurationA. L. R. Foote.Matthew 17:1-13
Tabor FlightsJ. Vaughan, M. A., E. D. Solomon.Matthew 17:1-13
The ConversationBishop Porteus.Matthew 17:1-13
The Disciples Beholding Their Transfigured LordC. Bradley.Matthew 17:1-13
The Epiphany Upon the MountJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Matthew 17:1-13
The Fading of the Light on Jesus' FaceGeorge Macdonald.Matthew 17:1-13
The Influence of Prayer on the FaceMatthew 17:1-13
The Mount of VisionWilliam A. Gray.Matthew 17:1-13
The Mountain, Probably HermonDean Stanley.Matthew 17:1-13
The Permanent Use of Religious EcstasyDr. Krummacher.Matthew 17:1-13
The Shining FaceMatthew Henry.Matthew 17:1-13
The TransfigurationDavid King, LL. D.Matthew 17:1-13
The TransfigurationAnon.Matthew 17:1-13
The TransfigurationD. Moore, M. A.Matthew 17:1-13
The TransfigurationT. S. Doolittle, D. D.Matthew 17:1-13
The TransfigurationCanon Liddon.Matthew 17:1-13
The TransfigurationS. A. Brooke, M. A;Matthew 17:1-13
The Transfiguration a WindowGeorge Macdonald.Matthew 17:1-13
The Transfiguration of ChristRichard Watson.Matthew 17:1-13
The Transfiguration of Christ, its DesignsG. Brooks., C. Gerok, D. D.Matthew 17:1-13
The Watch Before the BattleDe Pressense.Matthew 17:1-13
We Must Come Down from the Holy MountainsMatthew Henry.Matthew 17:1-13
Witness of Judaism to ChristE. De Pressense.Matthew 17:1-13
People
Elias, Elijah, James, Jesus, John, Peter, Simon
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, High Mountain
Topics
Behold, Beloved, Bright, Cloud, Dearly, Delight, Ear, Enveloped, Listen, Love, Loved, Luminous, Overshadowed, Pleased, Saying, Spake, Speaking, Spread, Talking, Voice, Well-pleased, Within, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 17:5

     1045   God, glory of
     1070   God, joy of
     1403   God, revelation
     1454   theophany
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     2012   Christ, authority
     2048   Christ, love of
     2218   Christ, Son of God
     2422   gospel, confirmation
     2510   Christ, baptism of
     4805   clouds
     5103   Moses, significance
     5165   listening
     5196   voice
     5548   speech, divine
     5624   witnesses, to Christ
     5830   delight
     5878   honour
     6682   mediation
     8351   teachableness
     8369   worthiness
     8444   honouring God
     8460   pleasing God

