Transfiguration of Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Reading

by Patrick Schreiner

All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of Jesus's transfiguration. Yet there has been surprisingly little written about this key event, and many readers struggle to understand its significance and place in redemptive history, let alone how it might be applied.

Here, Patrick Schreiner provides a clear and accessible study of the transfiguration with an eye toward its theological significance and practical application. Namely, this event points to Jesus's double sonship, revealing the preexistent glory of the eternal Son and the future glory of the suffering Messianic Son. Further, the transfiguration points to Christians' own formation and transfiguration. Schreiner traces the transfiguration theme through Scripture and employs hermeneutical, trinitarian, and christological categories to assist his exegesis, thus challenging modern readings.

This enlightening study will be of interest to students, pastors, and serious lay readers.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity

183 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Collin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. I found it especially helpful that he employed the fourfold sense of reading Scripture. I think it is something we naturally do but articulation of it like this helps.

The transfiguration is a significantly underrated event in the life of Christ. It connects to all the other events and shows the double sonship of Christ through his divinity and humanity.

Really appreciated how Schriener was able to convey this with clarity. I think there was a bit too much reliance on the church fathers. In fact I would rename the subtitle to “an exegetical, theological, and historical reading”

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received The Transfiguration of Christ compliments of Baker Academic in exchange for my honest review.

The Transfiguration of Christ by Dr. Patrick Schreiner is a commentary on the biblical account of Christ’s transfiguration. Having read another book about the transfiguration left me longing to learn more about this important but often overlooked event. Dr. Schreiner begins the book by informing readers that, “The purpose of the transfiguration is . . . not only to behold the glory of God through Christ the Son but also to be transformed by beholding,” (pg. 11). Readers then learn about the settings, signs, and sayings of the transfiguration.

The Transfiguration of Christ helped me to make whole Bible connections and see how the transfiguration fulfilled Old Testament prophecies proving that Jesus is God. It was fascinating to dig deeper into this event as I hadn’t given it much consideration before. In reading this book, my eyes were opened even more to the wonder of the transfiguration. I gained a deeper knowledge of how other events in the Bible parallel this event and how it points to the return of Jesus.

It was also neat to learn about different interpretations of the meaning of certain aspects of the transfiguration. Rather than becoming lost in the weeds on these nonessential ideas, Dr. Schreiner’s writing helped me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

One aspect of this book that I appreciate is its nod to other great works of literature, including two of my personal favorites: Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.

There’s the idea that doctrine leads to devotion and this book does an excellent job of uniting both and helping readers to do the same. Commentaries are often used in classroom settings for the purpose of gaining head knowledge which has its place. However, reading a commentary that encourages readers to cultivate both head and heart knowledge excited me. I hope to read more commentaries of this kind as I continue to study the Bible. I greatly enjoyed The Transfiguration of Christ and I’m pleased to give it my highest recommendation.

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a good chance this is book of the year for me. Schreiner always delivers concise, beautiful, and easy to understand biblical theology. This work on the transfiguration is rich from beginning to end.

[Ryan Storch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially for those from the Protestant tradition. This is an underserved and under-analyzed part of Jesus' life and ministry. Schreiner very helpfully points out that the transfiguration speaks to who Jesus was as the eternally begotten Son and his future.

[Alex McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read only one other work by Pat Schreiner and have enjoyed both immensely. As far as monographs go, this one was a rare treat. Schreiner handles the Transfiguration with great care, drawing from several core theological disciplines: Exegesis, Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, and even a small dip into Critical Theology.

At just over 140 pages, this work is the perfect length. It is sharp and astute yet deeply personal and devotional. Schreiner strikes the perfect balance between scholarly work and something accessible to lay readers.

I particularly appreciated that Schreiner, a Baptist, relies heavily on the full breadth of Church history and the catholicity of the Church in this work. He quotes Bavink alongside the Cappadocian Fathers, and Calvin next to Schaefer. The ecumenical nature of this work is truly commendable.

