Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is a fresh water lake in the northeastern part of Israel and is fed by the Jordan River. It is shaped somewhat like an inverted pear with a length of 14 miles and a maximum width of 8 miles. The surface of the lake is approximately 680 feet below sea level.

The cool, clear water of Galilee contains a variety of fish, the most notable being sardines and St. Peter’s fish (talapia). 

Beside the Sea of Galilee, it is known by other biblical names: Sea of Chinnereth(oth), Gennesar, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of Tiberias. In ancient times, the cities around Galilee were greatly populated because the major trade routes of Asia Minor converged at the lake. At least nine cities flourished on its shores and it was the center of an extensive fishing industry. Tiberias, on the western shore, is the largest ancient city extant today.

Jesus ministry was headquartered in and around Galilee. True, many important events in the life of Christ happened in Jerusalem however, most of His ministry was spent along the shores of this lake. At least half of His parables were given here and a majority of His miracles were performed here.

Capernaum, on the northwestern shore of Galilee, was known as the hometown of Jesus. Five of His disciples came from Bethsaida, a sister city of Capernaum. These two cities, along with Chorazin (2 miles from Capernaum), were condemned by Jesus for receiving so much, and believing so little. 

Another follower of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, came from the town of Magdala, a small village on the western shore of Galilee.  

Early Christianity built many churches around Galilee commemorating such things as the feeding of the five thousand, the Sermon on the Mount, the primacy of Peter, and the house of Peter.

A unique discovery was made at the Sea of Galilee in 1986. Two men, walking along the shoreline of the lake that had been receding due to a long drought, discovered some hand-hewn wood. With help from archaeologists, a first century boat was unearthed near Nof Ginosar.

The boat, mainly of cedar and oak, was put through rigorous testing. Based on its construction, pottery found at the site, and Carbon 14 testing, it was determined to be a first century vessel. 

The dimensions of the boat are 26X7 feet, capable of carrying fifteen men. The archaeological find is on display at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar on the western shore of Galilee.