Songs, stories, poems, and more have shared the importance of Galilee. Scripture tells of the numerous times Jesus walked the area and performed miracles around the Sea of Galilee. What do we learn about Galilee in the Bible?
Where Is Galilee and the Sea of Galilee?
Perhaps you recall an older song about putting your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters. Maybe, as a young child, you learned about Galilee in Sunday School or worship service.
Galilee, located in today’s Northern Israel, was one of three provinces of Palestine. This included the northern area of the country, the Jordan River, and the Sea of Galilee. Lower Galilee was rich and beautiful, while Upper Galilee was covered with mountains. A deep valley runs between the two areas. Farming and agriculture were prominent in Lower Galilee.
Galilee was comprised of about 20 towns. According to theologians, Galilee was filled with pagans. Part of the Roman Empire, Galilee was located between Syria and Egypt.
The Sea of Galilee, located in Lower Galilee, was also called the “Sea of Tiberias” (a city by that name). The area had flowing streams and healthy soil.
Sometimes referred to as the “Galilee of the Gentiles,” the population included Syrians, Phoenicians, Sidonians, and non-Jewish people. Historians say that some Jews living in other areas of Israel thought the people from Galilee were unsophisticated. The Judeans easily noticed the Galilean accents.
Where Does the Bible Mention Galilee?
Galilee is mentioned in the Old and New Testament. The prophet Isaiah shared hope for those people in turmoil.
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan . . .” (Isaiah 9:1 NIV)
Isaiah also includes Galilee in a prophecy that was later fulfilled. The prophet spoke of people living in darkness who would see a great light.
1 Chronicles shares about the land conditions. Joshua and 1 Kings share that the land was gifted from Solomon to King Hiram.
Jesus is called “Jesus of Nazareth” or “Jesus of Galilee.” Scripture tells that Jesus lived his youth in Nazareth, in Lower Galilee.
How Many of Jesus’ Disciples Came from Galilee?
Biblical scholars report that the only disciple who wasn’t from the Galilee area was Judas Iscariot.
Jesus chose ordinary people to be His disciples and help further the message of God.
- Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen. Jesus instructed the two brothers to follow Him, and He would make them fishers of men, not just fish. The brothers were natives of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee.
- James and his brother John, sons of Zebedee, were also fishermen. James was the first apostle to be martyred. His death is mentioned in Acts.
- Philip was also from Bethsaida. He is listed among the people who prayed in the upper room after the ascension of Jesus into heaven.
- Bartholomew, otherwise known as Nathanael. He questioned if anything good could come out of Nazareth.
- Matthew, a tax collector, was seen by Jesus when He passed by the tax office. Jesus told Matthew to follow, and he obeyed.
- Thomas is known for saying that the disciples should go with Jesus so they could die with Him. Thomas is also known as the “doubting Thomas.” When Thomas questioned Jesus about what would happen to Him, Jesus responded with truth.
- James, son of Alphaeus, may have been Matthew’s brother.
- Thaddaeus, sometimes called Jude, became a bold minister of the gospel.
- Simon the Zealot was renamed Peter by Jesus.
- Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus.
- Judas Iscariot was not from Galilee. He was from the town of Kerioth in Judah.
By choosing ordinary people to help teach others about God, Jesus knew the followers would trust people they could relate to and possibly understand.
How Much Ministry Did Jesus Do in Galilee?
Jesus shared His ministry mostly in Galilee. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, and His ministry had a major impact on locals and foreigners. He taught in the synagogues and healed the sick and lame.
Jesus performed His first miracle in Cana in Galilee when He turned water into wine at a wedding. The last miracle occurred on the shore after His resurrection when He appeared to the disciples.
Scripture shares that Jesus walked on water, calmed a storm, and called His disciples in Galilee. Sunday School classes often use the story about Jesus feeding the crowd with a few loaves and fish. The small amount was turned into more than enough to feed the people.
John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus shared parables and miracles in Galilee. The Sermon on The Mount was given there. His first disciples were called in Galilee. The Transfiguration occurred there, too.
Although Jesus was aware of the danger to Himself, He continued to share the message of His Father. Whether preaching to one person or a crowd, Jesus showed love and compassion.
How Does Jesus Working in Galilee Affect His Ministry?
The Bible says that the Sanhedrin initially assumed Jesus couldn’t be the Messiah because He was from Galilee, not Bethlehem. The Sanhedrin planned to condemn Jesus, but Nicodemus spoke on his behalf.
“Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” (John 7: 50-52 NIV)
The apostles of Jesus were persecuted, too, because of their dedication to Jesus. The Sadducees were jealous, so they had the apostles arrested and jailed. However, that didn’t stop the work of Jesus. During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the doors and released the men. They were instructed to stand in the temple courts and tell people what happened.
Peter and the others replied that they must obey God and not humans. During the life of Jesus and after Jesus died, there continued to be division between believers and those who chose not to accept Jesus.
Gamaliel, a teacher of the law and respected by others, told the Sanhedrin to consider what they would do with the apostles. Gamaliel explained that another man, Theudas, had claimed to be somebody and was killed.
Judas, from Galilee, led a revolt during the census. He was killed, and his followers scattered. Gamaliel advised the Sanhedrin to leave the men alone because they would fail if their purpose were not from God.
“But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:39 NIV)
Through these examples of the trials and difficulties Jesus and His disciples endured, the Bible shares the importance and dedication of Jesus. He continued to share the message of God. Jesus often went off to pray alone and shared time with His Father amidst all the difficulties He faced.
Prayer for Sharing the Message of God
Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for covering us with Your love and forgiveness. May we always remember to be humble and loving in our words and actions. Guide us to share Your message so others may know You. Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/RnDmS
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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