Luke 9:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Finding the atmosphere here to be delightful due to the radiance and the reflections of the prophets, Peter exclaimed, “It is good for us to be here!” He believed that the culmination of the world and the reign of Jesus had arrived. However, he was unaware of the implications of his words. For the end had not yet come, nor had the day of the kingdom and the enjoyment of the blessings that the saints would inherit. Peter made this statement out of his concern that Christ was destined for crucifixion. He had heard Christ predict His death and resurrection on the third day; thus, he suggested that they remain on the mountain to avoid the Cross and its suffering.

The Apostle Peter, believing that the kingdom of God had arrived, suggests establishing dwellings on the mountain, proposing three tabernacles—one for Christ and two for Moses and Elijah. It is written, “But he knew not what he said.” The consummation of creation had not yet occurred, and the saints were not able to receive the promised hope. As Paul states, “He will transform our humiliated body into His likeness,---that is, into the glorious body of Christ.” Since the plan of salvation had neither commenced nor reached completion, how could it be that Christ renounced His love for the world or set aside His mission of suffering for it? Ultimately, He redeemed all of creation, both through His mortal death and by conquering it through His resurrection. Thus, Peter was unaware of the significance of his words.

Luke recounts the moment involving Moses and Elijah, where, as they were departing from Jesus, Peter exclaimed to Him, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." This should not be seen as conflicting with the claims made by Matthew and Mark that Peter spoke during the conversation between the Lord and these two figures. The authors of the Gospel do not specify that Peter made his suggestion at the time of their dialogue; they only indicate that this idea arose when the Old Testament saints were leaving. Furthermore, Luke mentions that a voice came from the cloud as they entered it. While the others do not include this detail, they also do not affirm that Moses and Elijah did not enter the cloud.

"It is wonderful for us to be here," Peter exclaimed (Luke 9:33). Another apostle reflected on the fact that to depart and be in the presence of Christ is far better (Philippians 1:23). Peter, filled with zeal, sought not just to vocalize his praise but to actively demonstrate his devotion by offering to construct three shelters, earnest in his intent to contribute to the greater good. Though he was unaware of the gravity of his words (Mark 9:6), his readiness to work was genuine; it stemmed not from arrogance, but from a heartfelt desire to yield the fruits of faith. His lack of understanding reflected his humanity, while his promise illustrated his unwavering loyalty. It is impossible for human nature to create a dwelling for God within a frail and mortal body.

and they were filled with fear as they entered the cloud. Moses and Elijah entered the cloud to head towards their destined places. However, the disciples, who were already 'afraid' due to the Master’s Transfiguration, as noted in Mark (Mark 9:6), became even more frightened when they witnessed these prophets being enveloped by the cloud in a truly extraordinary manner.

The apostle Peter and his companions experienced immense joy, even though they only glimpsed a portion of the divine glory. What profound happiness awaits the chosen of God in the life to come when the fullness of that glory is unveiled! Their rejoicing will be everlasting as they behold God face to face, witnessing the glory of Christ without limitation or exhaustion. Even in this life, the saints experience a fraction of this joy and sweetness, akin to the smallest morsels from the feast of heaven, which nourish and delight their souls.

The events occurring were so remarkable that Peter, typically the first to speak and act, found himself overwhelmed by a mix of emotions as he faced the peril that awaited the Lord in Jerusalem. Not wanting to lose the joy he was experiencing, he suggested to the Lord that three shelters be constructed for Him and the heavenly beings, unaware of the implications of his words. However, one aspect remained true to his character: his deep love for the Lord, whom he beheld in glory, and his desire to remain with Him. This love was so profound that he momentarily disregarded everything else, including himself and the other Apostles.

Peter declared, "It is wonderful for us to be present; we should create three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

The apostles, overwhelmed and unsure, watched in awe and listened intently to the profound exchange between Christ and the celestial beings. To the earthly realm, this remarkable event appeared only as a brief glimpse of something divine. Moses and Elijah had fulfilled their purpose and were prepared to return to the presence of the God who had sent them. As the glorious vision began to wane and the majestic figures were about to depart with the Savior, who entered into the cloud that enveloped them, Peter, filled with wonder, fear, and joy, found himself at a loss for words.

"When they left Him" specifies the timing of Peter's declaration with greater clarity than the first two Gospel writers, who typically describe it as "at this point."