Mount of Transfiguration
Matthew 16:28 is a verse that has been misunderstood due to a failure to acknowledge the context of what comes before and after. The theology called “preterist” is rooted in this verse and others like it. A preterist is one who believes that the prophecies about the end times have already been fulfilled.
Matthew 17:1-9
1 Six days later, Peter, John, and James saw the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom at the Mount
of Transfiguration.
2 “Transfigured” is the Greek word metamorphoo. The English word “metamorphosis” comes from this word. Jesus appeared to them as he will in His kingdom.
3 Moses (Exodus 19:3) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:1) received extraordinary revelation on a mountain.
7-9 Moses and Elijah did not rise from the dead for they saw a vision.
Mark 9:1-10
1 The translator included this verse within the chapter about the transfiguration.
3 And His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
Matthew 17:2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.
Mark 9:10 They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant.
Luke 9:27-36
28 - Some say “eight days,” but Matthew 17:1 and Mark 9:2 say “after 6 days.” After six days would be the seventh day. “Some eight days” implies the vision took place in the late afternoon because the new day began
at sunset.
31 – Matthew and Mark did not tell us what they were talking about. Luke says they talked about his departure, which is the Greek word exodos (Hebrews 11:22; 2 Peter 1:15).
32 – Matthew and Mark did not mention that the men fell asleep.
34 – Matthew and Mark said a cloud formed overshadowing them. In like manner, they entered the cloud (similar to OT with Moses).
35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!"
Matthew 17:5 "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!"
Mark 9:7 “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!"
2 Peter 1:14-21
Elijah and John the Baptist
Matthew 17:10-13; Mark 9:10-13 Since they saw Elijah, they asked about him.
Matthew 11:1-15
The 12 apostles were not there when he talked about John.
10 – Malachi 3:1
14 “John himself is Elijah who was to come.”
Matthew 16:13-16
Matthew 27:47-49 They knew Elijah was to come but did not understand that John was Elijah.
Luke 1:13-17 He will appear in the spirit and power of Elijah (Mal 4:6).
Malachi 4:1-6 The last chapter in the Old Testament refers to Moses and Elijah.
John 1:19-23; Isaiah 40:1-5
