Topical Encyclopedia The Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36. The Apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, plays a significant role in this momentous occasion. This event is a profound revelation of Jesus' divine nature and a testament to His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.Context and Setting The Transfiguration occurs after Jesus predicts His suffering and death and calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. Jesus takes Peter, along with James and John, up a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor, although some scholars suggest Mount Hermon due to its proximity to Caesarea Philippi, where the preceding events took place. The Transfiguration Event During the Transfiguration, Jesus' appearance is dramatically altered. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white. This transformation reveals His divine glory, a foretaste of His resurrection and second coming. The event underscores Jesus' identity as the Son of God, affirming Peter's earlier confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Peter's Reaction Peter, known for his impulsive nature, responds to the vision by suggesting the construction of three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. "Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah'" (Matthew 17:4). This proposal reflects Peter's desire to honor the heavenly visitors and perhaps to prolong the divine encounter. However, it also indicates a misunderstanding of the event's significance, as Peter equates Jesus with Moses and Elijah, not fully grasping Jesus' unique divine status. The Divine Voice While Peter is still speaking, a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). This divine affirmation echoes the voice heard at Jesus' baptism and serves to correct Peter's misunderstanding, emphasizing Jesus' supremacy over the Law and the Prophets represented by Moses and Elijah. Aftermath and Significance The disciples fall facedown in fear, but Jesus touches them, saying, "Get up. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 17:7). When they look up, they see no one except Jesus. This moment highlights the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan. As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs them to keep the vision to themselves until after His resurrection, indicating the event's eschatological significance. Peter's presence at the Transfiguration is later reflected in his writings. In 2 Peter 1:16-18, he recalls the event as a testament to the power and coming of Jesus Christ, affirming the truth of the apostolic witness. The Transfiguration thus serves as a cornerstone for Peter's faith and ministry, reinforcing the divine authority and glory of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 17:1-4And after six days Jesus takes Peter, James, and John his brother, and brings them up into an high mountain apart, Nave's Topical Index Mark 9:2-6 Luke 9:28-33 2 Peter 1:16-18 Library The Second General Epistle of Peter Whether the Witnesses of the Transfiguration were Fittingly Chosen ... The Transfiguration. A Homily Delivered on the Saturday Before the Second Sunday in ... Discussion of the Saying of Peter. 'In the Holy Mount' The Same Conclusion Supported by the Transfiguration Marcion ... The Transfiguration. The Second Epistle of St. Peter Christ's Transfiguration Resources Was Saint Peter the first pope? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus ask Peter "Do you love me?" three times? | GotQuestions.org Peter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |
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