Page 107 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

One of the sons of Herod the Great, Herod
Antipas, was made tetrarch of Galilee. He
rebuilt Sepphoris as his own capital.
Josephus the historian called the new city
an “Ornament of the Galilee.” It is
speculated that Joseph and Jesus might
have done construction work in Sepphoris.
While we think of Joseph as a “carpenter,”
the word can also be translated “stone
cutter.” It is nearly certain that Joseph and
all the boys of his household - including
Jesus - were skilled in stonework. Jesus
might have worked in this area for several
years, assisting Joseph in providing for his
family. According to Luke 8:1-4, Jesus was
supported by several women, including From the ruins of Sepphoris, one can see Nazareth on the distant hill top.
“Joanna, the wife of Chuza, the manager of With so much construction work going on so close to Nazareth, it is possible
Herod’s household.” It is quite possible that Jesus helped build this city.
that Chuza was running a household in
Sepphoris, giving even more credence to the idea that Jesus spent time in the city.

P 84#y

Sepphoris, the ancient capital of Galilee in the time of Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaRjilmbF5M

Cana

The Arab village of Kafr Cana in the Lower Galilee is identified in Christian tradition as Cana of the
Galilee. Here, according to tradition, Jesus performed the
miracle of the wine when he went to a wedding of a poor
couple and turned water into wine.

In the 17th century, Kafr Cana was officially recognized by the
Vatican, and the pope officially confirmed that Kafr Cana is
indeed Cana of Galilee. Following this recognition, the village
was added to the list of Christian holy places. Some researchers
identify Kafr Cana with the Kana mentioned in the ancient
Egyptian Amarna letters (from about 4,000 years ago).

One way or the other, in the Roman-Byzantine period (1,000-
2,000 years ago), there was a large Jewish community here, but
apparently by the Mameluke period (about 800 years ago) most
of the residents of Kafr Cana were Christian, although there was
still a Jewish community here, too. Today most of the residents
of Kafr Cana are Muslim.

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