Matthew 17:4 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

Bible Comments

"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias."

It appears by what both Mark and Luke have related of this wonderful scene, the Apostle was in such a state of rapture that he knew not what he said. No doubt his whole soul was absorbed in the contemplation, and, like Paul upon another occasion, perhaps, not un-similar, knew not whether he was in the body or out of the body. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. The proposal of making tabernacles upon earth for those inhabitants of heaven, plainly shews in what a state Peter's mind was. But Peter might well say, it was good to be present at such a scene. And yet who should have thought, that a man present at such a manifestation of Christ's glory, and one who had before received the testimony of being blessed in the revelation God the Father; had made to him concerning the Person of Christ, (see Matthew 16:15-19) would ever afterwards have denied Christ. (Matthew 26:69-75.) Oh! that such an example may be commissioned of our God, to teach both Writer and Reader of this Poor Man's Commentary, what Peter himself, in the after stages of life declared, that they that are kept, are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, 1 Peter 1:5. Depend upon it, the safety of Christ's whole Church is in Christ, and not in ourselves.

Matthew 17:4

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.