Q&A: Partial and multiple fulfillment of prophecy — the Elijah/John the Baptist example

Mike says yes, with caution. The principle must be applied thoughtfully, not as a wild card. Best example: the 'Elijah who is to come' prophecy — John the Baptist fulfills it 'in the spirit and power of Elijah,' and Jesus confirms this (Matthew 11:14), yet Elijah (or an Elijah-like figure) comes again before the Second Coming. This is a case of partial fulfillment followed by total/final fulfillment, not pure double fulfillment. Key warning: this principle must not be deployed arbitrarily to make any text mean whatever is convenient.