The answer of the disciples to Jesus’ question shows us that the crowds of people in Galilee thought that Jesus was a prophet. Some thought that he was John the Baptist raised from the dead (Mark 6:14) or Elijah. These two prophets appear to have been mentioned because in some way they explained Jesus’ miraculous power. If he were John the Baptist raised from the dead, that would explain why he can do so many miracles. If he were Elijah, that would also explain all his miracles. When Elijah served as a prophet, lots of miracles were done (1 Kings 17:1 – 18:46; 2 Kings 1:1 – 2:25). People in Israel were expecting Elijah to come before the dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).
28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”