Matthew 17:12

Dialogue of Justin

Wherefore also our Christ said, [when He was] on earth, to those who were affirming that Elijah must come before Christ: `Elijah shall come, and restore all things; but I say unto you, that Elijah has already come, and they knew him not, but have done to him whatsoever they chose.'[156]

Tertullian A Treatise on the Soul

that heretics of this school seize with especial avidity the example of Elias, whom they assume to have been so reproduced in John (the Baptist) as to make our Lord's statement sponsor for their theory of transmigration, when He said, "Elias is come already, and they knew him not; "[249]

Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XIII

But to this the Saviour answers, not setting aside the traditions concerning Elijah, but saying that there was another advent of Elijah before that of Christ of which the scribes were ignorant; and, in regard to this, being ignorant of him, they "had done unto him whatsoever they listed,"[2]

Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XIII

in order that the saying. "Elijah has already come,"[27]

Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XIII

But some one may raise the question whether the spirit and power of Elijah, suffered what was suffered in John, according to the words, "They did in him whatsoever they listed."[33]

Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XIII

And likewise, further, this might be inquired into, to whom refer the words, "But they did in him whatsoever they listed."[36]

Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XIII

But another might say that the words, "But they did in him whatsoever they listed," refer not to the scribes but to Herodias and her daughter, and Herod, who did in him whatsoever they listed. And that which follows, "So shall the Son of man suffer from them,"[38]

Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XIII

might be referred to the scribes, if the former were referred to them; but, if the former refers to Herod and Herodias and her daughter, the second passage will also refer to them;[39]