In later rabbinic texts, Pharisaic rabbis referred to Capernaum as a center of minim—a term usually applied
to Judeo-Christians (Pritz 1992:102-103). These sources attest to a significant Judeo-Christian presence in
Capernaum as early as the Second Century A.D. Other rabbinic sources from the 4th century contain
polemics directed against the inhabitants of Capernaum as archetypal sinners (which, if they were Judeo-
Christians, they certainly were from the Pharisaic point of view).
Capernaum appears to have largely escaped destruction during the First Jewish Revolt (A.D. 66-70); and by
the 4th Century A.D. the town had increased in size, expanding towards the nearby hills. Despite the critical
remarks of 4th Century rabbinic sources, the community's Jewish and Christian inhabitants appear to have
coexisted rather peacefully. Presumably, most of its Jewish residents were not observant Jews and
somewhat oblivious to the rhetoric of the emerging rabbinic Judaism of the Pharisees.
Whether or not the archaeologists have established sufficient evidence for the identification of Peter's house
is an open question. Loffreda (Loffreda 1993) and Finegan (Finegan 1992) write as if this was a foregone
conclusion. What is known is that Greco-Roman Christians, both clerics and laity, from about A.D. 325
understood the traditional site of the House of St. Peter as authentic. It is unknown how they arrived at this
conclusion. There appears to be sufficient evidence (graffiti and the like) to conclude that it is more probable
than not that this traditional site is the actual house of Peter.
The most impressive archaeological remains at Capernaum are those of the beautiful White Synagogue,
now partially reconstructed and made of dressed stones. Many decorative fragments once ornamented its
facade. Presumably, this was a traditional Jewish synagogue; probably dating from the late Third Century. Its
identity as a traditional Jewish synagogue is evident.
Visible below certain sections of the walls of the White Synagogue are the remains of an earlier synagogue,
built of basalt, dating to Y‘shua‘s day; and presumably it is the one in which Y‘shua taught (John 6). The
elders of Capernaum in Y‘shua‘s day referred to this earlier structure as having been by built by the Roman
centurion garrisoned there, whom they held in high esteem (Luke 7:3-5). It is doubtful whether a minor
fishing village the size of Capernaum (where the inhabitants looked to a Gentile to build a synagogue for
them) could support more than one. No other candidates have come to light.
Considering the available evidence, the small basalt synagogue is the one in which Y‘shua spoke. This
conclusion does not have a basis in science; however, it is a working hypothesis open to further investigation
and scrutiny. The White Synagogue lies above only portions of the earlier basalt synagogue of Y‘shua‘s day.
In A.D. 69, the Romans destroyed this earlier basalt synagogue during the First Jewish Revolt.
4:17 The kingdom of heaven is at hand
―From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand‖.
(14) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the
kingdom of God,
(15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the
gospel‖. (Mark 1:14-15)
―(32) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power‖. (Luke 4:32)
As mentioned earlier, ―the kingdom of heaven is at hand‖ should be translated, "the Kingdom is offered‖.
4:18- 22 Y‟shua‟s first disciples―(18) And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his
brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (19) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will
make you fishers of men. (20) And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. (21) And going on
from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with
Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. (22) And they immediately left the ship and
their father, and followed him. (23) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and
preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among
the people‖.
(16) ―Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net
into the sea: for they were fishers.
(17) And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.