Matthew 16:21

From that time forth. The conversation of vs. 13-20 was a fitting introduction to the subject Jesus now introduced for the first time — His imminent sufferings, death, and resurrection (see on v. 13). Whether the instruction and conversation of vs. 21-28 took place immediately after the preceding section, or very shortly after, is not known. Another slight interval of time may have intervened between vs. 23 and 24 (see Mark 8:34; DA 416). Be that as it may, it is clear that all the conversation and discussion recorded in vs. 14-28 took place in the region of Caesarea Philippi (see on v. 13; cf. DA 411, 418). It was now probably in the latter part of the summer, A.D. 30 (see on v. 13).

Prior to this occasion Jesus had not discussed His Messiahship even with the Twelve (see on vs. 13, 16), nor had He mentioned to them the fact that, as the Messiah, He must die for the sins of the world. He had, it is true, alluded to His death in an enigmatic statement at the time of the First Cleansing of the Temple, more than two years earlier (see on John 2:19), and to Nicodemus He had plainly, though privately, set forth both the fact and the nature of His death (see John 3:14). From this time forth, however, Jesus repeatedly discussed the matter with His disciples, in an endeavor, no doubt, to wean their minds away from the false, popular concepts the Jews then entertained concerning the Messiah and His kingdom (see on Luke 4:19). Their reluctance upon this occasion to accept and entertain the idea that the Messiah must suffer and die (see Matt. 16:22) emphasizes the difficulty Christ had in disabusing their minds of this misconception. Again (ch. 17:22, 23) and again (ch. 20:17-19) He discussed the matter with them. But their disappointment, when the time finally arrived, showed that it was only with partial success that Jesus pressed upon them the instruction He now had to impart to them.

He must. Literally, “it is necessary for him” (see on Luke 2:49), that is, in the sense that it was necessary for Him to do so in order to fulfill the plan for His life while on earth (cf. Mark 8:31; 9:12; etc.). There was no way in which He could accomplish His mission but by the way of the cross.

Jerusalem. Whither, a few months later — perhaps three or four — He “stedfastly set his face to go” (see on Luke 9:51).

Suffer many things. As had been prophesied (see Ps. 22:1, 7, 8, 15-18; Isa. 53:3-10; etc.). Jesus’ sufferings have meaning for us in terms of His being the Son of God, the Messiah of OT prophecy, and the Redeemer of mankind. Because He was the Messiah, He must suffer.

The elders. The use of a single definite article in the Greek indicates that the three classes of leaders — elders, chief priests, and scribes — are here treated as a single group and not as three separate groups. Probably, therefore, this was the Sanhedrin, which is known to have been composed of these three groups. For comment on the “chief priests” see on eh. 2:4. For comment on the “scribes” see on Mark 1:22. The Sanhedrin was the supreme legislative and judicial body of Israel, consisting of 71 members (see p. 67).

Be killed. Again and again Jesus plainly set forth the facts, both of the crucifixion and of the resurrection. Nevertheless, the disciples failed to comprehend Christ’s meaning (Mark 9:10, 32), blindly choosing to believe what they wanted to believe and passing by what they found displeasing to their preconceived opinions (see DA 30).

The third day. See pp. 248-250.