Contradiction with Matthew 11:14
This verse identifies John the Baptist as Elijah, contradicting the future arrival of Elijah as predicted in Malachi 4:5.
Matthew 11:14: And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.
Contradiction with John 1:21
John the Baptist explicitly denies being Elijah, contrasting with the prophecy of Elijah's return in Malachi 4:5.
John 1:21: And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. [that prophet: or, a prophet?]
Contradiction with Mark 9:13
Jesus implies that Elijah has already come in the form of John the Baptist, conflicting with the future coming described in Malachi 4:5.
Mark 9:13: But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction with Malachi 4:5 could relate to the belief that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the prophecy promising the return of Elijah, as stated in the New Testament. However, some may see a contradiction because John the Baptist himself denied being Elijah when questioned by the religious leaders, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This raises questions about prophetic fulfillment and identity.
Paradox #2
Malachi 4:5 talks about the coming of a prophet before a great event. The potential contradiction or conflict could arise with interpretations of the New Testament where Jesus mentions John the Baptist as the fulfillment of this prophecy. Some might see inconsistency in identifying who this prophet is meant to be.
Paradox #3
Malachi 4:5 mentions that Elijah the prophet will come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Some people see a contradiction because Elijah had already lived and died long before this was written. Others believe that it refers to John the Baptist or a symbolic return. The conflict arises between a literal interpretation versus a symbolic or metaphorical one.