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How Did the Disciples Recognize Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration?

Question:

At the Transfiguration, the apostles seemed to know that the persons conversing with Jesus were Moses and Elijah. How?

Answer:

The Gospels do not explain how the disciples were able to recognize Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration, so any answer is a guess.

Possible ways the disciples were able to recognize Moses and Elijah:

  • Jesus referred to them by name in his conversation with them, and the disciples overheard it.
  • The disciples overheard the conversation, and the context informed them with whom Jesus was speaking.
  • They had something unique about their appearance that made them readily recognizable (Exodus 34:29; 2 Kings 1:8).
  • There was some sort of heavenly announcement that wasn’t recorded in the Gospels.
  • Jesus explained to the disciples who they were.
  • They were divinely inspired to recognize them, similar to God’s revelation to Peter that Jesus is the messiah.
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