Mark 9:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Peter hesitated to descend from the mountain due to his fear of the Lord's impending crucifixion. Consequently, he expressed, 'It is wonderful for us to be here,’ preferring not to descend into the midst of the Jewish people. He thought that if their enemies approached, they could rely on Moses, who struck down the Egyptians, and Elijah, who called down fire from heaven to consume the fifty captains. What was the content of the conversation between the prophets and Him? They spoke regarding His suffering and death. Yet, Peter’s declaration was made without true understanding, for all the disciples were awestruck by the indescribable light and glory of Christ. He wished for Jesus to remain on the mountain rather than go down to endure crucifixion for our redemption.

"It is good for us to be here," Peter exclaimed (Luke 9:33). Another apostle declared that being steadfast and united with Christ is far superior (Philippians 1:23). Peter, filled with zeal and an earnest expression of devotion, expressed a desire to construct three shelters, indicating his readiness to labor for the common good. Although he was unaware of the implications of his words (Mark 9:6), his willingness to work stemmed not from arrogance but from a sincere eagerness to exhibit the fruits of his faith. His lack of understanding arose from his human condition, while his commitment reflected his loyalty. Humanity, trapped in a fragile and perishable existence, is incapable of creating a dwelling for God.

What the Hebrews have previously detailed concerns the condition of Jesus Christ; now, the focus shifts to illustrating the situation of the apostles. The Evangelists Matthew and Mark specifically recount Peter requesting Jesus to permit the setup of three tabernacles. Conversely, Luke notes: “But Peter and those who were with Him were weighed down with sleep, but when they awoke (ἦσαν βεβαρημένοι ὕπνῳ- διαγρηγορήσαντες δέ), they saw His glory and the other men standing with Him.” This phrase is interpreted differently by the Evangelists. The term διαγρηγορέω is unique in the LXX and the New Testament, typically conveying the idea of being awake. Here, it presents an antonym to ἦσαν βεβαρημένοι ὕπνῳ, leading some scholars to interpret it as an awakening from slumber into a new condition.

He was uncertain about what to say, as they were filled with fear. The appearance overwhelmed the apostles to the extent that they were speechless, unable to articulate their joy and wonder. Peter, however, exclaimed, "It is good for us to be here; we will make three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

The apostles stood in awe, their minds swirling with confusion as they witnessed the extraordinary sight and listened to the enigmatic dialogue between Christ and the heavenly beings. To the world below, this divine event was nothing more than a brief glimpse of its glory. Moses and Elijah had fulfilled their purpose and were ready to return to the presence of the God who sent them. As the breathtaking vision began to diminish and the majestic figures prepared to depart with the Savior, who also entered the overshadowing cloud, Peter was overwhelmed by amazement, fear, and joy.

The disciples were uncertain of what to say, as noted in Matthew 17:4. When a cloud enveloped Jesus and a voice emerged from it, it filled them with fear. Matthew highlights that they were afraid at the onset of this extraordinary event, but their fear intensified when they heard the enigmatic voice from the cloud. The Hebrew Gospel of Matthew captures this heightened emotion with the phrase that they "fell down and were greatly afraid." Mark also comments on their overall state of trepidation throughout the event and references Peter’s words, which arose from this fear, making sense of what might initially seem like peculiar expressions from the foremost Apostle. Both accounts convey that the disciples experienced a continuous sense of fear during the transfiguration, culminating in overwhelming dread when they encountered the voice and the cloud, leading them to fall to the ground in fright.