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But they understood not - This whole verse is wanting in two MSS., in the first edition of Erasmus, and in that of Aldus. Mill approves of the omission. It does not appear likely, from Matthew's account, that three of the disciples, Peter, James, and John, could be ignorant of the reasons of Christ's death and resurrection, after the transfiguration; on the contrary, from the circumstances there related, it is very probable that from that time they must have had at least a general understanding of this important subject; but the other nine might have been ignorant of this matter, who were not present at the transfiguration; probably it is of these that the evangelist speaks here. See the observations on the transfiguration, Matthew 17:9; (note), etc., and Matthew 18:1; (note).

See the notes at Matthew 17:22-23.

Mark 9:31

Is delivered - Is given to men to make an atonement by his sufferings and death, and will in due time be taken and killed.

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:22-27; Matthew 18:1-20; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:46-48.

On returning to Capernaum, Jesus did not repair to the well-known resorts where He had taught the people, but with His disciples quietly sought the house that was to be His temporary home. During the remainder of His stay in Galilee it was His object to instruct the disciples rather than to labor for the multitudes. DA 432.1

Thus far the cunning and hatred of Satan had not broken up the plan of salvation. The time for the accomplishment of the object for which Jesus came into the world was drawing near. Satan and his angels consulted together and decided to inspire Christ's own nation to cry eagerly for His blood and heap upon Him cruelty and scorn. They hoped that Jesus would resent such treatment and fail to maintain His humility and meekness. EW 161.1

While Satan was laying his plans, Jesus was carefully opening to His disciples the sufferings through which He must pass—that He would be crucified and that He would rise again the third day. But their understanding seemed dull, and they could not comprehend what He told them. EW 161.2

The messages in this volume, dealing so intimately with the hearts and souls of those who stood as shepherds of the flock and of those who carried administrative responsibilities, would apply today only if the conditions described existed again. None should err in applying the reproofs to all ministers at any and all times. Nor should the intimate knowledge of some of the problems and crises met through the years ever dim our confidence in the glorious triumph of the cause of God. TM xxxv.1

Ellen white, to whom God had revealed the secrets of the hearts of men and the weaknesses and deficiencies of humanity, did not lose confidence in God's chosen workmen. To her, the fact that God sent messages of reproof to those who erred, was not an indication that they were forsaken, but rather an evidence of God's love, “for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” Nor did the setbacks which came to the cause as the battle raged between the forces of evil and the forces of righteousness leave her with despondency of heart, for she discerned that “we have as Bible Christians ever been on gaining ground” (Selected Messages 2:397), and that “The God of Israelis still guiding his people, and that he will continue to be with them, even to the end” (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 437, 438). TM xxxv.2

This foreword is designed to inform the reader as to the historical setting of the contents of this volume. There are a number of references to specific experiences, movements, and institutions, that may seem somewhat obscure to us who live so many decades away from the events. To give information which will guide to a better understanding of such references, appendix notes have been supplied. TM xxxvi.1