Matthew 17:7 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Jesus came and touched them. — Act and words were both expressive of an almost brotherly tenderness. The touch of the hand they had so often grasped — as, e.g., in Matthew 14:31 — the familiar words that had brought courage to their fainting hearts in. the hour of danger (Matthew 14:27), these recall them again to the realities of life. They need not fear the glory of the divine Presence, for He is with them still as its most perfect manifestation.