Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 9
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Mark 9
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Mark 9
"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There are some here of them that stand [by], who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power." — Mark 9:1 (ASV)
This verse is probably an independent saying Mark has placed here, used in order to make a transition between the Transfiguration (9:2–8), a momentary manifestation of the glory and power of the kingdom, and the Parousia (8:38), the full manifestation of it. On this understanding the Transfiguration anticipates and guarantees the Parousia. To “taste death,” refers to experiencing death for the sake of Jesus. Before that happens to some of them, they will (temporarily) see God’s kingdom come in power.
"And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them;" — Mark 9:2 (ASV)
“After six days” suggests that the Transfiguration is historical, connected with the previous event (see comment on Lk 9:28). The revelation was given to Peter, James, and John, the inner circle of the disciples (cf. 5:37–42; 14:33–42). The “high mountain” is most likely Mount Hermon (over 9,000 feet high), located near Caesarea Philippi, where the event Mark has just recorded took place. The word “transfigured” (GK 3565) describes Jesus’ change into another form ; the word is later used to denote the progressive change into the moral likeness of Christ (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Mount Hermon, about forty miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee, is the highest mountain in this area of the world (9,000 feet above sea level). In winter it is often snowcapped.
"and his garments became glistering, exceeding white, so as no fuller on earth can whiten them." — Mark 9:3 (ASV)
It is difficult to know exactly what happened at the Transfiguration. Jesus’ clothes became “dazzling white.” His appearnce was temporarily changed into that of a heavenly being (cf. Revelation 1:13–14).
"And there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus." — Mark 9:4 (ASV)
Why the appearance of Elijah and Moses? If what the disciples saw was a glimpse of Jesus’ final state of glory, then Moses and Elijah’s function is to announce the End. In Jewish expectation, Elijah clearly played that role (cf. Malachi 4:5; Mark 9:11–12). But what of Moses? The possible reappearance of Moses just before the End developed later in Jewish thought. Or Moses and Elijah may have been at the scene as representatives of the Law and the Prophets—i.e., the OT, which was being fulfilled by Jesus.
"And Peter answereth and saith to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." — Mark 9:5 (ASV)
True to form, Peter responded impulsively. His words show that he was greatly moved by the experience, yet did not understand it. He wanted to prolong it by erecting three shelters. But before Jesus could enter permanently into his glory and eternal rest he had to suffer and die. Peter again stumbled at the necessity of a suffering Messiah.
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