Elijah in the New Testament

The prophecy of Malachi is seen to be fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist who dressed like the prophet (2 Kings 1: 8 and Matthew 3: 4) and followed in the old prophetic tradition. Jesus compared John the Baptist to Elijah (Matthew 17: 11-13).

Jesus referred to the widow to whom Elijah went (1 Kings 17 and Luke 4: 24-26). The most significant reference to Elijah is in the account of the Transfiguration (Luke 9: 28-35). Elijah with Moses represented the teaching of the Covenant Law, upheld by the prophets. They bore witness to the fulfillment of the teaching of the Old Testament in the teaching and person of Jesus Christ. In the Letter of James, Elijah is given as an example of one who knew how to pray (James S :17-18).

Elijah points directly towards the other great prophets who come after him. He stood for the restoration of the covenant faith and way of life in Israel. His courage and uncompromising commitment to what God had shown him in a situation where, at times, he stood alone, are meaningful for Christians today.