Transfiguration

The Gospels according to Matthew (17:1-13), Mark (9:2-13), and Luke (9:28-36) describe an occasion on which Jesus took his disciples Peter, James, and John to a mountaintop (traditionally Mount Tabor, although Mount Hermon is preferred by many scholars) and there appeared "transfigured" (manifesting glory) with Moses and Elijah. The Transfiguration is understood by Christians as a testimony that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. The Feast of the Transfiguration is observed on Aug. 6.

Transfiguration

The Transfiguration, in the New Testament, is an event traditionally understood as the revelation of the glory of Jesus Christ as the son of God. Described in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9, it occurs when Jesus takes his disciples Peter, James, and John to a "high mountain" (traditionally, Mount Tabor): "And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light" (Matthew 17:2). At the same time, the prophets Moses and Elijah appeared to the disciples and a "voice from the cloud" said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5).

The Feast of the Transfiguration originated in the Eastern church before the 7th century and was gradually introduced into the Western church. Its general observance in the Western church was established in 1456 by Pope Callistus III, who fixed its date as August 6 to commemorate a Christian victory over the Ottoman Turks at Belgrade. It is a major feast in the Orthodox and Armenian churches.

Transfigura'tion

The Transfiguration of our Lord on a "high mountain apart," is described by each of the three evangelists (Matt. 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). The fullest account is given by Luke, who, no doubt, was informed by Peter, who was present on the occasion. What these evangelists record was an absolute historical reality, and not a mere vision. The concurrence between them in all the circumstances of the incident is exact. John seems to allude to it also (John 1:14). Forty years after the event Peter distinctly makes mention of it (2 Pet. 1:16-18). In describing the sanctification of believers, Paul also seems to allude to this majestic and glorious appearance of our Lord on the "holy mount" (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18). The place of the transfiguration was probably Mount Hermon (q.v.), and not Mount Tabor, as is commonly supposed.

(Easton Illustrated Dictionary)