Section 42
Teaching in the synagogue of Capernaum authenticate by healing a demoniac
Capernaum, in the synagogue
Mark 1:21-28
Luke 4:31b-37
21They went to Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and began teaching. 22The people were astonished at his teaching, because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23Now in their synagogue there was a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit. He cried out, 24“Leave us alone! What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
31band on the Sabbath he began teaching the people. 32They were astonished at his teaching, because his message was spoken with authority. 33Now in the synagogue there was a man who had an unclean demonic spirit, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34“Leave us alone! What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26So the unclean spirit convulsed the man and came out of him, crying out with a loud voice. 27All the people were amazed so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new teaching is this that with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him?” 28And the news about him immediately spread throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out of him, having done him no harm. 36Amazement came over all the people, and they said to one another, “What kind of message is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits and they come out!” 37And news about him went out to every place in the surrounding region.
Notes
Capernaum
Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry, is no longer inhabited. Although abandoned after the Islamic conquest of the seventh century, the earthquake of 747 A.D. left the town desolate, and only remains are left. It was once a thriving town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. As you pass the vibrant colors of the bougainvillea, eucalyptus and palm trees at the entrance, you are reminded of the fertility of the soil and the mild climate.
Only part of the city lies within the walls of the Franciscan compound. To the east of the walls is another part of the city owned by the Greek Orthodox Church. Most of the city in which Jesus ministered lies unexcavated, eastward along the shore and northward toward the hills. You can see black basalt stones in the fields, indicating the remains of buildings below the soil. This lovely village, with its white limestone synagogue and black basalt houses, gives evidence of its prosperity over several centuries.