Matthew 17:1-7

     2580   Christ, transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-8

     4254   mountains

Matthew 17:1-13

     5092   Elijah

Matthew 17:3-5

     5104   Moses, foreshadower of Christ

Library
January 18. "That Take and Give for Me and Thee" (Matt. xvii. 27).
"That take and give for Me and thee" (Matt. xvii. 27). There is a beautiful touch of loving thoughtfulness in the account of Christ's miracle at Capernaum in providing the tribute money. After the reference to Peter's interview with the tax collector, it is added, "When he came into the house Jesus prevented him," that is, anticipated him, as the old Saxon word means, by arranging for the need before Peter needed to speak about it at all, and He sent Peter down to the sea to find the piece of gold
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The King in his Beauty
'And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2. And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. 3. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him. 4. Then answered Peter, and said unto 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. 5. While he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Secret of Power
'Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20. And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief.'--MATT. xvii. 19, 20. 'And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits to cast them out.' That same power was bestowed, too, on the wider circle of the seventy who returned again with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.' The ground of it was laid in the solemn words with which
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
'And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest them, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26. Peter saith unto Him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.'--MATT. xvii. 25, 26. All our Lord's miracles are 'signs' as well as 'wonders.' They have a meaning. They not only authenticate His teaching, but they are themselves no inconsiderable portion of the teaching. They are not
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. , Where Jesus Showed Himself on the Mount to his Three Disciples.
1. We heard when the Holy Gospel was being read of the great vision on the mount, in which Jesus showed Himself to the three disciples, Peter, James, and John. "His face did shine as the sun:" this is a figure of the shining of the Gospel. "His raiment was white as the snow:" [2666] this is a figure of the purity of the Church, to which it was said by the Prophet, "Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow." [2667] Elias and Moses were talking with Him; because the grace of the
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus Taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John his Brother," Etc.
1. We must now look into and treat of that vision which the Lord showed on the mount. For it is this of which He had said, "Verily I say unto you, there be some standing here which shall not taste of death till they see the Son of Man in His Kingdom." [2643] Then began the passage which has just been read. "When He had said this, after six days He took three disciples, Peter, and James, and John, and went up into a mountain." [2644] These three were those "some," of whom He had said, "There be some
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast it Out"? Etc. , and on Prayer.
1. Our Lord Jesus Christ reproved unbelief even in His own disciples, as we heard just now when the Gospel was being read. For when they had said, "Why could not we cast him out?" He answered, "Because of your unbelief." [2669] If the Apostles were unbelievers, who is a believer? What must the lambs do, if the rams totter? Yet the mercy of the Lord did not disdain them in their unbelief; but reproved, nourished, perfected, crowned them. For they themselves, as mindful of their own weakness, said
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My Brother Sin against Me," Etc.
1. Yesterday the holy Gospel warned us not to neglect the sins of our brethren: "But if thy brother shall sin against thee, rebuke him between him and thee alone. If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he shall refuse to hear thee, take with thee two or three more; that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them too, tell it to the Church. But if he shall neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

A Desperate Case --How to Meet It
How great the difference between Moses and Christ! When Moses had been forty days upon the mountain-top, he underwent a kind of transfiguration, so that his face shone with exceeding brightness when he came down among the people, and he was obliged to put a veil over his face; for they could not bear to look upon his glory. Not so our Saviour! He had been really transfigured with a greater glory than Moses could ever know, and yet, as he came down from the mount, whatever radiance shone upon his
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Jesus Only
This morning, in trying to dwell upon the simple sight of "Jesus only," we shall hold it up as beyond measure important and delightful, and shall bear our witness that as it was said of Goliath's sword, "there is none like it," so may it be said of fellowship with "Jesus only." We shall first notice what might have happened to the disciples after the transfiguration; we shall then dwell on what did happen; and then, thirdly, we shall speak on what we anxiously desire may happen to those who hear
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 16: 1870

The Transfiguration
(Preached before the Queen.) Matthew xvii. 2 and 9. And he was transfigured before them. . . . And he charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead. Any one who will consider the gospels, will see that there is a peculiar calm, a soberness and modesty about them, very different from what we should have expected to find in them. Speaking, as they do, of the grandest person who ever trod this earth, of the grandest events which ever happened upon
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

1 to Pray is as it were to be on Speaking Terms with Me...
1. To pray is as it were to be on speaking terms with Me, and so by being in communion with and abiding in Me to become like Me. There is a kind of insect which feeds upon and lives among grass and green leaves and becomes like them in colour. Also the polar bear dwelling among the white snows has the same snowy whiteness, and the tiger of Bengal bears upon its skin the marks of the reeds among which it lives. So those, who by means of prayer abide in communion with Me partake, with the saints and
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

