Capernaum

Capernaum is a small town on the north coast of the Sea of Galilee.  In Biblical times it was a fishing village and was home to Jesus' disciples Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew.  Capernaum was also where Jesus based his ministry after leaving his hometown of Nazareth (see next post).

The Bible records a number of miracles being performed by Jesus in Capernaum; including delivering a man of a demon in the synagogue, healing Peter's mother-in-law of a fever, and healing the paralytic who was lowered through the roof.  The servant of the Roman Centurion who was sick and healed by Jesus was also in Capernaum.

Even though Jesus did so many miracles in Capernaum, apparently the hearts of the majority of the townspeople were not changed because Matthew records in his Gospel that Jesus condemned the town and said that even Sodom (of Sodom & Gomorrah) would fair better on judgement day.

Today in Capernaum you can see the ruins of a 4th century synagogue (nicknamed the white synagogue) that is built on the foundation of a 1st century synagogue.  Since there was only one synagogue in town, it is very possible that the 1st century synagogue is where Jesus often preached, and cast the demon of of a man (see above).  You can also see the 1st century ruins of part of the town of Capernaum, and what many historians believe is the ruins of Peter's house.

Stove carvings

The foundation of the 1st century synagogue are the dark stones, with the 4th century synagogue built on top.

Looking in through the back wall of the 4th century synagogue

Columns in the synagogue

Similar to the Western Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, worshipers have written out their prayers and stuffed them into the cracks of the back wall of the ancient synagogue.

Ruins of a 1st century home in Capernaum

Ruins of the village

A mosaic tile floor found during the excavations

The ruins of Simon Peter's home in Capernaum.  The dark colored joists above the ruins are holding up a Catholic Church, with a  glass floor, built over Peter's house.

A statue of St. Francis of Assisi