Capernaum

Jesus’ public ministry was based in Capernaum — it was here that he called Peter and Andrew. It was here that he ate with tax sinners and collectors. It was here that Mary came with her children in tow to knock on the door to inquire of Jesus. It was here that Peter’s mother-in-law was healed. It was here that Peter was asked if Jesus paid the temple tax. It was here that someone got the idea of opening the roof of a home to lower a body for healing. Matthew lived here; Jairus lived here; and the Roman centurion who built the synagogue lived here. And it was in this synagogue that opening act of Jesus’ ministry began: a man possessed was liberated. The calming of the storm was off the shore, and then they gathered for the feeding of the 5000 near Capernaum … well, to one degree or another these events occurred in or near Capernaum.

So, seeing Capernaum was undoubtedly near the top of the list of places to see and that we did see. Here are some pictures, beginning at the top left with a picture of “Peter’s house” — over which a 4th Century Byzantine octagonal church was built, and now the Catlicks have built a church over that (who gives permission for such things?), to its right is a picture of the synagogue (though this one is built on top of the 1st Century synagogue), two pictures of shops and housing in Capernaum, then two of the shore line, which today is rocky.