Pablo, the Precursor?

Paul and the traditions about Elijah

Abstract

It is common to say that Paul is an "apostle", that he is a missionary, and even who is a prophet, or who sees himself as one. The tradition of Elijah, as an expected character is no stranger to the Jewish milieu or even to early Christianity. "Something" is said of this emblematic prophet of ancient Israel. And something is projected into the future: Elijah or someone/something that resembles him is expected for the more or less immediate future. The tradition of Elijah is important not only in Judaism but also in the Gospel writings. However, it seems to be absent in the first generation, the tradition of Elijah seems to have nothing to say in the Pauline writings, but is it really so? Could it be that Paul sees himself as a Elijah's fate announcing the final coming of the Savior?