ACC ~ Mark 9 v2c

IN THEIR PRESENCE

ORIGEN: Listen spiritually that it is not said simply, “he was transfigured,” but with a certain necessary addition, which Matthew and Mark have recorded; for, according to both, “he was transfigured before them” [1] [in the presence of Peter, James and John]. The text suggests that it would be possible for Jesus to be transfigured before some of his disciples, and not before others. But if you wish to see the transfiguration of Jesus as seen by those who went up into the lofty mountain apart from the others, view with me the Jesus in the Gospels. Remember that Jesus was more literally apprehended by those below “according to the flesh” [2] —by those who did not go up to the lofty mountain of wisdom, who did not go up through words and deeds that are uplifting. But there were others by whom he became known no longer after the flesh, but in his divinity. To this all the Gospels attest. He was beheld in the form of God according to their spiritual knowledge. [3] It was before these who ascended and in their presence that Jesus was transfigured, not to those who remained below. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 12.37. [4]

[1] Mt 17:2; Mk 9:2.

[2] Cf. 2 Cor 10:2.

[3] Cf. Phil 2:6.

[4] ANF 9:470*; TLG 2042.030, 12.37.10-40.

Mk