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Observe here, 1. The strict injunction given by Christ to his disciples, not to publish or proclaim this glorious vision at his transfiguration, till after his resurrection; because being now in a state of humiliation, he would have his divine majesty and glory veiled and concealed.
Learn hence, That the divine glory of Christ's person, as God, was not to be manifested suddenly, and all at once, but gradually, and by steps.
First more obscurely, by his miracles, by the forced acknowledgments of devils, by the free confession of his disciples, and by the glorious vision of his transfiguration; but the more clear and full, the more public and open, manifestation of is divine glory, was at the time of is resurrection and ascension.
Observe, 2. The disciples obedience to Christ's injunction, touching the concealing of his transfiguration till after his resurrection; They kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
Not that they questioned the resurrection in general, but Christ's resurrection in particular, because his resurrection did suppose his death; and they could not conceive how the Messiah, whom they erroneously supposed must be a temporal prince, should suffer death at the hands of men.
Observe, 3. The question which the disciples put to Christ, how the observation of the Jewish doctors holds good; namely, that Elias must come before the Messias came; we see the Messias, but no Elias.
Our Saviour answers, That Elias was come already; not Elias in person, but one in the spirit and power of Elias, to wit, John the Baptist, who was prophesied of under the name of Elias; there being a great resemblance between the Elias of the Old Testament, and of the New, viz. John the Baptist, they were both men of great zeal for God and Religion, they were both undaunted reprovers of the faults of princes, and they were both implacably hated and persecuted for the same.
Thence learn, That hatred and persecution, even unto death, has often been the lot and portion of such persons who have had the courage and zeal to reprove the faults of princes. Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed.