And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come [before the kingdom].

And they answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or [just] one of the prophets.”

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

Then Peter began to speak and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good and delightful and auspicious that we are here; if You wish, I will put up three [sacred] tents here—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

The disciples asked Him, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things;

but I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him, but did to him as they wished. The Son of Man is also going to suffer at their hands.”

When some of the bystanders there heard it, they began saying, “This man is calling for Elijah.”

But the rest said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him [from death].”