And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying,
Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
All Commentaries on Matthew 17:9 Go To Matthew 17
Jerome
AD 420
While they thought only of an earthly tabernacle of boughs or tents, they are overshadowed by the covering of a bright cloud; “While he yet spake there camea bright cloud and overshadowed them.
Forasmuch as Peter had asked unwisely, he deserves not any answer; but the Father makes answer for the Son, that the Lord’s word might be fulfilled, “He that sent me, he beareth witness of me.” .
Their cause of terror is threefold. Because they knew that they had done amiss; or because the bright cloud had covered them; or because they had heard the voice of God the Father speaking; for human frailty cannot endure to look upon so great glory, and falls to the earth trembling through both soul and body. And by how much higher any one has aimed, by so much lower will be his fall, if he shall be ignorant of his own measure.
And whereas they were laid down, and could not raise themselves again, He approaches them, touches them gently, that by His touch their fear might be banished, and their unnerved limbs gain strength; “And Jesus drew near, and touched them.” But He further added His word to His hand, “And said unto them, Arise, fear not.” He first banishes their fear, that He may after impartteaching.It follows; “And as they came down from the mount, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell no man this vision, until the Son of Man shall rise from the dead.” He will not be preached among the people, lest the marvel of the thing should seem incredible, and lest the cross following after so great glory should cause offence.
