Matthew 17:13

13 Then the followers understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist.

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 Jesus answered, "They are right to say that Elijah is coming and that he will make everything the way it should be.

12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him. They did to him whatever they wanted to do. It will be the same with the Son of Man; those same people will make the Son of Man suffer."

13 Then the followers understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist.

14 When Jesus and his followers came back to the crowd, a man came to Jesus and bowed before him.

15 The man said, "Lord, have mercy on my son. He has epilepsyn and is suffering very much, because he often falls into the fire or into the water.