Matthew 17:13

13 Then it dawned upon the disciples that it was John the Baptist about whom He had spoken to them.

Matthew 17:13 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 17:13

Then the disciples understood
By his saying that Elias was come, and by the account he gave of his ill usage, it was clear to them,

that he spake unto them of John the Baptist;
and that he was the Elias that was to come, and was come: so that this observation, that according to prophecy Elias was to come before the Messiah, was no objection to Jesus being the Messiah; but on the contrary, since he that was intended by Elias was come, and had done his work and office, it was a confirmation of the truth of his Messiahship.

Matthew 17:13 In-Context

11 "Elijah was indeed to come," He replied, "and would reform everything.

12 But I tell you that he has already come, and they did not recognize him, but dealt with him as they chose. And before long the Son of Man will be treated by them in a similar way."

13 Then it dawned upon the disciples that it was John the Baptist about whom He had spoken to them.

14 When they had returned to the people, there came to Him a man who fell on his knees before Him and besought Him.

15 "Sir," he said, "have pity on my son, for he is an epileptic and is very ill. Often he falls into the fire and often into the water.