Bethsaida

There is some controversy whether this is the site of biblical Bethsaida. Among the leading arguments against it are: 

• Its distance from the Sea of Galilee
• Its elevation (especially at the time of the New Testament)

Proponents for identifying this site as the biblical Bethsaida believe that a great earthquake in 363 A.D. caused a change in the shoreline of Galilee, making this site on its shore at the time of Christ. 

The purpose of this blog is not to settle that debate, but rather to acquaint you with Bethsaida and its biblical history. What we find impressive here are the remains of a fisherman and winemaker’s house. 

The fisherman’s house is measured at 4,300 square feet. Among the ruins, different fishing weights and long, crooked needles were found. Many coins were found including two silver drachmae of Demetrius II. 

The winemaker’s house is measured at 2,700 square feet. At the dig, an undisturbed wine cellar was discovered with four complete Hellenistic jars. Also found were numerous expensive imported vessels. 

Bethsaida is significant to believers as the birthplace of Andrew, Peter, Philip, James, and John. Jesus visited the city during His ministry and performed many miracles there: 

Walking on water (Mark 6:45-51)

Healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-25)

Feeding the 5,000 (Luke 9:12-17)

Bethsaida was one of the three cities that received a harsh rebuke from Jesus. Those three cities were: Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum. Jesus performed more miracles within that 12 1/2 mile triangle than any place else in His earthly ministry. Likewise, many of His sermons were delivered there. 

But all of them fell on deaf ears, hence His strong rebuke. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes”. And you, Capernaum, which is exalted to heaven, shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in you, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day” (Matthew 11:21; 23).

Josephus claims that Herod Philip changed the name of the city to Julias, after Julia Livia, wife of Octavian (Augustus Caesar). He likewise states that Philip died in Bethsaida and was buried there with great fanfare. (Antiquities: 104, 18, 108)

Bethsaida was destroyed in the Jewish revolt (circa 67 AD). The city has not been inhabited since, just as Jesus predicted.