John the Baptist and Elijah

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I am confused .

The bible says in the OT and by Jewish tradition that Elijah will herald the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist heralded Christs coming. When questioned, he denies being Elijah(john 1:21)

WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?!?!?!?

When will Elijah come (at the Second coming, perhaps?)

Also, what was John’s role?

ANSWERS PLEEEEAAAASE!

 

[DavidFilmer]

The bible says in the OT and by Jewish tradition that Elijah will herald the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist heralded Christs coming. When questioned, he denies being Elijah(john 1:21)

John denied it, but Jesus affirmed it. Maybe John didn’t know he was Elijah. But Jesus said,

Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.

Matthew 11:11-15
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And, again,

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Then the disciples asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Matthew 17:9-13
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Personally, I think Jesus knew better than even John himself.

 

[NotWorthy]

John denied it, but Jesus affirmed it. Maybe John didn’t know he was Elijah. But Jesus said,
And, again,
Personally, I think Jesus knew better than even John himself.

Prophets aren’t blessed with Divine Wisdom, just Divine Words. Good point, David!

 

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How was John elijah, though? Some suggest reincarnation, but that is not a biblical doctrine. Anyway, Elijah never died.

Was John just Elijah symbolically then?

 

[NotWorthy]

How was John elijah, though? Some suggest reincarnation, but that is not a biblical doctrine. Anyway, Elijah never died.

Was John just Elijah symbolically then?

Yes, Elijah was a type of John, just as Joshua, Moses, Adam, and Isaac were types of Jesus.

But no, John the Baptist was not a reincarnated Elijah.