Key examples of alleged literary devices: (1) John moved the temple cleansing from Passion Week to early ministry; (2) John invented "I thirst" on the cross as a theological symbol; (3) Matthew's raised saints as "special effects." McGrew argues all are unnecessary — simpler historical explanations exist.

Temple cleansing: the theory says John moved it from late to early ministry. McGrew believes there were simply two cleansings. "I thirst": theory says John invented it as private symbolism for feeling forsaken; McGrew notes Jesus was on the cross for 3 hours — he could have said both things. Raised saints (Matthew 27): Licona called this "special effects" — apocalyptic symbolism emphasizing the event's magnitude. McGrew notes this is rolled in with the earthquake, which Matthew says the centurion SAW, making it look very realistic. Licona's 2017 book went further with invisible devices — e.g., claiming "John appears deliberate in his attempt to lead readers to think the Last Supper was not a Passover meal" when it was. These are invisible within the text, unlike recognizable figures of speech.