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Matthew 17:2
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- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And was transfigured before them,.... Peter, James, and John, before whom he was metamorphosed, or changed into another form; for not the substance of his body was changed, nor even the shape of it altered, only it received a more glorious form; that whereas before he appeared in the form of a servant, and looked mean and despicable, now he appeared in the form and majesty of God; or there was a divine glory; which from his deity showed itself in a visible manner through his flesh: and his face did shine as the sun it had still the same appearance of an human face, but had such a dazzling glory upon it, as equalled the sun shining in its full strength: and his raiment was white as the light: he did not put off his clothes, nor were the nature and substance, and fashion of them changed; but such rays of glory darted through his flesh, and through his clothes, as made them as bright and shining, as the light of the sun at noon day. Mark says, they became "exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller on earth can white them". The Vulgate Latin reads, "as snow", here; and so do the Ethiopic version, and Munster's Hebrew Gospel. Snow has a peculiar whiteness in it, and is therefore made use of, to express the glittering brightness of Christ's raiment; and the fuller is mentioned, who by the Jews (a) is called and means one that whitens wool, or raiment, and such an one is here designed: not that any fuller makes garments of another colour white; for though this may be done, it is not the work of fullers, but dyers: but fullers, whatever colour garments are of, if sullied and spotted, can restore them to their native colour; and if white, can bring them to their former whiteness: now Christ's garments were as white, yea, whiter, than any such men could possibly make garments, that were white at first: what colour Christ's garments were of before, is not certain; now they appeared white, to the greatest degree of whiteness. Dr. Hammond (b) has a conjecture, that in the phrase "on earth", reference is had to the earth fullers make use of in cleaning, and which is called "fullers' earth"; and that the words are to be rendered, "as no fuller, by or with earth can white them"; but if this will not bear, the sense is, that there is no fuller, nor ever was, or ever will be upon earth, that can make raiment so white as Christ's was. (a) Maimon. in Misn. Bava Kama, c. 10. sect. 10, (b) In Mark ix. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:2 Jesus’ appearance was transformed: Jesus’ inner, divine nature, previously veiled, was now disclosed so that the three caught a glimpse of his glory (see Exod 34:29-35; Ps 104:2; 2 Cor 3:12-18; Rev 1:16). Jesus’ followers will one day share in this glory (Matt 13:43).
Matthew 17:2
The Transfiguration
1After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
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Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Christian Missions to the Communist World International - Pt2
By Richard Wurmbrand1.0K1:14:50MissionsMAT 12:36MAT 17:2ROM 12:15EPH 4:321TH 5:171PE 3:8REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being imprisoned for 14 years in communist jails. He talks about the physical hardships they endured, such as heavy chains and beatings. Despite the persecution, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revolutionizing the world with love instead of hatred. He shares a powerful story of a pastor who faced the choice of denying his faith or facing torture, highlighting the unity and interconnectedness of believers as one body in Jesus Christ. The sermon also acknowledges the generosity of the congregation in supporting the families of Christian martyrs.
Whose Image Does Your Face Reflect?
By Erlo Stegen85753:17MAT 6:33MAT 17:22CO 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the face in reflecting one's faith. He begins by reading from Matthew 17:2, where Jesus' face shines with glory on the mount of transfiguration. The preacher highlights the idea that our faces should speak for Jesus and show forth His glory, rather than reflecting the devil. He shares anecdotes about a Hindu missionary who was mistaken for Jesus and a pedestrian who rejected an invitation to church based on the appearance of the person giving it. The sermon concludes with a reminder that our faces reveal what is in our hearts and the kind of Christians we are, referencing Psalm 34:5.
Our God Is a Consuming Fire - Part 2
By G.W. North35721:15GodEXO 3:2LEV 6:13MAT 17:2MRK 5:41ACT 2:3REV 1:14REV 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fiery nature of Jesus and encourages the listeners to embrace the fire of God in their lives. He urges them to choose between being a flame of God or a flame of the world, emphasizing the importance of being united with God's spirit. The preacher shares his personal belief in the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and calls on the congregation to reject lukewarmness and fully surrender to God. He invites them to respond by standing up and moving towards God, urging them to let God baptize them with his spirit and fire.