Return to Galilee. The Passion Foretold.
^A Matt. XVII. 22, 23; ^B Mark IX. 30-32; ^C Luke IX. 43-45. ^b 30 And they went forth from thence [from the region of Cæsarea Philippi], and passed through Galilee [on his way to Capernaum]; and he would not that any man should know it. [He was still seeking that retirement which began on the journey to Tyre. See page 399. This is the last definite mention of that retirement, but we find it referred to again at John vii. 3, 4. See page 439.] 31 For he taught his disciples [the reason for his
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Pays the Tribute Money.
(Capernaum, Autumn, a.d. 29) ^A Matt. XVII. 24-27. ^a 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay the half-shekel? [The law of Moses required from every male of twenty years and upward the payment of a tax of half a shekel for the support of the temple (Ex. xxx. 12-16; II. Chron. xxiv. 5, 6). This tax was collected annually. We are told that a dispute existed between the Pharisees and Sadducees as to whether the payment
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Transfiguration.
THE great confession of Peter, as the representative Apostle, had laid the foundations of the Church as such. In contradistinction to the varying opinions of even those best disposed towards Christ, it openly declared that Jesus was the Very Christ of God, the fulfilment of all Old Testament prophecy, the heir of Old Testament promise, the realisation of the Old Testament hope for Israel, and, in Israel, for all mankind. Without this confession, Christians might have been a Jewish sect, a religious
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the Way, the Forbidding of Him who could not Follow with the Disciples, and The
Now that the Lord's retreat in the utmost borders of the land, at Cæsarea Philippi, was known to the Scribes, and that He was again surrounded and followed by the multitude, there could be no further object in His retirement. Indeed, the time was coming that He should meet that for which He had been, and was still, preparing the minds of His disciples - His Decease at Jerusalem. Accordingly, we find Him once more with His disciples in Galilee - not to abide there, [3743] nor to traverse it
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

On the Morrow of the Transfiguration
IT was the early dawn of another summer's day when the Master and His disciples turned their steps once more towards the plain. They had seen His Glory; they had had the most solemn witness which, as Jews, the could have; and they had gained a new knowledge of the Old Testament. It all bore reference to the Christ, and it spake of His Decease. Perhaps on that morning better than in the previous night did they realise the vision, and feel its calm happiness. It was to their souls like the morning-air
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

William Ellery Channing.
We are far from placing Dr. Channing, the great leader of American Unitarianism, and one of the brightest ornaments of American literature (born 1780, at Newport, Rhode Island; died 1842, at Bennington, Vermont), in the company of unbelievers. Although heretical on the fundamental articles of the Holy Trinity, the Divinity of Christ, and the Atonement, he was, in his way, a worshiper of Jesus, and exhibited the power of his holy example in his lovely character and written works. He was deeply penetrated
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Thirteenth Lesson. Prayer and Fasting;'
Prayer and fasting;' Or, The Cure of Unbelief. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible to you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting'--Matt. xvii. 19-21. WHEN the disciples saw Jesus cast the evil spirit out of the epileptic whom they could not cure,' they asked the Master for the
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Instructions for those who have Attained to the Prayer of Quiet. Many Advance So Far, but Few Go Farther.
1. Let us now go back to the subject. This quiet and recollection of the soul makes itself in great measure felt in the satisfaction and peace, attended with very great joy and repose of the faculties, and most sweet delight, wherein the soul is established. [1] It thinks, because it has not gone beyond it, that there is nothing further to wish for, but that its abode might be there, and it would willingly say so with St. Peter. [2] It dares not move nor stir, because it thinks that this blessing
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

A Homily Delivered on the Saturday Before the Second Sunday in Lent --On the Transfiguration, S. Matt. xvii. 13-Jan
A Homily delivered on the Saturday before the Second Sunday in Lent--on the Transfiguration, S. Matt. xvii. 1-13 I. Peter's confession shown to lead up to the Transfiguration. The Gospel lesson, dearly-beloved, which has reached the inner hearing of our minds through our bodily ears, calls us to the understanding of a great mystery, to which we shall by the help of God's grace the better attain, if we turn our attention to what is narrated just before. The Saviour of mankind, Jesus Christ, in founding
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine
To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine [87] He thanks them for having hitherto remitted customs [or tolls, but asks that they will see that their princely liberality is not interfered with by the efforts of their servants. To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that they may so lovingly and purely rejoice in each other's affection that the love of Christ alone maybe supreme in them both. Ever since the needs of our Order obliged me to send for necessaries
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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