ACC ~ John 6 v5

DISCREPANCIES WITH JOHN’S ACCOUNT?

AUGUSTINE: If our Lord, according to the narrative of John, on seeing the multitude, asked Philip (having in view to test him), where they could buy food for them, it is difficult at first to see how it can be true, according to the other account, that the disciples first told our Lord to send away the multitude. [1] … There is also the fact that our Lord replied, “They need not depart; you give them something to eat.” [2] … We must understand then it was after saying this that our Lord saw the multitude and said to Philip what John had related, which has been omitted by the rest. HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 2.46.96. [3]

[1] Mt 14:15.

[2] Mt 14:16.

[3] NPNF 1 6:149**.

TWO DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS?

CHRYSOSTOM: [Or], the two are entirely different accounts. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 42.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:151**.

THE GREATNESS OF THE MIRACLE

CHRYSOSTOM: Jesus spoke the same way to Moses in the Old Testament, for he did not bring about a sign until he had asked him, “What is that in your hand?” Because things that happen unexpectedly and all at once are liable to throw us into forgetfulness of what happened previously, Jesus first involved Philip in a confession of the present circumstances. In this way, when the astonishment comes upon him, afterwards he might be unable to drive away the memory of what he had confessed, and thus might learn by comparison the greatness of the miracle, which in fact takes place in this instance. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 42.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:151*.