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Survey of the Gospels and Acts - Lesson 24

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Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 5)

This lesson explores the geography and culture of Galilee during Jesus’ ministry, focusing on key locations like Capernaum and Magdala. Examine archaeological finds, including synagogue ruins, a millstone, and a winepress, which illuminate the context of Jesus' teachings and parables. Insights into societal customs, such as thatched-roof homes, connect directly to Gospel narratives like the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12, enhancing your understanding of the environment of Jesus’ ministry.

Craig Blomberg
Craig Blomberg
Survey of the Gospels and Acts

This lesson is primarily a narration of a slide show of locations in present day Israel related to Jesus' early Galilean ministry.


Transcription
Lessons

 

 

This is the 24th lecture in the online series of lectures for understanding the Gospels and Acts, in complement with the textbook by Craig Blomberg’s Jesus and The Gospels: an Introduction and Survey. 

 

This lecture or supplement includes slides of places mentioned in the study of the Gospels and Acts. This first slide provides a picture of the south end of the Sea of Galilee where a display of lush foliage is shown, uncharacteristic of the country of Jordan. As we move into Jesus parables, we will see how they draw on much that was common and familiar in the typography as well as customs of Galilee. 

 

The next slide shows a picture of the north end of Galilee, and across toward the east of the Jordan reminds us of the section that forms the bread basket in Israel. So we should not be surprised to find good grass lands for sheep herding and grazing and to understand why Jesus composed a parable about lost sheep. At nighttime, one sees the full moon across from Tiberius, the largest modern city of Galilee which was also the capital city where Herod Antipas made his political center of jurisdiction in Jesus’ day. It’s interesting, like Tiberius, the second largest city of Galilee, though now in ruins for archeologists to uncover, never appear by name in the Gospels or anywhere else in the New Testament. These were the two most gentile oriented cities; the most political important cities in the Roman provincial division of its empire in the first part of the first century in Galilee. 

 

Is it that Jesus deliberately avoided these locations because he was sent to the Jew first? Or is it simply an accident of Biblical narration because nothing distinctive occurs or worthy of special mention in the evangelist eyes. Short of evidence, we will not be able to determine the answer to this with any certainty. Mary Magdalene, the well-known companion of Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament Gospels, means Mary of Magdala or the Hebrew ‘Midgal’ and this is (on the slide) the approximate site, due west on the Sea of Galilee, where Magdala probably existed in first century times, a small fishing village. Here is a tile prosaic (another slide) unearthed from the first century of Magdala and we can see the style of one form of boat as well as pottery and other common products of the day. 

 

Also, prominent throughout Jesus’ ministry, in and around the Sea of Galilee, that which includes his ministry in and around Capernaum and the synagogue there. Ruins of which still stand and remain a major tourist attraction on the northwestern shore to this day. Another slide and view of the synagogue  and a close up of the relief work of the Ark of the Covenant, a visual symbol and reminder, though no longer in existence in Jesus’ day, a portion of the original furniture in the Holy of Holies. Here, set up for tourists to see in the foreground, is a mill stone. Of such, a donkey would have been hitched to a large wooden pole attached to the center of the apparatus and as the animal walked around in a circle, this would turn the mill stone and thus crushing the grain. Little wonder that Jesus could declare in Matthew 18 that it would be better that someone would have a mill stone hung around their neck and cast into the sea than to cause a child to fall into sin. In the background, the white cylindrical device is a typical wine press where the grapes were put into the top and then the handle pushed down so that they were crushed; coming out of the bottom and then for good measure, people in bare feet would tread out the wine even further. Of course, then it was subsequently washed and diluted with water to about a third of the strength of most modern day wines. This shows what happens to a mill stone over time which has been set up for tourists to see how it would have worked in the environment of Capernaum.  

 

And then we come to a very clear capital Greek letter inscription on the Capernaum synagogue, reminiscent of the fact that these were often erected in honor to a wealthy patron, local government official of some kind or in this case, with thanks giving to Herod himself and his family, no doubt for at least allowing the presence of Jewish religion and worship in this fashion. Those portions of letters than can most easily be deciphered read, ‘Herodais Mu-chi We-ah-su-ma-toas Tek-noas’, thus some kind of honorific inscription to Herod and his sons. Nearby, also excavated for tourists to view in the environment of Capernaum and near the synagogue in particular, are ruins of foundations of rooms and buildings of the homes in the village nearest the synagogue. In the foreground are the smaller houses, but in the background of this slide is an octagonal shaped house with some inscriptions and artifacts dating from the 4th century AD of a Christian church already by then and believed to be the location of Peter’s home. Here is a picture of that structure from a different angle. In more recent years, the Roman Catholics, who own this particular site, erected a viewing area where one can look through the floor and see the ruins and the modern structure is an edifice, a memorial, as well as a tourist site.  But arguably ruining some of the effect from an earlier date when the ruins were more visible, out in the open. 