The Transforming Power of Prayer
By J.R. Miller0The Power of FaithTransformation through PrayerISA 48:10MAT 17:2JHN 14:13ROM 12:22CO 5:17EPH 3:20PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:16JAS 5:16J.R. Miller emphasizes the transformative power of prayer, illustrating how Jesus was transfigured while praying, and how this transfiguration can manifest in the lives of believers. He explains that prayer not only brings us closer to God but also changes our hearts, faces, and circumstances, allowing us to reflect Christ's glory. Miller highlights that through prayer, cares, sorrows, and duties are transfigured into blessings, teaching us valuable lessons and deepening our character. He encourages believers to embrace prayer as a means of surrendering to God's will, which ultimately leads to spiritual transformation. The sermon concludes with the assurance that prayer brings divine grace and blessings into our lives, changing our weaknesses into strengths.
Rev. 1:13-16. the Glory of the Son of Man
By Horatius Bonar0Christ's AuthorityThe Glory of ChristPSA 89:13ISA 1:18EZK 16:14DAN 7:13HOS 6:5MAT 17:2MAT 28:20JHN 1:51HEB 4:13REV 1:13Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 1:13-16, emphasizing the majestic glory of the Son of Man, who stands in the midst of the seven churches. He describes Christ's royal and priestly attire, symbolizing His authority and service, and highlights His purity, power, and penetrating gaze. Bonar illustrates how Christ's voice resonates with authority and mercy, and His countenance radiates divine glory. The sermon culminates in the recognition of Christ's supremacy over all creation, affirming that all allegiance is due to Him as the Head of the Church and the King of kings.
Rev. 22:4. the Vision of God
By Horatius Bonar0Eternal HopeThe Vision of God2KI 25:19EST 1:14PSA 41:12MAT 17:2LUK 19:17REV 2:26REV 22:4Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 22:4, emphasizing the profound joy and honor of seeing God's face in the new Jerusalem, a place devoid of sin, sorrow, and death. He describes the face of God as revealed in Jesus Christ, highlighting that only His servants, who are also His sons and heirs, will experience this divine vision. Bonar explains that seeing God's face signifies nearness, blessedness, honor, and power, and this eternal vision will remain unchangeable and uninterrupted. He encourages believers to live joyfully, work diligently, and find comfort in trials, as the promise of seeing God's face brings hope and strength. The sermon concludes with the anticipation of the imminent return of Christ and the glory that awaits.
Yea, He Is Altogether Lovely
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Beauty of ChristDevotion to JesusPSA 27:4SNG 5:16ISA 53:2MAT 17:2JHN 1:14PHP 3:8COL 1:17HEB 1:31PE 2:7REV 5:12C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled beauty and loveliness of Jesus, describing Him as the ultimate object of love rather than mere admiration. He invites believers to reflect on the sweetness of Christ's words and the perfection of His character, which captivates the hearts of His followers. Spurgeon asserts that every aspect of Jesus is attractive and worthy of adoration, contrasting Him with earthly beings that possess flaws. He encourages worshippers to love Jesus wholly, recognizing that He embodies perfection and is 'altogether lovely.' The sermon calls for a deep, affectionate devotion to Christ, who is the source of all beauty and goodness.
The Secret of Christ's Indwelling
By F.B. Meyer0Christ's IndwellingFaith and TransformationISA 33:21MAT 17:2LUK 14:26JHN 14:232CO 4:102CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:6COL 1:27REV 1:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound mystery of Christ's indwelling within the hearts of Gentiles, highlighting that this revelation, brought forth by the Apostle Paul, signifies that all believers, regardless of their background, are co-heirs of the Gospel. He explains that Christ's presence within us is not dependent on our feelings or actions but is a reality to be accepted by faith, leading to a transformed life that reflects His glory. Meyer encourages believers to recognize and embrace this divine indwelling, which empowers them to live with patience, grace, and a deeper connection to God, ultimately revealing the riches of His glory in their lives.
The Eyes of Christ
By Tom Macartney0MAT 17:2MRK 11:15JHN 2:131CO 6:19REV 1:14Tom Macartney preaches about the future encounter with the Lord, emphasizing the different reactions people will have based on their relationship with Him. He delves into the imagery of God's holiness and love portrayed as fire in the Bible, highlighting the all-encompassing nature of divine love that seeks to purify and destroy all evil. Macartney challenges Christians to reflect on the state of their lives, the church, and society in light of Christ's discerning eyes and the need for cleansing and consecration to align with God's will.
Changed Into His Image
By George Warnock0MAT 17:2MRK 9:2ROM 12:22CO 3:18George Warnock preaches about the transformative power of beholding the glory of the Lord, emphasizing how this reflection changes us into His image. The Greek word 'metamorphoo' used in 2 Corinthians 3:18 signifies a complete and profound transformation, similar to the metamorphosis seen in nature. This word is also used in the transfiguration of Christ and in Romans 12:2 to describe a radical change. Warnock delves into the spiritual significance of this word and how it relates to our own transformation into the likeness of Christ.
