ACC ~ Matthew 11 v14

HE IS ELIJAH

APOLLINARIS: He called John Elijah because of Elijah’s power and spirit. And since this statement of Jesus was obscure, he left the understanding of it for those capable of perceiving its meaning. But the angel Gabriel also said this about John: “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah,” [1] showing that he was the same as Elijah, even if, as a visible human being, he was other than Elijah. FRAGMENTS 62-63. [2]

[1] Lk 1:17.

[2] MKGK 18.

A NEW STATE

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Jesus is in effect saying: Just as Elijah will come toward the end of this present age preaching about my imminent appearance from heaven, in the same way this one [1] has spread the good news of my coming, [2] bringing an end to the old things. [3] My coming is something new, a type of the state of things that is about to occur. FRAGMENT 61. [4]

[1] John the Baptist.

[2] In the time of Christ it was a common belief among the Jews that Elijah would return to earth to announce the coming of the Messiah before the end of the world.

[3] Putting a conclusion to the things of the old covenant.

[4] MKGK 116.

HE CAME IN THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH

JEROME: So John the Baptist is called Elijah, not in accordance with foolish philosophers and certain heretics who introduce the topic of metempsychosis (transmigration of souls) [1] but because, according to other evidence of the gospel, he came in the spirit and goodness of Elijah and had either the same grace or power of the Holy Spirit. The austerity of their life and firm resolve were equally strong in Elijah and in John. Both lived in the desert. The former girded himself with a belt of skins, and the latter had a similar belt. The former was forced to flee because he accused Ahab and Jezebel of the sin of impiety in their lives. John was beheaded because he accused Herod and Herodias of unlawful marriage. There are those who think therefore that John is called Elijah because, just as Elijah would lead the way in the second coming of our Savior (according to Malachi) and would announce that the Judge was coming, so John acted at the first coming and because each was a messenger either of the first or second coming of our Lord. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.11.15. [2]

[1] As though the soul of Elijah had occupied the body of John the Baptist.

[2] CCL 77:81-82.