Is John the Baptist Really Elijah?

We will be studying John 1:19-51 this week. If you have been in a class of mine for long you have probably participated in the debate of whether John the Baptist was Elijah as foretold in Malachi. The debate arises from some interesting passages that appear to contradict one another. Here are some passages to review in your quest for understanding.

2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah does not die.

Malachi 3:1 - A witness will precede Christ.

Malachi 4:5-6 - Elijah will come before.

Matthew 11:7-15 - Jesus says John was Elijah.

John 1:19-28 - John says he is not.

Verses 19-34

Here are some other thoughts/questions to consider in your preparation for this weeks lesson:

• What two names does John the Baptist give Jesus?
• What is the meaning and significance of each name?
• What aspects of the Trinity are identified in the passage?
• How does Jesus baptism differ from Johns?

Verses 35-51

• The first two disciples called by Jesus were actually John's disciples? One was named. Who do we think the other disciple was?
• Who are the first four disciples called by Jesus?
• What names did Nathanael call Jesus? What was Nathanael's initial response to Jesus as the Messiah?
• What supernatural scene is described in verse 51? What other story in scripture gives a similar description?

Enjoy the study.