Contradiction with Malachi 4:5-6
Elijah's coming is future-oriented, implying the prophecy has not yet been fulfilled in contrast to Mark 9:12 where Elijah is said to have already come.
Malachi 4:5-6: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Contradiction with Matthew 17:11-12
Jesus states Elijah has already come, aligning with Mark 9:12, but contradicting Jewish expectation of future restoration.
Matthew 17:11-12: And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
Contradiction with John 1:21
John the Baptist denies being Elijah, contradicting the identification in Mark 9:12 where Elijah's coming is associated with John.
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 Luke 1:17
John the Baptist comes in the spirit of Elijah, presenting no direct physical appearance as Elijah in contrast to Mark 9:12.
Luke 1:17: And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. [to the wisdom: or, by the wisdom]
Contradiction with Matthew 11:14
Suggests that John the Baptist is Elijah if one is willing to accept it, conflicting with Mark 9:12’s definitive statement on Elijah's coming.
Matthew 11:14: And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.
Paradox #1
Mark 9:12 might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible because it talks about the suffering and rejection of a figure like Elijah. However, Elijah is a prophet in the Old Testament who was taken to heaven in a whirlwind without dying. The New Testament suggests parallels between Elijah and John the Baptist, who did suffer and was rejected. This could seem contradictory for those who interpret the Elijah reference literally, as it doesn't fit the original story of Elijah's life.
Paradox #2
Mark 9:12 can be seen as conflicted or inconsistent with other parts of the Bible regarding the prophecy of Elijah. Some interpretations suggest that Elijah's coming was supposed to predate and prepare for the Messiah, but the way it is explained could seem at odds with the actual events and understanding of other scriptures about Elijah's role and the Messiah's arrival.
Paradox #3
Mark 9:12 might be seen as inconsistent because it mentions that Elijah must come first, referring to a prophecy about Elijah's return before the Messiah. Yet, if Jesus is the Messiah, Elijah's return is not clearly documented in the same way the prophecy suggests, causing some confusion or differing interpretations on how this prophecy is fulfilled.