The Transfiguration may be one of the most overlooked and understudied events in the Synoptics. However, this work does it great justice and hopefully will renew interest in the topic.

[Logan S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful in many ways, which should not surprise me since it’s Patrick Schreiner. I am getting ready to preach this passage and this will be a major source for me.

However, one weakness was that at times I felt like he overused the Fathers to make his point. There was one occasion where he made a claim and essentially backed it up by saying “the church fathers were basically unanimous in believing this” in reference to why only three disciples were invited up the mountain (p.46). That isn’t satisfactory to me. The fact is that the scriptures do not explicitly tell us why only Peter, James, and John were invited up and to assert the other disciples weren’t “ready” and support that with basically saying this is what the Fathers thought is not a great argument. I like Schreiner a lot, and I always learn a ton when I read him, but I’ve noticed in his other works along with this one that sometimes he presses his point too far. I wish he were a bit more careful in his exegesis and assertions at times.

Overall though this book is well worth your time and will make you appreciate The Transfiguration!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second offering in Patrick Schreiner’s forthcoming trilogy (Ascension, Transfiguration, Descension) is an outstanding study on a neglected subject. The strengths of the book will be obvious when you read it.

• Well-written and organized
• Theologically rich with patristic research
• Biblical theology practiced throughout
• Focus on Christ’s dual sonship as divine Son and human Messiah.

Schreiner is a joy to read and inspires pastor-teachers to pursue their own study of the transfiguration.

Why only 4 stars? Shreiner’s book suffers from over-emphasis at several points that - without guardrails - will lead readers in directions I very much doubt Schreiner would desire.

1. Over-emphasis on how “modern” interpreters have over-looked the transfiguration. Certainly true to a degree but the repetition of this point was tiresome at times.

2. Over-emphasis on the fourfold sense at the expense of the so-called “modern” literal, grammatical, historical method. I appreciated his demonstration of a responsible use of the fourfold sense. But I failed to see where a responsible interpreter using the so-called “modern” hermeneutic would not arrive at the same conclusions.

3. Over-emphasis on the authority of the patristic fathers and their interpretations as well as extra-biblical works. At times Schreiner is not careful to emphasize how the inspired, inerrant text of Scripture is the final authority and not an equal authority with the patristic fathers or extra-biblical literature.

None of this is a criticism of Dr. Schreiner as a person or his commitment to Christ and the Bible. I have the upmost confidence of his fidelity to both. And I truly have enjoyed both of his books and look forward to his third one on the descent into hell.

But as one Goodreads reviewer aptly observed, he wouldn’t be surprised if Schreiner became Orthodox in the future. While I don’t share this reviewer’s confidence, I do see why he came to that conclusion.

As more people observe a growing trend of Baptists becoming Anglican or Orthodox, Baptist scholars have an increasing responsibility to ground their students and their writings in a clear conviction of why such a move is neither wise nor biblical.

I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to using it in my own teaching ministry in the future. The over-emphasis in these three areas did not take away from Schreiner’s skill as a writer, commitment as a scholar, and sincerity as a Christ follower.

Pick up and read!

[Frank Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I really liked and other parts that I felt were lacking and wished for more. Overall a good primer to critically thinking about the theology and interpretation of the Transfiguration

[Evan Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough. So good!

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the Transfiguration.

[Kyle Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cons: I appreciate the attention Schreiner brings to the transfiguration event, but I am not impressed by many of the exegetical moves he attempts to make. His exegetical method is not consistent and engages in some eisegetical maneuvers to prove his point.

Pros: Most biblically literate Christians have a basic familiarity with the parallel accounts of the transfiguration of Jesus, but don’t understand the purpose of this event in his life and ministry. Patrick Schreiner pulls back the curtain and unveils the theological richness of this often-overlooked passage, showing us how the metamorphosis of the Messianic Son on a mountain anticipates our metamorphosis as children of God in glory.

[Kristjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recounted in all three (3) of the synoptic gospels, the Transfiguration of Christ is obviously an important part of the faith from the very beginnings of the Church that is rich in symbolism that can be difficult to unpack and appreciate today without the appropriate historical context. Schreiner does an excellent job providing that context along with commentary that explores a number of potential interpretations, some of which provided new insights and some of which seemed to be a bit of a stretch, all of which provoked some deep thoughts about how this event should fit within the faith. Overall I found this to be a valuable addition to me reference library.

The chapters and sections in this work are:

Introduction: A Two-Level Christology
Chapter 1. The Necessity of the Transfiguration
Chapter 2. The Glorious Setting
Chapter 3. The Glorious Signs
Chapter 4. The Glorious Saying
Chapter 5. The Transfiguration and Theology
Conclusion: Restoring the Transfiguration
Appendix: Light from Light

Some of the other points that really got my attention are:

For Christians, “metamorphosis” refers both to the physical unveiling of Jesus on the mountain (Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:2) and to the change that progressively occurs in Christians (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18) as we behold “God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6) and eventually “see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

First, the Gospels saw the episode as foreshadowing Jesus’s resurrection and exaltation. Second, Jesus’s transformation and the cloud recalls the glorification of Moses. Third, the dazzling white garments are typical of heavenly beings, including the glorified saints.

This context is fundamental for understanding the transfiguration. Jesus, in an allusion to Daniel 7:13–14, predicts that some of the disciples will not die until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. The temporal note signifies that the transfiguration fulfills Jesus’s prediction. The transfiguration is a vision of the Son of Man’s glory, victory, and exaltation.

God created the world in six days, then on the seventh day he rested. The eighth day was known as the first day of the new creation, since it transcended the seven days of creation. The seventh and eighth day imagery therefore symbolizes the reconfiguration of the cosmos.

Second, mountains are places of theophanies, where God and humankind meet. A mountain is an axis mundi, a conduit between earth and heaven, a place of divine revelation. God met with Abraham on a mountain (Gen. 22), revealed himself to Moses in the burning bush on a mountain (Exod. 3:9–10; 19:18–20), and spoke to Elijah on a mountain (1 Kings 19). Mountains are where humans encounter God.

The church fathers all affirmed that the transfiguration, while a concrete historical event, was symbolic of our own ascent to God. The setting becomes a cipher for what it means to “seek the things above” (Col. 3:1), ascend God’s mountain (Exod. 19:3; Isa. 2:3; Ps. 24:3; Mic. 4:2), and reach for the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). To ascend God’s mountain requires casting off that which clings so closely (Heb. 12:1–2) and discarding the deeds of darkness (Rom. 13:12). This has been called the work of purgation––burning the sin from our bodies.

All three Evangelists recount Moses and Elijah’s advent with only minor differences. Matthew and Luke list the figures in chronological order—Moses then Elijah—while Mark names Elijah before Moses. Luke is unique in saying they appeared in “glory” (doxa) and spoke of Jesus’s “departure” (exodos). Significantly, only after Jesus is transfigured do they appear.

Many assert that Moses and Elijah appear because they are covenantal figures who represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). Throughout the New Testament, the phrase “the Law and the Prophets” summarizes all of Israel’s Scriptures.

The church has spoken of the stage after purgation as one of illumination. We put off sin so that we can ascend and see. We move from the ways of a child (purgation) to that of an adolescent (illumination) (see 1 Cor. 13:11–12). Illumination is “characterized by a radical shift of the deep dynamics of our being, a profound transformation of our relationship with God.”

His error lies in his basic proposal to make tents. Peter’s misstep pertains to his attempt to prolong the glory of the scene ad finitum. Peter envisions this mount as the new Bethel, the dwelling place of God, that should last into eternity.

