No 6

(Capernaum)

Capernaum was located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. I say was because it no longer exists – Jesus had predicted its downfall and today its scattered heaps of stone extend for a mile along the shore of the sea. The Bible says “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.” (Matt 11:23). Luke, in his gospel also says “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.” (10:15). This is where Jesus called Matthew from his job as a tax collector and Capernaum is where Jesus did many mighty works in healing and preaching in the synagogue; Capernaum was also Peter’s second home. All excavation work here has been centred on a synagogue whose ruins are indicative of Jesus’ curse. Many archaeologists believe that this synagogue is the one where Jesus taught “And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath days.” (Luke 4:31). Others believe that it was built in the 3^rd or 4^th century on top of the one in which Jesus taught. The modern name for Capernaum is Kefar Nahum and it has become a tourist attraction. This just goes to prove that whenever Jesus curses something or someone, the result is always dire and in this case, the best that Capernaum became, is a tourist attraction.