Matthew 17:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The scribes taught that Elijah was to precede the Messiah and set everything in order; thus, the apostles pondered whether the current manifestation of Elijah should be recognized as the fulfillment of this promise or if they should await another appearance. This contemplation absorbed the disciples' thoughts. The Lord addressed their inquiry, specifically referencing the scribes and offering insights that would challenge the conventional Jewish understanding of the Messiah's reign and the events leading up to it. He emphasized that the presence of Elijah should not be regarded with the significance typically attributed to it by the Jews, nor should any other physical representation of him be anticipated. Instead, the true meaning must be regarded in a spiritual context. Indeed, Elijah was destined to come before Him, as foretold by the prophet Malachi; he was to prepare the way for the Messiah, a point on which the scribes were correct. However, they erred in interpreting it to pertain to a literal manifestation and actions of Elijah. In truth, Elijah had already appeared in John; they engaged with him as they desired, in line with the prophecies of Scripture (Mark 9:12-13). Likewise, they would not recognize the Son of Man, but would treat Him according to their own will. Yet, He would suffer, just as His precursor had.

Instead of seeking clarity from Jesus directly about this matter, they inquired, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

It is essential to trace the thought process of the apostles concerning their experiences and Christ’s statements about His resurrection. They sought clarity on two key issues: the meaning of the Son of Man rising from the dead and the scribes' assertion that Elijah must precede Him. Christ indeed addressed both queries. Matthew’s Gospel presents His response with clarity, adding that “then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.” This highlights that the reference made in Matthew 11 should not be interpreted merely as a future prediction but as a doctrinal assertion that transcends time.

The phrasing in Mark's account can be slightly challenging, but it is vital to recognize that here Christ responds to the two inquiries separately. Initially, He clarifies the disciples’ question regarding Elijah’s role before the coming of the Messiah, affirming that indeed, Elijah must come first (Malachi 4:5) to restore all things. He then provides an answer to another question not voiced by the disciples regarding the significance of the Son of Man rising from the dead. Some interpreters suggest adding a question mark after the mention of the Son of Man and consider what is written about Him, specifically relating to the purpose of His coming: He will endure much suffering and humiliation.

Finally, Christ revisits the first question, stating that the prophecy about Elijah had already been fulfilled and that this Elijah suffered remarkable trials, akin to those He Himself was about to face. This reference likely pertains to the historical accounts of the prophet Elijah and the adversities he encountered from Ahab.

Chrysostom, commenting on the inquiries of the disciples and the Lord's responses (Matt. 17:10-12), notes: "There was speculation about the coming of Christ and Elijah; however, the interpreters misrepresented it. The Scriptures speak of two comings of Christ, one that has occurred and one that is to come. The apostle, in disclosing these truths, declared: 'the grace of God appeared,’ etc. (Titus 2:11-13). The prophets also refer to both; they proclaim that the forerunner of the second will be Elijah, while the first had John, whom Christ referred to as Elijah—not because he was literally Elijah, but because he accomplished the role designated for him. Just as Elijah is to announce His second coming, John announced the first. However, the scribes, mixing both and misleading the populace, spoke only of the latter when they told the people that if this man was indeed the Christ, then Elijah must come before him.... What was Christ’s reply? Elijah will certainly appear before My second advent, yet Elijah has also come now, and if you inquire about him, he is on the way.... He will persuade the Jewish people to believe in Jesus Christ, so that when he comes, they may not be completely lost. Thus, recalling these matters, He stated: ‘And He will arrange all things,’ meaning He will rectify the disbelief of the Jews of that time" (cf. Theophilus).

s it is written of the Son of Man, he must suffer many things and be humiliated.” He added, “I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him anything they desired; likewise, the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” The disciples realized He was referring to John the Baptist. By the Lord’s command, the holy apostles maintained silence and refrained from sharing their experience in those days. However, once the period of silence regarding this glorious occurrence had passed, Peter referred to the transfiguration as the clearest evidence of the Divine power and majesty of the Savior.