 

We read in various Gospel texts about homes with thatched roofs. One can see a few pieces of thatch emerging from this stone structure with clear example of the remanence of sticks and boards and thatch that original would have spanned, with mud held in place, over the entire roof. It would have been this kind of roof that the four men carrying the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12 and parallels would have dug through in order to lower the man down into the area where Jesus was teaching. And on an earlier lecture series when we talked about the parable of the friend at midnight in Luke 11:5-8 and reflected on some of the contributions that sociological criticism can make to an understanding about the parable.


 

  • 1. Political Backgrounds (Part 1)
    Jump into an overview covering the influences of the Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires on the Jewish nation.
  • 2. Political Backgrounds (Part 2)
    The Hellenistic influence led to division, a Pharisee-Sadducee split, and a growing Messianic hope, which are all critical to understanding Jewish-Gentile relations in the New Testament.
  • 3. Religious Backgrounds (Part 1)
    Discover how language evolution, Jewish sects, and Jesus' redefinitions of theology shape Second Temple Judaism's response to Roman rule and spiritual renewal.
  • 4. Religious Backgrounds (Part 2)
    Dr. Blomberg explores the Jewish languages, sects, and responses to Roman occupation, alongside Jesus' reinterpretations of key Jewish beliefs, which focused on spiritual salvation, reshaping Messianic hopes, and broadening the scope of the elect.
  • 5. Social Background (Part 1)
    Learn the significance of early Christian manuscripts and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hear about the geographical context of Israel, Herod's architectural legacy, and the value of Jewish sources for understanding the New Testament.
  • 6. Social Background (Part 2)
    Explore the Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds that offer insight into Jesus' interactions with religious groups and the significance of non-canonical Jewish texts in understanding the Gospels and Acts.
  • 8. Historical Criticisms (Part 1)
    Dr. Blomberg looks at the methods of New Testament interpretation, including the King James Version-only debate, the synoptic problem, and critical tools like source, form, and redaction criticism for understanding Gospel differences.
  • 9. Historical Criticisms (Part 2)
    Learn more about “form criticism,” questions of Gospel reliability, early Christian oral tradition, the synoptic problem, and redaction criticism. These provide essential tools for interpreting and comparing biblical texts.
  • 10. Illustrations and Applications
    The healing of the paralytic illustrates source and form criticism, comparing synoptic Gospel details to support Markan priority, while distinct narrative touches display each Gospel’s unique style and theological focus.
  • 11. Literary Criticism
    Analyze how John uses literary techniques to contrast Nicodemus' hesitant faith with the Samaritan woman's transformative belief, illustrating the inclusivity of Jesus' message.
  • 12. Introduction to Mark
    Survey the book of Mark, the authorship, structure, and themes including: discipleship, suffering, and Jesus’ dual nature, emphasizing perseverance through trials and hope in resurrection.
  • 13. Introduction to Matthew
    Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, a shift from Jewish particularism to universalism. His structure blends narrative and teaching, focusing on discipleship, opposition, and Jesus' authority.
  • 14. Introduction to Luke
    Luke highlights compassion for outcasts, the poor, and Gentiles, emphasizing prayer, the Spirit, and universal salvation. Its structure mirrors Acts, tracing Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem and outward to the Gentile world.
  • 15. Introduction to John
    The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ divine and human natures through signs, discourses, and intimate themes, contrasting with the Synoptics while addressing Gnosticism, Jewish hostility, and offering insights into faith and discipleship for contemporary challenges.
  • 16. The Historical Jesus
    Learn about the historical Jesus, scholarly perspectives, Gospel timelines, and how themes in the Gospels affect understanding Jesus’ ministry and teachings.
  • 17. Infancy Narratives
    Explore the infancy narratives in Matthew, Luke, and John, focusing on contrasts, prophecy, Jesus' divine and humble identity, and the theological significance of his incarnation.
  • 18. Christ’s Adult Public Ministry
    Gain a geographical and historical perspective on Jesus' birth and early ministry through insights into Bethlehem, Shepherds' Fields, the Jordan River, and the Judean wilderness.
  • 19. Jesus Early Galilean Ministry (Part 1)
    The lecture explores Jesus’ transition from John the Baptist's ministry, focusing on baptism, their contrasting roles, and Jesus’ testing. It encourages you to balance repentance with celebration in your faith journey.
