Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 17:12

"but I say into you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but did unto him whatsoever they would. Even so shall the Son of man also suffer of them." — Matthew 17:12 (ASV)

Elias is come already—These words, an emphatic repetition of what was said before in Matthew 11:14, should be decisive regarding the issue raised in the preceding verse. Insofar as the prophecy of Malachi required the coming of Elijah, that prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist—though he was unaware of it himself—as he came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). The disciples did not need to look for any other personal appearance.

The use of the present and future tenses in Matthew 17:11 points to a deeper truth that the disciples would learn later. The Elijah ministry, the work of the preacher of repentance, is not a transient phenomenon belonging to only one stage of the Church’s history. Instead, it was to be the indispensable preparation for the coming of the Lord throughout the ages, until the end of all things. Only through this ministry could all things be restored and the path made ready for the heralds of forgiveness and peace.

They knew him not—The Greek word implies full and accurate knowledge. It is better, perhaps, to translate it as they recognized him not. Must we not say that those who, after these words, still look forward to the personal advent of Elijah are unconsciously placing themselves on the same level as those whose dimness of perception our Lord condemns?

But have done unto him whatsoever they listed—Literally, they did in him (meaning, he was the sphere in which their will operated) whatsoever they would. The word “list,” now practically archaic, was the same as “lust” but without the specific evil sense that has become attached to the latter word. It is significant that our Lord charges the guilt of John’s rejection and death upon the scribes and the people at large, with no special reference to the Tetrarch Antipas. The passions and intrigues of the palace were merely instruments working out the intent of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them—This is another instance of what may be called the new tone that spreads over our Lord’s teaching from the time of the Transfiguration. In one aspect, everything becomes darker, sadder, and more somber. He is drawing nearer to the cross, and He brings the thought of the cross closer to the minds of the disciples.