The ruins of this fourth century synagogue sit atop the basalt foundation of the synagogue from Jesus' time.

CAPERNAUM Jesus' Adopted Hometown

MATTHEW 4

 THE SITE OF CAPERNAUM contains a trove of archaeological treasures, including a millstone for grinding wheat, a second century Roman mile marker, numerous marble capitals that once graced now forgotten columns, Jewish carvings that used to adorn limestone reliefs, and a bas relief of a seven branch menorah. Perhaps the greatest find in Capernaum is an ancient synagogue made of white marble that dates back to the fourth century AD. Although the ruins date later than the time of Christ, they rest on top of the thick, black basalt foundation of the synagogue of Jesus' day. A number of historical and biblical events occurred here (see, for example, Mark 1:21-27 and John 6:35-59).

Immediately outside the synagogue, a unique building is raised over more basalt ruins. This modern structure is a church that stands above the remains of two ancient churches from the fourth and fifth centuries. These churches hallowed the ruins of a first century home. Only one Capernaum home rises from the pages of Scripture that of Simon Peter (Mark 1:29-35).

After Jesus left His hometown of Nazareth, He moved His base of ministry to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee. This move fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah had predicted centuries earlier (Isa. 9:1-2; Matt. 4:14-16). Already having been in existence for two hundred years, Capernaum thrived as a first-century fishing village. It also served as a stop along the vast international highway that stretched from Syria in the north to Egypt in the south. This road ran the full length of Israel and also served as a first century line of communication. In a single day, news could travel twenty miles along this route in both directions. Over several days, crowds in the multiple thousands could come to see the One they hoped would be the Messiah (Matt. 4:24-25). A simple move from Nazareth to Capernaum increased Jesus' visibility and gave His ministry a strategic edge.