Capernaum

THE CALLING OF THE TWELVE

Capernaum was a fishing village and port located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee and continuously inhabited from 2nd century BC to the 11th century AD. It was the meeting point of key land and sea routes, and had many tollbooths including one managed by the tax collector, Levi, Son of Alphaeus.

SIMON AND ANDREW

After leaving Nazareth, Jesus used Capernaum as the base for his public ministry in Galilee and chose his apostles from the local fishermen. As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 

Jesus said “Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people.” and, at once, they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Jesus healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever and her house, in Capernaum, was often surrounded by crowds seeking healing and deliverance. In the 1920’s the remains of an octagonal structure, possibly a Byzantine church, was built to commemorate this site. 

THE SYNAGOGUE

Jesus’ first public appearance was at a synagogue in Capernaum and Mark records that ‘Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law’ and, after setting a man free from an impure spirit, ‘The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.’ Mark 1:21-28.

There is a restored limestone synagogue from the 4th century AD and it may have been built over the remains of an older basalt stone synagogue, uncovered by Franciscan archaeologists, and possibly dating to around the time of Jesus. 

THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

Jesus’ ministry and reputation was rapidly growing and Mark’s gospel says ‘Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons’.

On the shores of the Sea of Galilee with the magnificent scene of Mount Arbel and opposite the rolling hills of the Golan, Nof Ginosar is a charming, appealing haven of lush greenery surrounded by peace and tranquility. Nof Ginosar gives you space and freedom to enjoy the shores of Galilee and provides and excellent buffet.