Matthew 17:10

“And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?”

Certainly! Let’s delve into a Bible study on Matthew 17:10 in the King James Version (KJV).

First, let’s read the verse:

In this passage, Jesus had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration, where He had been transfigured before Peter, James, and John, and had conversed with Moses and Elijah. As they descended the mountain, the disciples were puzzled by a teaching they had heard from the scribes (religious scholars) regarding the coming of Elijah.

To understand the context better, it’s helpful to look at the preceding verses. In Matthew 17:1-9, we see the account of the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ appearance was gloriously transformed before His disciples. Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets respectively. Peter, awestruck by the sight, suggested building three tabernacles, one for each of them. However, as Peter spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from heaven declared Jesus as God’s beloved Son, instructing the disciples to listen to Him.

Now, let’s focus on Matthew 17:10. The disciples, likely still trying to process the significance of what they had witnessed on the mountain, asked Jesus about the scribes’ teaching concerning Elijah. The scribes were known to be experts in the interpretation and understanding of the Scriptures, so their opinions held weight among the people. The disciples’ question reveals their confusion regarding the prophecies and the role of Elijah in relation to the coming of the Messiah.

To fully grasp the disciples’ query, it is important to refer to the prophecy they were referencing. In Malachi 4:5-6, it was foretold, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” The disciples were aware of this prophecy, and they were likely perplexed because they had just witnessed Jesus speaking with Elijah on the mountain.

In the following verses, Jesus responds to their question and provides clarity. Let’s continue reading in Matthew 17:11-13 (KJV):

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise, shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.”

Jesus affirmed that Elijah would indeed come first to restore all things, fulfilling the prophecy. However, He added that Elijah had already come, and the people did not recognize him but mistreated him as they wished. Jesus was referring to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and announcing the arrival of the Messiah (Matthew 3:1-3).

By identifying John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah, Jesus clarified the confusion surrounding the role of Elijah and His own identity as the Messiah. This revelation would have helped the disciples understand the connection between the prophecies of the Old Testament and Jesus’ ministry.