Christoph G. Muller, «Der Zeuge und das Licht. Joh 1,1–4,3 und das Darstellungsprinzip dersu/gkrisij», Vol. 84 (2003) 479-509

The ancient principle of presentation, syncrisis, repeatedly used in research for the interpretation of Luke 1–2, is applied here. In this article the author first presents the most important aspects of syncrisis and then moves to the question whether or not one can present a valid study, with the use of syncrisis, for the interpretation of the ‘John the Baptist texts’ in John’s Gospel (1,6-8.15; 1,19-34; 1,35-42; 3,22-36; 4,1-3; 5,33-35; 10,40-42) and for the relationship of John and Jesus. We arrive at a positive result; the repeated signals ‘towards’, ‘under’, etc. are recognizably indicators of ordered relationships. The comparison that comes to light serves together with the visible differences in the profiling of each of them — precisely in their opposition to each other. Thus, syncrisis is revealed as a rich literary means to show continuity and discontinuity. Evaluation and relativisation, integration and subordination to the figure of Jesus determine the presentation of the Baptist in John’s Gospel. The appropriate ordering of his person to Jesus is shown also in the area of metaphorical speech, when John is presented as "the friend of the bridegroom" (John 3,29).

Auf jeden Fall kommt es zu einer "Integration des Täufers bei gleichzeitiger Unterordnung unter die Gestalt Jesu"¹⁵⁰. Ein "Täufer ohne Jesus" ist "für die christliche Gemeinde unvorstellbar"¹⁵¹.