Hi
I was wondering if someone could point me to a good resource which discusses how Jesus goes straight into the desert after being baptized in the synoptic gospels but in John he recruits disciples the next day ?
thank you
Hi Dave,
I'm wondering if you've misread John's account a little. John's Gospel does not directly relate the baptism of the Lord Jesus. In John 1:32-34 we read JTB's testimony about the Lord Jesus where JTB recalls what he witnessed when he baptised Jesus. This is clearly an event which took place sometime in the past which John is remembering and referring to in order to substantiate what he says about Jesus' identity. The next day, that is the day after he gives this testimony, two of his disciples decide to follow Jesus.
Does that help?
Colin
In addition to what Colin has provided, the Introduction found in your commentaries is usually the best location to find lengthy conversation about this books relationship to the Synoptics and its uniqueness. Some Bible Handbooks will also briefly touch on the subject.
Thanks guys. I really appreciate your getting back to me. I am still very much a beginner in bible study so thanks for putting up with my basic questions and thanks for the great answers. I was reading things chronologically but kept missing the important point :-) I will have a look at the introductions of a couple of commentaries. I have missed this, I have jumped straight in to the detailed material without looking at the overview - daft I know but I am learning :-)
Thanks again
John's report is his return to John after the stay in the wilderness. Had to point that out to two pastors. Have heard a TV commentator state that the first thing John said to Jesus was 'behold the lamb of God' as if that was the first time Jesus came to John rather then the second time.
Also John's gospel was written many years after the synoptics. So, maybe, he deliberately told how Jesus got his first disciples instead.
John's report is his return to John after the stay in the wilderness. Had to point that out to two pastors. Have heard a TV commentator state that the first thing John said to Jesus was 'behold the lamb of God' as if that was the first time Jesus came to John rather then the second time. Also John's gospel was written many years after the synoptics. So, maybe, he deliberately told how Jesus got his first disciples instead.
Thank you so much David. I read it as your two pastors did first of all. I thought I was paying attention but missed the point completely about the two meetings . Thanks for answering my question .
Hi I was wondering if someone could point me to a good resource which discusses how Jesus goes straight into the desert after being baptized in the synoptic gospels but in John he recruits disciples the next day ? thank you
Dave.
I had the exact same question after reading a book on the chronology of Jesus' life a few years ago. I emailed the author and he sent me the following reply:
Does 'the next day' in John 1:35 really mean the next day after the baptism? I was reading it as the next day after the words of John 1:29, and taking it that in John 1:29-34 John the Baptist was looking back on something that had happened a little while before.
Thanks Paul. This is where I was. I read it as if the discourse was purely chronological but on closer reading there appears to be a discontinuity in the discourse :-) thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.
