WAS JOHN THE BAPTIST ELIJAH?

Note: The situation is that some of John the Baptist's followers are wondering if John is a reincarnation of the prophet Elijah (also known as Elias). Matthew 17:12 (Jesus speaking) But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. (KJV) John 1:21 And they asked him (John the Baptist), What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. (KJV)

This is rather complex, but what happened was that the Jews were expecting Elijah himself, but instead God was sending the spirit of Elijah in the body of John the Baptist. So no, John the Baptist was not actually Elijah, but he was the spirit of Elijah.  Not a contradiction.