Malachi 4:5 prophesies that Elijah will come. When John the Baptist was conceived, it was said that he would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Hence, in a sense, John may be considered “Elijah, who is to come” (cf. 17:10-13). However, the prophecy of Mal. 4:5 will actually be fulfilled during the great tribulation, when the real Elijah, one of the two witnesses, will come to strengthen God’s people (Rev. 11:3-12).
A prophet in spirit of Elijah should go before, coming of Messiah.
John the Baptist only said Not Elijah physically, But Elijah spiritually.
'John 1:23 - He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.'
'Luke 1:17 - And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Mat 11:142a Elijah Mal. 4:5; Luke 1:17; Matt. 17:10-13
Malachi 4:5 prophesies that Elijah will come. When John the Baptist was conceived, it was said that he would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Hence, in a sense, John may be considered “Elijah, who is to come” (cf. 17:10-13). However, the prophecy of Mal. 4:5 will actually be fulfilled during the great tribulation, when the real Elijah, one of the two witnesses, will come to strengthen God’s people (Rev. 11:3-12).
The two passages complement one another. Jesus speaks from a prophetic and spiritual perspective, highlighting John’s role in fulfilling Elijah’s mission. John the Baptist, on the other hand, speaks from a literal and personal perspective, denying any claim that he is Elijah himself.
These verses do not contradict each other. They address different aspects of John the Baptist’s identity and role:
1. Matthew 11:14 reflects Jesus’ divine insight. He affirms that John fulfills the prophetic mission of Elijah—coming in the “spirit and power of Elijah” as described in Luke 1:17.
2. John 1:21 reflects John the Baptist’s humility and literal understanding. He denies being Elijah reincarnated because he knows he is a distinct individual.
DJohn the Baptist came "in the spirit and power of Elijah." (Luke 1:17) Elijah is still to come! (Rev. 11, Zec. 4)
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