Put Ye on the Lord Jesus
By Chip Brogden0MAT 17:2LUK 15:22ROM 13:12ROM 13:14GAL 3:27EPH 4:24EPH 6:11Chip Brogden preaches on the importance of putting on the Lord Jesus as a practical way to live out our new Christ-Life. He emphasizes that victory is found in Christ, not in ourselves, and that putting on the Lord Jesus is the key to making no provision for the flesh. By being clothed with Christ, we are immersed into Him, and His character replaces our own, leading to a transformation in our behavior and conduct.
Praying Like Christ
By William M. Clow0EXO 34:29PSA 34:5MAT 17:2ACT 6:152CO 3:18William M. Clow delves into the transfiguration of Jesus, emphasizing how prayer can lead to a transformation of one's inner being, illuminating their face with the radiance of God's presence. He contrasts our imperfect prayers with Jesus' perfect trust and unclouded assurance in God, highlighting the potential for believers to experience a similar transfiguration through deep communion with God. Just as Moses and Stephen's faces shone with heavenly light due to their encounters with God, Christ's transfiguration reveals the inner ecstasy of His spirit as He fully consecrated Himself to God's will during prayer.
The Transfiguration
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 34:5MAT 17:2MRK 9:52CO 3:181JN 3:2Mary Wilder Tileston reflects on the profound significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus, emphasizing how it has brought unity between the past and present, connecting those who suffer on earth with those who have departed. The radiant light and transfigured face of Jesus have transformed ordinary human experiences and brought a glimpse of Divine beauty to uplift even the humblest pilgrims.
The Twofold Use of the Law & Gospel: "Letter" & "Spirit"
By Martin Luther0MAT 17:2JHN 1:16JHN 3:36ACT 13:38ROM 5:171CO 4:42CO 3:6GAL 3:10Martin Luther preaches about the contrast between the Law and the Gospel, emphasizing how the Law, represented by Moses, brings death and condemnation, while the Gospel, represented by Christ, brings life and salvation. Luther highlights the inadequacy of relying on works and the Law for righteousness, pointing out that the true glory lies in the Gospel message that reveals God's grace and mercy through faith in Christ. He stresses the importance of understanding the transformative power of the Gospel, which comforts and renews the heart, surpassing the glory of the Law and leading to eternal life.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And was transfigured before them,.... Peter, James, and John, before whom he was metamorphosed, or changed into another form; for not the substance of his body was changed, nor even the shape of it altered, only it received a more glorious form; that whereas before he appeared in the form of a servant, and looked mean and despicable, now he appeared in the form and majesty of God; or there was a divine glory; which from his deity showed itself in a visible manner through his flesh: and his face did shine as the sun it had still the same appearance of an human face, but had such a dazzling glory upon it, as equalled the sun shining in its full strength: and his raiment was white as the light: he did not put off his clothes, nor were the nature and substance, and fashion of them changed; but such rays of glory darted through his flesh, and through his clothes, as made them as bright and shining, as the light of the sun at noon day. Mark says, they became "exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller on earth can white them". The Vulgate Latin reads, "as snow", here; and so do the Ethiopic version, and Munster's Hebrew Gospel. Snow has a peculiar whiteness in it, and is therefore made use of, to express the glittering brightness of Christ's raiment; and the fuller is mentioned, who by the Jews (a) is called and means one that whitens wool, or raiment, and such an one is here designed: not that any fuller makes garments of another colour white; for though this may be done, it is not the work of fullers, but dyers: but fullers, whatever colour garments are of, if sullied and spotted, can restore them to their native colour; and if white, can bring them to their former whiteness: now Christ's garments were as white, yea, whiter, than any such men could possibly make garments, that were white at first: what colour Christ's garments were of before, is not certain; now they appeared white, to the greatest degree of whiteness. Dr. Hammond (b) has a conjecture, that in the phrase "on earth", reference is had to the earth fullers make use of in cleaning, and which is called "fullers' earth"; and that the words are to be rendered, "as no fuller, by or with earth can white them"; but if this will not bear, the sense is, that there is no fuller, nor ever was, or ever will be upon earth, that can make raiment so white as Christ's was. (a) Maimon. in Misn. Bava Kama, c. 10. sect. 10, (b) In Mark ix. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:2 Jesus’ appearance was transformed: Jesus’ inner, divine nature, previously veiled, was now disclosed so that the three caught a glimpse of his glory (see Exod 34:29-35; Ps 104:2; 2 Cor 3:12-18; Rev 1:16). Jesus’ followers will one day share in this glory (Matt 13:43).