Page 398 - ILIAS ATHANASIADIS AKA RO1

In the Synoptics Jesus’ public career appears to have lasted less than one year,
since only one Passover is mentioned, but in John three Passovers occur,

implying a ministry of more than two years.

In all four Gospels Jesus performs miracles, especially healings, but, while
exorcisms are prevalent in the Synoptics, there are none in John.

The greatest differences, though, appear in the methods and content of Jesus’

teaching. In the Synoptic Gospels he speaks about the kingdom of God in short
aphorisms and parables,

Making use of similes and figures of speech, many drawn from agricultural and

village life.

He seldom refers to himself, and, when asked for a “sign” to prove his authority,

he refuses (Mark 8:11–12). In John, on the other hand, Jesus employs long

metaphorical discourses, in which he himself is the main subject.

His miracles are described as “signs” that support the authenticity of his claims

Scholars have unanimously chosen the Synoptic Gospels’ version of Jesus’

teaching.

The verdict on the miracles is the same, though less firmly held: in all
probability Jesus was known as an exorcist, which resulted in the charge that he

cast out demons by the prince of demons (Mark 3:22–27).

The choice between the narrative outline of the Synoptics and that of John is less
clear. Besides presenting a longer ministry than do the other Gospels, John also

describes several trips to Jerusalem.

Only one is mentioned in the Synoptics. Both outlines are plausible, but a
ministry of more than two years leaves more questions unanswered than does

one of a few months.

It is generally accepted that Jesus and his disciples were itinerant, that they
traveled around Galilee and its immediate environs and that Jesus taught and

healed in various towns and villages as well as in the countryside