10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
10 The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"
10 And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?"
10 The disciples, meanwhile, were asking questions. "Why do the religion scholars say that Elijah has to come first?"
10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
10 Then his disciples asked him, "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes? "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 17:10
Commentary on Matthew 17:1-13
(Read Matthew 17:1-13)
Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were overcome by the glorious sight. Peter thought that it was most desirable to continue there, and to go no more down to meet the sufferings of which he was so unwilling to hear. In this he knew not what he said. We are wrong, if we look for a heaven here upon earth. Whatever tabernacles we propose to make for ourselves in this world, we must always remember to ask Christ's leave. That sacrifice was not yet offered, without which the souls of sinful men could not have been saved; and important services were to be done by Peter and his brethren. While Peter spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, an emblem of the Divine presence and glory. Ever since man sinned, and heard God's voice in the garden, unusual appearances of God have been terrible to man. They fell prostrate to the earth, till Jesus encouraged them; when looking round, they beheld only their Lord as they commonly saw him. We must pass through varied experiences in our way to glory; and when we return to the world after an ordinance, it must be our care to take Christ with us, and then it may be our comfort that he is with us.