volume 12, issue 1, 2020, pages 51 – 70

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsCYVM7698
Published online: 2020-06-01
Published in print: 2020-06-30

Abstract: On the basis of the interpretation of the texts of the Gospel of Luke, where Elijah is mentioned either explicitly (1:17; 4:25.26; 9:8.19.30.33) or implicitly (7:11-16.18-23.24-28; 9:51.5455.61-62), this study points to its role and importance in this gospel. The image of Elijah in the Gospel of Luke is complex. John the Baptist is associated several times with Elijah: explicitly in Luke 1:17 (the prediction of the angel Gabriel) and implicitly in 1:76 (the prophecy of Zechariah) and in 7:27 (the assessment of Jesus). On the other hand, Jesus is also depicted with the features of the prophet Elijah: Jesus’ preaching at Nazareth (4:25-26; cf. 1 Kgs 17:18-16), the raising of the widow’s son (Luke 7:11-17; cf. 1 Kgs 17:8-14), the saying of Jesus addressed to would-be followers (Luke 9:61-62; cf. 1 Kgs 19:19-21). John the Baptist is associated with Elijah, as the forerunner and preparer of the way of the Lord (= Jesus) in the way Malachi speaks (3:1), while Jesus is not associated with the Elijah figure of Malachi, but with the Elijah of the Deuteronomistic cycle 1 Kgs 17–2 Kgs 2. However, StBiSl 12 (1/2020) 70 Elijah Jesus is not Elia redivivus, he is “more than Elijah”. He is “the Christ of God” (Luke 9:20), who does not act as the fiery reformer, but who brings salvation.