Stone Carved Work in the Synagogue at Capernaum
At Capernaum in the deep rank grass we observed a beautiful square stone piece of carved work. This relic is supposed to have formed part of the synagogue which was found in Capernaum at the time of our Savior. Some antiquarians believe that these ruins do not belong to a date earlier than the fourth century. After healing many afflicted people at Gennesaret, Jesus came to Capernaum and delivered a discourse in the synagogue, and here answered the criticism concerning His disciples eating with unwashed hands.—Matthew 15:1–20; Mark 7:1–23. Colonel Wilson says: “A number of slabs with different floral ornaments were found which may have formed part of a frieze; also several portions of a heavy cornice which may have run above the frieze.” Remains of the Corinthian capitals that crowned the twenty-eight columns lie scattered about with debris of ruins of a later date—perhaps of a basilica. Captain McGregor, while on the Sea of Galilee, read the sixth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. He says: “The very places mentioned in this chapter are on all sides in view, and they frame the page of print into a charming picture. From that pure strand He went over the sea; along that plain a great multitude followed Him; among these hills He went up into a mountain. * * * It was upon those heights He lingered alone till in the dark and in the storm, and somewhere close to the spot where I am now reading the disciples saw the same Jesus walking on the sea.”
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