What is the meaning of Matthew 17:10? The disciples asked Him • The conversation takes place right after the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), where Peter, James, and John have just seen Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus. • Their question shows open, respectful curiosity; they go directly to Jesus, the source of truth, modeling the right way to handle spiritual puzzles (cf. John 6:68). • The disciples recognize Jesus as Messiah (Matthew 16:16), yet some prophetic details still seem unclear to them. That tension sets the stage for deeper revelation. Why then • “Why then” links their recent mountaintop vision to long-held teaching. If Elijah already appeared, why is there still an expectation? • They are not doubting Scripture; they are seeking to reconcile experience with prophecy (Acts 17:11 shows this same spirit). • The phrase hints at timing questions common in prophetic interpretation—God’s promises stand, but His sequence can surprise us (2 Peter 3:8-9). do the scribes say • Scribes were recognized teachers of the Law (Matthew 23:2). The disciples cite them because the scribes often taught publicly on Messianic expectations. • This reference underscores that tradition and Scripture can align or conflict; Jesus repeatedly corrected the scribes when tradition overshadowed truth (Mark 7:8-13). • Yet here the scribes are at least pointing to the right text—Malachi 4:5: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD”. that Elijah must come first? • The prophecy is specific: Elijah precedes “the great and dreadful day.” The disciples assume “first” means prior to Messiah’s full unveiling. • Jesus answers in the next verses that Elijah has come in the person and ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:12-13; see also Luke 1:17). • Two layers emerge: – A literal forerunner (John) who prepared hearts through repentance (Matthew 3:1-3). – A future, end-times fulfillment still to come before Christ’s second advent, hinted at in Revelation 11:3-6 where one of the two witnesses ministers “in the spirit and power” reminiscent of Elijah. • The disciples’ question opens the door for Jesus to affirm both the reliability of prophecy and its multi-stage fulfillment pattern—a vital key for understanding eschatology (Acts 3:18-21). summary Matthew 17:10 reveals teachable disciples wrestling with God’s timetable: they know the scribes rightly quote Malachi, yet they have just seen Elijah on the mountain. Their question lets Jesus clarify that John the Baptist already fulfilled the “Elijah” role for His first coming, while further fulfillment awaits the end of the age. The verse encourages believers to bring prophetic questions to Christ, trust Scripture’s accuracy, and remain alert for both present and future dimensions of God’s promises. |
    |