Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 17:13

"Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist." — Matthew 17:13 (ASV)

Matthew again rounds off a section by returning to the question first raised ; they now understand that John the Baptist is Elijah. It is not at all clear, however, that they have understood much more about the death and resurrection of the Son of Man, and it becomes obvious during the passion narrative that they have not understood (cf. esp. 26:50–56). This section, therefore, marks another step, but a small one, in the understanding of Jesus’ disciples.