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Tradition holds that Bethany Beyond Jordan is a small tributary of the Jordan that is fed by five springs. It is believed by some that the springs were used by John the Baptizer for his "baptism unto repentance." Those who support that view note:
- Bethany "Beyond" Jordan was not a location on the river itself
- It was closely connected with the Jordan River
- It was unlikely that the swiftly flowing Jordan River would have been used in frequent baptisms
Excavations at this site began in 1996 following Jordan's peace treaty with Israel in 1994. So far, more than twenty churches, caves, and baptismal pools have been unearthed that have been dated from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
This area, known as Wadi Kharrar, has long been believed to be the place where John the Baptizer lived and where Jesus was baptized. It is also associated with the ascension of Elijah into heaven, as there is a hill nearby named Tel Mar Elias.
One final word, Bethany Beyond Jordan should not be confused with the Bethany near Jerusalem, where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived.
This area, known as Wadi Kharrar, has long been believed to be the place where John the Baptizer lived and where Jesus was baptized. It is also associated with the ascension of Elijah into heaven, as there is a hill nearby named Tel Mar Elias.
One final word, Bethany Beyond Jordan should not be confused with the Bethany near Jerusalem, where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived.
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