July 1, 2012

Capernaum, the town of Jesus 0

by • Holy Land, Israel, Pilgrimage Sites • Tags: , , , , , ,

Capernaum played a pivotal role in Jesus’ life and was known as his home town. The town had a fishing and docking area of the Sea of Galilee and had a customs house and police station.

Capernaum

Entrance to the Capernaum Old Town

Capernaum served as the base for Jesus’ activities in the Galilee.  It was here that He met Peter and the other apostles, taught at the synagogue, preached to the multitudes and performed numerous miracles.  From here, He became well-known throughout the area.

Capernaum

The house of St. Peter were Jesus performed miracles

In Capernaum, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, the paraplegic (Mark 2, 1-12) and the slave of the Centurion (Matthew 8, 5-13).

This is also where Jesus resurrected the daughter of Jairus, one of the leaders of the synagogue (Mark 5, 21-43).  When He had completed his activities there, Jesus became enraged with the city and prophesied its destruction (Matthew 11, 23-25).

In 1990 a modern church was built over the 5th C church, over St Peter’s house. You can walk up to the main floor, which has a glass bottom in the center, and view the holy site.

Capernaum

Through the glass window you can see the house of St Peter, and around it the Octagon Church.

The Synagogue was built at the end of the 4th C AD. In the photo below – the main prayer hall. This building was built from white limestone, which is in contrast with the local black basalt buildings. It had a roof, which stood over the pillars that are seen in the hall.

Capernaum

Remains of the great Synagogue of Capernaum

 

Capernaum

Detail of the Synagogue

 A visit to Capernaum is always included in the pilgrimage tours of MBM Classic Travel.  Next Departure Sept 4 and November 14, 2012.  For details pls email travelinquiry@mbmclassictravel.com or call +63 2 904 0187

 

Sources:  Sacred Destinations, In the Footsteps of Jesus Christ (published by Tour Card)