The Lord commands Abraham to take his only and beloved son and sacrifice him on the mountain. The links to the transfiguration are hard to miss: (1) sacrificial imagery, on (2) a mountaintop, accompanied by (3) beloved-son language, and (4) future glorification. In the Jewish tradition, Isaac is seen as a sacrificial figure. The story is called the Akedah, from the Hebrew term for the binding of Isaac.

For Hebrews, “today” is forever. Today is always present. Therefore, when the Father says, “Today, I have become your father,” it implies a past, present, and maybe even eternal meaning.

The Old Testament contains an iconic text that also calls Israel to listen: the Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4–5. The title “Shema” is based on the first Hebrew word of the text, which means “listen,” “hear,” or “obey”: “Listen [shema‘], Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one [ekhad]. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

Origen held to a three-stage understanding of Christ’s visibility. First, everyone can see Christ’s physical body donned in the incarnation. Second, there is a glorified but only semi-spiritualized body shown at the transfiguration and between the resurrection and ascension, and only the spiritually mature can perceive it. Third, there is the body of Jesus that has ascended into the heavens, which is fully spiritual and can only be seen by those who have assumed “spiritual” bodies.

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#TheTransfigurationOfChrist #NetGalley

[Ryan Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is theology that preaches.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch. Seems like the author will probably end up Orthodox at some point.

[Michael Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A contribution to Christology that is as edifying as it is scholarly," so the Kevin Vanhoozer endorsement on the back cover reads. I have to agree. Schreiner's exploration of this important, yet often overlooked event, carefully weaves insights from exegesis, typology, parallels, and Christian tradition into an unexpectedly encouraging book. Though certainly not for everyone, I found the book fairly accessible (despite having over 300 footnotes in just 158 pages). The way the author explained and defended the fourfold sense of scripture, Nicene Trinitarianism, and Chalcedonean Christology as necessary foundations for understanding the Transfiguration was refreshing (particularly coming from a professor at a Southern Baptist Seminary).
Criticisms for this book will likely come from two fronts: 1) Schreiner's unapologetically theological reading of the texts would be scoffed at by many historical-critical-leaning scholars. 2) More conservative Protestants may take issue with his extensive reliance on Christian tradition (especially from the Eastern church). He seems to have foreseen both and writes in the conclusion, "Maybe you think I have pushed my argument too far... if we begin by trusting that the early church has something to teach us... then the pieces fall into place." (p. 149)

[Joel Opificius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book fairly helpful as I study the transfiguration. This is truly one of the toughest passages in the Gospels, and it becomes one of the greatest tests of one's hermeneutical commitments. The subtitle of this volume is "an exegetical and theological reading." Yet, I think that Schreiner focused much more on the theological aspect to the detriment of exegesis. He seems to try to make too many connections with little evidence. Additionally, he often falls into the fallacy of saying that multiple interpretations are correct, rather than critically evaluating each one. In short, while I found this book very helpful for my study and will continue to refer to it, I think that Schreiner's hermeneutical commitments lead to overinterpretation.

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! It is a little hard to read because of its depth, but it is so worth the effort. I’ve never read a work on the transfiguration before so this book made me be in awe of Jesus’ double sonship revealed at the transfiguration. I came away from reading this by exclaiming “Jesus is Glorious!”

Patrick Schreiner does a great job by presenting the glorious setting, glorious signs, glorious sayings, and then by presenting a theology of the transfiguration. He leans on biblical theology, systematic theology, and historical theology in a way that is comprehensible and very helpful to better understand the meaning of each aspect of the transfiguration.

This is a must read in order to better understand the transfiguration!

[Todd Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I would disagree with Schreiner's (and ironically Origen's) assertion that all can be redeemed, I do not think that the term "allegory" can be salvaged. That being said, Schreiner's modeling of the fourfold sense of Scripture was relentlessly tethered to the biblical text. It seems to me that most of what Schreiner does with the senses beyond the literal is more applicational in manner.
Schreiner did strong work by digging deep into the mysteries surrounding the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. He consistently introduces the thoughts of Church Fathers and his systematic conclusions are thoroughly orthodox. Best of all, Schreiner's work is devotional. I am better off for having read it.

