{6} And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

(6) So that his disciples do not stumble at his debasing himself in his flesh, he teaches them that it is voluntary, showing in addition for a moment the brightness of his glory.

People's New Testament

9:28-36 About an eight days after. For the Transfiguration, see notes on Mt 17:1-9 Mr 9:1-8. Luke adds the facts (1) that the Lord went upon the mountain to pray (Lu 9:28); (2) that as he prayed, he was transfigured (Lu 9:29); (3) that the appearance of his countenance was altered (Lu 9:29); (4) that the theme of conversation with Moses and Elijah was the Lord's decease (Lu 9:30,31); (5) that the apostles were awake when they saw the vision (Lu 9:32); (6) that they told no man in those days, even as Jesus directed (Lu 9:36 Mt 17:9).

Wesley's Notes

9:28 Mt 17:1; Mr 9:2.

King James Translators' Notes

sayings: or, things

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin And it came

See note on the transfiguration, See Scofield Note: "Mt 17:2".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Lu 9:28-36. Jesus Transfigured.

28. an eight days after these sayings-including the day on which this was spoken and that of the Transfiguration. Matthew and Mark say (Mt 17:1; Mr 9:2) "after six days," excluding these two days. As the "sayings" so definitely connected with the transfiguration scene are those announcing His death-at which Peter and all the Twelve were so startled and scandalized-so this scene was designed to show to the eyes as well as the heart how glorious that death was in the view of Heaven.

Peter, James, and John-partners before in secular business; now sole witnesses of the resurrection of Jairus' daughter (Mr 5:37), the transfiguration, and the agony in the garden (Mr 14:33).

a mountain-not Tabor, according to long tradition, with which the facts ill comport, but some one near the lake.

to pray-for the period He had now reached was a critical and anxious one. (See on [1610]Mt 16:13). But who can adequately translate those "strong cryings and tears?" Methinks, as I steal by His side, I hear from Him these plaintive sounds, "Lord, who hath believed Our report? I am come unto Mine own and Mine own receive Me not; I am become a stranger unto My brethren, an alien to My mother's children: Consider Mine enemies, for they are many, and they hate Me with cruel hatred. Arise, O Lord, let not man prevail. Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: Show Me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy name."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

9:28-36 Christ's transfiguration was a specimen of that glory in which he will come to judge the world; and was an encouragement to his disciples to suffer for him. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. Our Lord Jesus, even in his transfiguration, was willing to speak concerning his death and sufferings. In our greatest glories on earth, let us remember that in this world we have no continuing city. What need we have to pray to God for quickening grace, to make us lively! Yet that the disciples might be witnesses of this sign from heaven, after awhile they became awake, so that they were able to give a full account of what passed. But those know not what they say, that talk of making tabernacles on earth for glorified saints in heaven.