ACC ~ John 5 v1

CHRIST ALWAYS WENT TO JERUSALEM FOR PASSOVER

IRENAEUS: One can examine the Gospels to ascertain how often after his baptism the Lord went up, at the time of the Passover, to Jerusalem, in accordance with what was the practice of the Jews from every land, and every year, that they should assemble at this period in Jerusalem and there celebrate the feast of the Passover. First of all, after he had made the water wine at Cana of Galilee, he went up to the festival day of the Passover…. Afterwards he went up, the second time, to observe the festival day of the Passover [1] in Jerusalem. On this occasion he cured the paralytic man who had lain beside the pool thirty-eight years…. Then, when he had raised Lazarus from the dead and plots were formed against him by the Pharisees, he withdrew to a city called Ephraim. And from that place, as it is written, “He came to Bethany six days before the Passover,” [2] and going up from Bethany to Jerusalem, he there ate the Passover and suffered on the day following. Now, that these three occasions of the Passover are not included within one year, every person whatever must acknowledge. AGAINST HERESIES 2.22.3. [3]

[1] It is well known that to fix what is meant by the”feast” referred to in this passage of John is one of the most difficult points in New Testament criticism. Some modern scholars think that the feast of Purim is intended by the Evangelist. But, on the whole, the current of opinion that has always prevailed in the church has been in favor of the statement here made by Irenaeus, although Chrysostom thought it was the feast of Pentecost (see Homily on John 36.1), as did Ammonius (Fragments on John 155). Christ would therefore be present at four Passovers after his baptism—Jn 2:13; 5:1; 6:4; 13:1—which implies at least a three year ministry. It is from John that we learn of this three year ministry, not the Synoptic Gospels.

[2] Jn 11:54; 12:1.

[3] ANF 1:390-91*.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR REVELATION

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: He chose the time when everybody gathered to offer his help to everyone. Therefore he went to Jerusalem at that time. He did not think it was necessary to travel around and go to every place where people were ill, so that it might not appear that he was looking for fame. Instead he healed one only and through him he revealed himself to many. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 2.5.1. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:98.