Matthew 17:1 - After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.

Generated Verse: Matthew 17:1

What does "Matthew 17:1" mean?


This verse marks the beginning of the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's break down what it means:

"After six days..." This likely refers to six days after the events described in the previous chapter, Matthew 16. Specifically, it likely refers to six days after Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ and Jesus' first prediction of his suffering, death, and resurrection.

"...Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother..." Jesus chose these three disciples out of the twelve for this special experience. Peter, James, and John are often considered the "inner circle" of disciples and were frequently present at significant moments in Jesus' ministry (e.g., the raising of Jairus's daughter).

"...and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves." The specific mountain is not named in Matthew's Gospel, although tradition often identifies it as Mount Tabor. The key point is that they went to a secluded place, away from the crowds. This isolation suggests that Jesus intended to have a private, intimate experience with these three disciples.

In essence, this verse sets the stage for a significant event:

Selection: Jesus is intentionally selecting three key disciples.
Seclusion: He's taking them to a private place, implying a special revelation is about to occur.
Preparation: The phrase "after six days" suggests a period of waiting or anticipation, building up to this moment.

The verse itself doesn't reveal the meaning of the Transfiguration, but it prepares the reader for it. The Transfiguration will reveal a deeper aspect of Jesus' identity and provide a glimpse of his glory. It's a crucial moment for these disciples to witness, as it will likely sustain them through the difficult times ahead, particularly Jesus' crucifixion.

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