The 'Fourth Gospel' and the Jesus of history (Reconstructing a "synoptic framework" of reflective narrative within the Johannine tradition)

In the "quest for the historical Jesus" it has become axiomatic that the Fo urth Gospel, with a few notable exceptions (e.g. certain elements in the pa ssion narrative), has little to offer attempts to trace the person and acti vity of the pre-Easter Jesus. A study of the Johannine presentation of the beginnings of Jesus' ministry, his relationship with the Baptist, the calli ng of disciples and his presence in the Jerusalem Temple, suggests otherwis e. Given the Markan imposition of a "framework" upon the Synoptic tradition , the Johannine tradition may more accurately recall those early events.