  • 20. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 2)
    John’s Gospel portrays Jesus’ early ministry as a transformative era marked by new joy, spiritual rebirth, and a universal Gospel, emphasizing contrasts between old rituals and Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s revelation.
  • 21. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 3)
    Jesus’ early ministry emphasizes the Kingdom of God, radical discipleship, transformative miracles, and ethical teachings that redefine Jewish laws, culminating in the Sermon on the Mount.
  • 22. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 4)
    Dr. Blomberg shares images to explain the cultural and geographical context of Jesus’ ministry, focusing on sites like Cana, Samaria, and the Sea of Galilee.
  • 23. Sermon on the Mount
    Gain insight into the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus' teachings reconcile Old Testament law with New Testament principles while contrasting the beliefs of other Jewish groups of his time.
  • 24. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 5)
    Dr. Blomberg shares images to uncover the geographical, cultural, and archaeological context of Galilee during Jesus' ministry.
  • 25. Parables and Miracles
    Explore Jesus’ ministry, Passion Week, and key biblical sites, gaining insight into their historical, cultural, and theological significance.
  • 26. Places Related to Parables and Miracles
    Examine the historical context of Jesus' parables and miracles at locations such as the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Caesarea Philippi.
  • 27. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 1)
    Study Jesus' withdrawal from Galilee, his redefining of Jewish traditions, ministry to Gentiles, and Peter's confession, highlighting his universal mission.
  • 28. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 2)
    Dr. Blomberg explains Jesus’ fulfillment of Jewish festivals, “I am” statements, and miracles in John’s Gospel while examining his messianic mission, spiritual liberation, and teachings through critical exegesis.
  • 29. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 3)
    Dig into themes of forgiveness, repentance, justice, and discipleship in Matthew and Luke, emphasizing transformation, sacrificial giving, and the inaugurated Kingdom through Jesus’ teachings.
  • 30. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 4)
    Biblical sites like the Pool of Bethesda, the Temple Mount, and the Mount of Olives, are religiously significant, archaeological confirmations, and connections to Jesus' parables and teachings.
  • 31. Two Case Studies
    Reflect on Biblical teachings, ethical considerations, and practical responses to real-life challenges involving marriage, divorce, and stewardship.
  • 32. Jericho to Jerusalem (Part 1)
    Study different debates on divorce, Jesus’ teaching on children, the rich young ruler’s challenge with wealth, and examples of stewardship.
  • 33. Jericho to Jerusalem (Part 2)
    Jesus’ final week includes his teachings, temple cleansing, Last Supper, and prayer in Gethsemane, emphasizing faith, sacrificial love, unity, and eschatological hope.
  • 34. Passion and Resurrection (Part 1)
    Dr. Blomberg teaches on the Passion and Resurrection narratives, exploring Jesus’ last sayings, the bodily resurrection’s significance, and its transformative impact on early Christian theology and worship.
  • 35. Passion and Resurrection (Part 2)
    Explore key biblical locations tied to Jesus' Passion and Resurrection, including the Upper Room, Gethsemane, burial sites, and worship areas.
  • 36. Who Was Jesus? Modern Myths vs. Biblical Basics
    Compare myths and biblical truths about Jesus, analyzing his humanity and divinity, compassion for outcasts, communal solidarity, and the Kingdom's radical message while addressing stewardship, social justice, and Christian unity.
  • 37. Acts (Part 1/5)
    The Book of Acts chronicles the early Christian church, offering lessons on salvation, the Holy Spirit's role, church leadership, and the Gospel's expansion while highlighting transitional practices and theological principles.
  • 38. Acts (Part 2/5)
    Acts 8-12 documents the Gospel's spread beyond Jerusalem, highlighting the conversions of Samaritans, Paul, and Cornelius, the Holy Spirit's unifying role, and God's sovereign guidance amidst persecution and growth.
  • 39. Acts (Part 3/5)
    Acts 13-16 outlines Paul’s first missionary journey, emphasizing the Gospel’s spread to Gentiles, the Jerusalem Council’s resolution on Gentile inclusion, and the balance between cultural sensitivity and doctrinal integrity.
  • 40. Acts – Pictures
    Learn about Paul’s missionary journeys, and the Gospel’s spread shaped by the role of archaeological landmarks, geography, culture, and ministry challenges.
  • 41. Acts (Part 5/5)
    Acts 16-28 chronicles Paul's missionary journeys, arrest, and journey to Rome, highlighting his preaching, cultural adaptation, trials, and the spread of Christianity despite persecution, demonstrating God's sovereignty.

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