Contradiction with Malachi 4:5
This verse predicts Elijah's return before the Day of the Lord, aligning with Matthew 17:10, but the timing and nature of this appearance can be debated in relation to Jesus' time.
Malachi 4:5: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Contradiction with Matthew 11:14
This implies that John the Baptist is Elijah, while Matthew 17:10 questions his coming, leading to a potential contradiction in identification and expectation.
Matthew 11:14: And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.
Contradiction with John 1:21
In this verse, John the Baptist denies being Elijah, which conflicts with the implication in Matthew 17:10 where Elijah’s coming is anticipated.
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 9:11-13
These verses reiterate the prophecy of Elijah's coming but suggest fulfillment in a way that does not fulfill the expectation in Matthew 17:10, raising questions about literal versus figurative fulfillment.
Mark 9:11-13: And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
Contradiction with Luke 1:17
This indicates that John the Baptist came in the "spirit and power" of Elijah, which might contradict the expectation of a literal coming as anticipated in Matthew 17:10.
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]