Caperaum, Our Lord's Own City

Capernaum, Israel

The city of Capernaum was a small fishing village on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, about two miles west of the Jordan River. The Hebrew name for this village is Kefar Nahum, which means "village of Nahum." While this ancient town is not mentioned by name in the Old Testament, it is mentioned sixteen times in the New Testament.

Jesus began His Galilean ministry here to fulfill prophecy. "And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 'The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned'" (Matt 4:13–16).

Matthew refers to Capernaum as our Lord’s "own city" (Matt 9:1), for it became the center of His Galilean ministry. This is interesting since He was not born in Capernaum, His parents did not live there, and He did not grow up there! Jesus performed more miracles and preached more sermons in and around Capernaum than at any other place during His entire ministry.

The residents of this prosperous town were common people who made their living from fishing, agriculture, and trade. The road leading to Damascus passed nearby, providing a commercial link with regions to the north and south. Capernaum was also a garrison town, housing a detachment of Roman soldiers under a centurion and government officials. Though the inhabitants of the city had heard the voice of Jesus, they were under the judgment of God and destined for destruction. Hearing Jesus is not enough—we must obey Him (Matt 7:21–27).

Capernaum, The City Of Jesus, is a sermon booklet by David Padfield. This booklet includes a complete outline and has numerous photographs to help you understand the city and its background.

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Capernaum, The City Of Jesus, is a free book you can download and print out (12 pages; PDF file size: 9.5MB).

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