Matthew 16:21

Verses 21-23. See also Mk 7:31-33, Lk 9:22. From that time forth. This was the first intimation that he gave that he was to die in this cruel manner. He had taken much pains to convince them that he was the Messiah; he saw by the confession of Peter that they were convinced; and he then began to prepare theft minds for the awful event which was before him. Had he declared this when he first called them, they would never have followed him. Their minds were not prepared for it. They expected a temporal, triumphant prince, as the Messiah. He first, therefore, convinced them that he was the Christ; and then, with great prudence, began to correct their apprehensions of the proper character of the Messiah.

Elders. The men of the great council, or sanhedrim. Mt 5:7.

Chief Priests and Scribes. Mt 3:7.

(w) "From that time" Lk 9:22, 18:31, 24:6,7, 1Cor 15:3,4

Matthew 20:17

Verses 17-19. See also Mk 10:32-34, Lk 18:31-34. And Jesus going up to Jerusalem. That is, doubtless, to the passover. This journey was from Galilee, on the east side of Jordan, probably to avoid the Samaritans, Mt 19:1. At this time he was on this journey to Jerusalem, probably not far from Jericho. This was his last journey to Jerusalem. He was going up to die for the sins of the world.

Took the twelve disciples apart. All the males of the Jews were required to be at this feast, Ex 23:17. The roads, therefore, on such occasions, would probably be thronged. It is probable also, that they would travel in companies, or that whole neighbourhoods would go together. See Lk 2:44. By his taking them apart is meant his taking them aside from the company. He had something to communicate which he did not wish the others to hear. Mark adds, "And Jesus went before them: and they_were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid," Mt 10:32. He led the way, He had told them before, (Mt 17:22) that he should be betrayed into the hands of men, and be put to death. They began how to be afraid that this would happen, and to be solicitous for his life and for their own safety.

(k) "And Jesus" Mt 16:21, Mk 10:32, Lk 18:31, Jn 12:12

Mark 8:31

Mark 9:30-31

Verses 30-32. Mt 17:22,23 Verse 31. Is delivered. Is given to me to make atonement by his sufferings and death, and will in due time be taken and killed.

Mark 10:33

Verse 33.

(w) "we go up" Acts 20:22

Luke 9:22

Verse 22.

(r) "The Son of man" Mt 16:21, 17:22

Luke 9:44

Verse 44. Let these sayings. Probably this refers to the sayings of the people, who had seen his miracles, and who on that account had praised and glorified God. On that ground they had acknowledged him to be the Christ. As if he had said, "I am about to die. You will then be disconsolate, and perhaps doubtful about my being the Christ. Then do you remember these miracles, and the confessions of the people--the evidence which I gave you that I was from God." Or it may mean, "Remember that I am about to die, and let my sayings in regard to that sink down into your hearts, for it is a most important event; and you will have need of remembering, when it takes place, that I told you of it." This last interpretation, however, does not agree as well with the Greek as the former.

(m) "for the Son of man" Mt 17:22
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