Elijah (sources)

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Survey of ancient sources on Elijah.

Early Christian sources

Gospel of Mark

Mark.6.15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”

Mark.8.28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

Mark.9.4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Mark.9.5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

Mark.9.11 And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” Mark.9.12 And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? Mark.9.13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

Mark.15.35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” Mark.15.36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.”

Gospel of Matthew

Matt.11.14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.

Matt.16.14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matt.17.3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Matt.17.4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

Matt.17.10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” Matt.17.11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. Matt.17.12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”

Matt.27.47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” Matt.27.49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”

Gospel of Luke

Luke.1.17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

Luke.4.25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, Luke.4.26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.

Luke.9.8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Luke.9.19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.”

Luke.9.30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, Luke.9.33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

Gospel of John

John.1.21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” John.1.25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

Letter to the Romans

Rom.11.2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?

Letter of James

Jas.5.17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.