ESV Reformation Study Bible – Matt 11:14
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right Matthew chevron-right Matt 11:14
Matt 11:14

11:14 he is Elijah. Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the Elijah prophesied by Malachi to come as the forerunner of the Messiah (Mal. 4:5). This identification required the eyes of faith (“if you are willing to accept it”). There may have been some misunderstanding that Elijah would be reincarnated, but John denied that he was Elijah (John 1:21). Gabriel’s announcement was that John would come “in the spirit and power” of Elijah (Luke 1:17).