Magical Individuality: Selected Lectures by Rudolf Steiner: Phinehas — Elijah — John the Baptist — Raphael — Novalis

In the public Berlin lecture on Christianity and Reincarnation of January 4th, 1904 (GA 52), Rudolf Steiner stated that reincarnation was taught in the Mysteries at all times, including by Christ, Who as the Gospel tells us, (Matthew 17:1-13) it was pointed out to His three trusted disciples that John the Baptist was the reincarnated prophet Elijah:—"…According to the intentions of the founder of Christianity, a new confession, a new gospel, had to resound, speaking in different words than those spoken by the ancient priestly sages; a message expressed from the deepest wisdom and through direct spiritual insight, yet at the same time capable of finding resonance within the simplest human heart. Therefore, the founder of Christianity wanted to draw together disciples and apostles. Wherever there were ‘stones,’ that is, human hearts, to strike sparks from, they were to be initiated into the Mystery. Therefore, they were to experience the highest, the victory of the Word. He spoke to the people in parables; but when he was alone with the disciples, he explained these to them." Read more