And behold there talked with him two men,.... Of great note and fame:

which were Moses and Elias; the one the giver of the law from God to the people "of Israel", as well as the redeemer of them from Egyptian bondage, and who led them through the wilderness, to the borders of Canaan's land; and the other a prophet famous for his zeal for God, and his worship, and who was translated, soul and body, to heaven: these appeared and talked with Christ on the mount; and what they talked of is mentioned in the following verse; See Gill on Matthew 17:3.

There talked (συνελάλουν)

The imperfect is graphic; as the vision revealed itself, the two were in the act of talking.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

9:28-36 About an eight days after. For the Transfiguration, see notes on Mt 17:1-9 Mr 9:1-8. Luke adds the facts (1) that the Lord went upon the mountain to pray (Lu 9:28); (2) that as he prayed, he was transfigured (Lu 9:29); (3) that the appearance of his countenance was altered (Lu 9:29); (4) that the theme of conversation with Moses and Elijah was the Lord's decease (Lu 9:30,31); (5) that the apostles were awake when they saw the vision (Lu 9:32); (6) that they told no man in those days, even as Jesus directed (Lu 9:36 Mt 17:9).

30, 31. there talked with him two men . Moses and Elias . appeared in glory-"Who would have believed these were not angels had not their human names been subjoined?" [Bengel]. (Compare Ac 1:10; Mr 16:5). Moses represented "the law," Elijah "the prophets," and both together the whole testimony of the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Old Testament saints, to Christ; now not borne in a book, but by living men, not to a coming, but a come Messiah, visibly, for they "appeared," and audibly, for they "spake."

9:28-36 Christ's transfiguration was a specimen of that glory in which he will come to judge the world; and was an encouragement to his disciples to suffer for him. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. Our Lord Jesus, even in his transfiguration, was willing to speak concerning his death and sufferings. In our greatest glories on earth, let us remember that in this world we have no continuing city. What need we have to pray to God for quickening grace, to make us lively! Yet that the disciples might be witnesses of this sign from heaven, after awhile they became awake, so that they were able to give a full account of what passed. But those know not what they say, that talk of making tabernacles on earth for glorified saints in heaven.