[Daniel Arter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Midwestern Seminary.

This book is an excellent discussion concerning an oft-neglected aspect of Jesus’ life. The transfiguration is so often neglected that I didn’t even realize how neglected it was until I started reading through Schreiner’s book.

Now, I don’t believe that the author says anything new in the book, but I do believe he does an excellent job at reminding Christians of just how essential the transfiguration is—as a testament to Jesus’ divinity and humanity.

This is worth reading.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book!

The subtitle, "An Exegetical and Theological Reading" is spot on. Schreiner does a fantastic job unpacking both the biblical-exegetical aspects of the Transfiguration and its theological aspects.

Beyond that, Schreiner is a helpful guide on both *how* one should read the Bible. Throughout shows the necessary relationship between theology and exegesis to come to a full understanding of the Word of God.

I highly recommend it!

[Dan Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed every book that I have read by Patrick Schreiner. I've been looking forward to this book for a while and it did not disappoint.

There is so much to the Transfiguration that I haven't noticed before, the setting, the sayings, and the signs have so much more depth than I have known in the past. There is a lot here to think on.

[Corbin Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterful Marrying of Systematic Theology with Sound Exegesis rooted in Biblical Theology. A strong reliance on classical Trinitarianism and Christology with an appropriate appreciation of the patristics and their exegesis. The book is deeply insightful and very readable. Essential reading for Christology or if you are preaching through the Gospels.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a thorough and rich examination of a much overlooked subject. I will never look at the transfiguration the same way again. Wonderful exegetical and devotional insights. Heart stirring and mind stimulating. Enjoyed it!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly magnificent treatise on one of the more obscure occurrences in the Gospel narratives. The analysis is thorough, faithful to the Scriptural witness, and wonderfully insightful. I have a new appreciation and deeper understanding of the transfiguration.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of the book is clear. It is very accessible and rejoices the heart.

[Ryland Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding treatment of the Transfiguration but what I enjoyed the most was showing a solid hermeneutic and how understanding Scripture can be deeper than just meaning/application.

[Neh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. E.g., Moses and Elijah's hopes were fulfilled. The Transfiguration is likened to election result, whereas the Ascention is the inauguration / coronation. It is worthy of being read devotionally. Benefited much from reading it little by little.

[Ryan Bristow · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite theology books in recent memory. Written very well, and extremely helpful and inspiring. We need to pay more attention to this part the gospels.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the life of Jesus, the transfiguration is probably the event I had the most difficult time understanding. This resource by Schreiner reviews the what and the why to give the reader hope, because "the transfiguration guarantees that we will not only be where he is but as he is." It's an accessible, but challenging book, but it's expanded my thinking and understanding about how the transfiguration makes a difference to our Christian faith.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Will Cunningham-Batt · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot to appreciate here. I think Schreiner's conclusions are on the money and he certainly does justice to a part of Scripture that many of us brush over. I loved how he deployed both biblical theology and the doctrine of God to help us see how the transfiguration reveals Jesus' double identity and divine and messianic Son. I also appreciated how he kept personal application at the forefront (the transfiguration reveals the goal of humanity towards which we must strive as we take up our crosses). However, I did feel that Schreiner was also banging his drum quite hard – he's unashamedly wanting to retrieve the theology of the church fathers and he's unapologetic in his use of the fourfold sense in interpreting Scripture. This should be all well and good (and I might be wrong), but it seems to me that, in terms of the former, the voices of the church fathers take on almost as much weight as Scripture, and often with little help in sifting their views. With regard to the latter, his use of the fourfold sense seems to me both rather incoherent and highly subjective. All in all, the destination was great, but I wasn't always convinced by the journey we took to get there.