Luke 1:17
“And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
King James Version
More of Luke 1 on this siteLuke 1:26-38 · Luke 1:30-35
Gabriel tells Zacharias his son John will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, fulfilling Malachi 4:5-6.
Fulfillment References
Malachi 4:5-6 Malachi 3:1 Isaiah 40:3 John 1:23 Matthew 11:14
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJohn would go 'before him', and verse 16 says who He is: 'many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him.' John described his own mission the same way: 'Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias' (John 1:23). Isaiah's words are 'Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God' (Isa. 40:3). John prepared the way for God, and the One who came was Jesus.
JewishElijah is expected to return before the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). A cup is set for Elijah at the Passover Seder.
CatholicJohn the Baptist fulfils the role of Elijah, as Jesus said (Matt. 11:14).
ProtestantJohn came in Elijah's spirit and power, not as Elijah himself (John 1:21), preparing the way for Christ.
OrthodoxThe Forerunner, honoured as the greatest born of women (Matt. 11:11).
DispensationalJohn fulfilled it in part. Many expect a future Elijah before the day of the LORD, often linked with the two witnesses (Rev. 11).
AcademicLuke 1:17 blends Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6 with Sirach 48:10, which also speaks of Elijah turning 'the heart of the father to the son'.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.