I have no problem with the passage.
John is recording the time and what is happening.
But we also have more information as to what is happening in v23.
It does not mean Jesus was affirming what was happening anymore than He would affirm the sacrifices or other practices of the Jews.
It is something the Jews were celebrating....but, as we see in the NT the Jews didn't get a lot right.
I am going to cite some NT passages and ask if you can find the passage that the NT is drawing from and quoting/referencing.
When a writer in the NT draws on other sources, such as what you're alluding to, it only means the portion of what is cited is inspired....not the entire work.
Else we'd have to cite as authoritative the non-Biblical works Paul cites in his writings.....and I don't think you want to include those in the NT canon.
So my position remains intact.
ealgeone:
Again, you are not answering my ? what books do your protestant bibles cite?
So by not citing the books in the OT that are in the canon of 39 books, does that mean nothing is inspired in them.