Who was Elias?

Elias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elijah (Hebrew: אֵלִיָּהוּ, Eliyahu), which means “My God is Yahweh.” In the New Testament, Elias is referenced several times as a prophetic figure of great significance. In Matthew 16:14, when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” they responded, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah [Elias]; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” This reflects the widespread Jewish expectation of Elijah’s return before the coming of the Messiah, based on Malachi’s prophecy (Malachi 4:5).

Elias, or Elijah, was a towering Old Testament prophet known for his confrontation with idolatry in Israel, calling down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, and his ascension into heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). By the time of Jesus, his legacy had become closely tied with messianic expectations, which is why his name arises during discussions about Jesus’ identity and mission.

Biblical References

• Old Testament: 1 Kings 17–2 Kings 2

• New Testament: Matthew 16:14; Matthew 17:3-12; Mark 9:4-13; Luke 1:17; John 1:21; Romans 11:2-4; James 5:17

• Cross-references: Malachi 4:5–6; 2 Kings 1:8; Revelation 11:3-6 (typological connections)

Elias in Matthew 16

In Matthew 16:14, Elias is listed among the prophets whom the people thought Jesus might be. This highlights both the impact of Elijah’s prophetic role in Jewish memory and the people’s limited understanding of Jesus’ true identity. Elijah was expected to return before the coming of the Lord, as stated in Malachi 4:5. The people, witnessing the miracles and authority of Jesus, speculated that He might be Elijah come again.

However, Jesus later clarified in Matthew 17:10-13 that John the Baptist had come “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” fulfilling the role of the forerunner to the Messiah. The disciples’ confusion about Elias reveals the Jewish anticipation for restoration and judgment, but also the need for spiritual discernment to understand God‘s unfolding plan.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The mention of Elias reminds Christians of God‘s sovereign plan throughout redemptive history. Elijah‘s life and ministry serve as a reminder of God’s power in confronting evil, the call to faithfulness in hostile times, and the hope of restoration.

For Christians, recognizing that Jesus is greater than Elias or any prophet is crucial. While Elijah performed miracles and called the nation to repentance, Jesus is the fulfillment of every prophetic word. Understanding who Elias was helps believers see the continuity of Scripture and how all prophecy culminates in Christ.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Elias is a forerunner figure, pointing forward to Christ, but also to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus (Luke 1:17). On the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), Elias appears with Moses, representing the Prophets and the Law, both of which find their fulfillment in Jesus.

Elijah’s ascension into heaven without dying is also a foreshadowing of the ascension of Christ (Acts 1:9). But unlike Elijah, Jesus not only ascended—He conquered death and secured salvation for all who believe.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Prophetic Fulfillment

Elias is central to understanding messianic prophecy and its fulfillment. His reappearance in the New Testament signals God’s continuity in redemptive history.

2. The Forerunner Motif

John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elias, preparing the way for the Lord. This reinforces the theme that God raises up voices to announce His purposes before fulfilling them.

3. Power and Prayer

Elijah’s life illustrates the power of prayer and boldness in confronting evil (James 5:17-18), reminding believers to trust God in all circumstances.

4. Heavenly Destiny

Elijah’s unique departure from earth prefigures the believer’s hope of eternal life and the reality of resurrection power through Jesus Christ.

5. Identity of Christ

The confusion over whether Jesus was Elias underscores the need to rightly understand Jesus‘ divine identity—not merely as a prophet but as the Son of God.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think people in Jesus’ day confused Him with Elias or other prophets?

2. What does Elijah‘s boldness in confronting evil teach us about living faithfully today?

3. How does John the Baptist’s ministry fulfill the prophecy about Elijah’s return?

4. In what ways does Jesus surpass Elijah in power, authority, and mission?

5. Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God as Elijah did on Mount Carmel?

6. How does Elijah‘s story encourage you in times of spiritual discouragement?

7. What can we learn from the Mount of Transfiguration about Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets?

8. How do we avoid reducing Jesus to a mere moral teacher or prophet?

9. What role does prayer play in confronting spiritual strongholds, as it did for Elijah?

10. How can the lives of biblical prophets like Elias point us more clearly to the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Elias stands as a vital figure connecting the Old and New Testaments, a witness to God‘s mighty power and a shadow of the greater Prophet, Priest, and King—Jesus Christ.