Ancient Synagogue in Capernaum

Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee

Ancient synagogue in Capernaum

Synagogue at Capernaum

Synagogue at Capernaum

“Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.“ John 6:57-59 NIV

Capernaum synagogue (photo courtesy of Beth and Rick Coleman)


Village of Capernaum. 
Village of Capernaum.  Note the black basalt rock used to construct the buildings.  The synagogue at the time of Jesus Christ was also built of this basalt rock.  The current synagogue was built in the 4th or 5th century, but on the foundation of the original basalt rock Synagogue foundation from the time of Jesus.  Hence, when you stand in the synagogue and look out on the ruins of the village of Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee, you are actually standing where Jesus Christ once stood looking at Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee.

“When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. “  Luke 7:1 NIV

Remains of ancient village of Capernaum (photo courtesy of Rick and Beth Coleman)

Millstone in Capernaum (photo courtesy of Rick and Beth Coleman)


The traditional site of Peter's house in Capernaum
The traditional site of Peter’s house in Capernaum.  Peter’s house is the innermost somewhat circular structure.  The outer octagonal “ring” of blocks are the remains of an early 5th century Christian church built over and around Peter’s house.  The large structure over both the house and the original church is the modern catholic St. Peter’s Church in Capernaum (see next photo for a better view of the modern  Catholic church).



Modern Catholic church sitting over the top of Peter's house.  The church is called St. Peter's Church and was built in 1990.
Ancient Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat,
Capernaum was a fishing village on the coast of the Sea of Galilee at the time of Christ.  Several of the disciples were fisherman before meeting Jesus.  This is a fishing boat from the first century.  This boat was unearthed from the mud when the Sea of Galilee had receded during a drought.  Wikipedia tells us “The Ancient Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat, is an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century AD, discovered in 1986 on the north-west shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. The remains of the boat, 27 feet (8.27 meters) long, 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) wide and with a maximum preserved height of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters), first appeared during a drought, when the waters of the Sea (actually a great fresh-water lake) receded.[1] Other than the dating, there is no evidence connecting the boat to Jesus or his disciples.”  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee_Boat

                                                     Capernaum Synagogue

360 degree photo (move your mouse or rotate your cell phone to look around the area).

 

 

                                               Village of Capernaum                

360 degree photo (move your mouse or rotate your cell phone to look around the area)

 

Short video of Capernaum:

For another interesting video on Capernaum, check out Sergio and Rhoada’s visit to Capernaum at: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2250681741844975

Also, see Dr. Todd Fink’s photos and videos on Capernaum at:  https://www.holylandsite.com/capernaum-overview

 

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