Matthew 17:11

"His disciples asked him, saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”"

Key Reflection

The disciples' question reflects a well-known Jewish belief that Elijah would appear before the Messiah to prepare the way (Malachi 4:5). The scribes, who had studied these texts meticulously, expected Elijah's return as a sign of impending divine judgment and the coming of the Messianic age. By asking Jesus about this, the disciples were seeking clarity on how his identity and mission fit into these eschatological expectations, highlighting the complex interplay between current events and ancient prophetic traditions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 11. Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, He did not mean by this that Elijah was yet to come for he directly tells them that he had come; but he meant to affirm that it was a true doctrine which the scribes taught, that Elijah would appear before the coming of the Messiah. To restore, means to put into the former situation. See Mt 12:13. Hence it means, to heal, to correct, to put in proper order. Here it means that Elijah would put things in a proper state; be the instrument of reforming the people; of restoring them, in some measure, to proper notions about the Messiah, and preparing them for his coming.

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