The talk addresses the scene of the Transfiguration in the Gospel of Matthew and explains the appearance of Moses and Elijah with the Lord Christ, and how the repetition of the name Elijah in the narration has prophetic implications related to Elijah coming before the final coming of the Lord. His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that the disciples asked about the prophecy of Elijah, and that Jesus clarified that Elijah had come in a spiritual form in the person of John the Baptist but that he will also come truly in the future before the day of judgment.

Prophetic and historical clarification

The speaker reviews the texts of Malachi and Isaiah to show that there is a “forerunner” for each coming: John the Baptist was the forerunner for the first coming (Christ in the flesh), and Elijah will precede the second coming. He also mentions how the Jews were eagerly awaiting Elijah, even leaving an empty chair at the Passover table hoping for his arrival.

Meaning of “spirit of Elijah”

The teacher explains the phrase “Elijah has come” to mean that someone came in the spirit and manner of Elijah, not that it is literally the same living person by name. He cites the story of Elijah and Elisha where the “spirit of Elijah” rested on Elisha meaning power, manner, and prophetic gift, not literal transmigration or reincarnation.

Rejection of reincarnation doctrine from a biblical perspective

Pope Shenouda discusses the objection about multiple incarnations and reincarnation, explaining that Scripture teaches one death and then judgment; he appeals to Hebrews and Revelation texts that speak of the “second death” (the lake of fire and brimstone) as the final fate. He points out that souls are not free to incarnate when they please because God is sovereign in raising the dead and ordering their destiny.

The coming of the witnesses and the resurrection

The lecture addresses references in the Book of Revelation to the “two witnesses” (one of whom may be Elijah and the other Enoch) and their role as precursors before the second coming, then links that to the concept of resurrection and the final accounting which abolishes death and casts death and Hades into the fiery lake.

Practical and spiritual conclusion

The saint emphasizes the necessity of understanding prophecies in their correct context and not taking them only literally, because many prophecies are fully understood after their fulfillment and may be fulfilled in stages across ages. He concludes the lecture with a gentle reminder that these matters require biblical and spiritual discernment, and notes that the talk ends for health reasons.

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