Page 83 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies - Textbook w videos short

Sepphoris – Zippori

This small city is located 3 ½ miles north-northwest of Nazareth. After the death of Herod the Great, a
rebel named Judas, attacked the garrison
there and stole the treasury and weapons
to arm a revolt against Herodian rule. In
response, the Roman governor of Syria
burnt the city down and sold its inhabitants
into slavery.

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 From the ruins of Sepphoris, one can see Nazareth on the distant hill top.
all of the boys of his household - including With so much construction work going on so close to Nazareth, it is possible
Jesus - were skilled in stone work. Jesus might that Jesus helped build this city.
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 “Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household.” It is quite possible
Chuza was running a household in Sepphoris, giving even more credence to the idea that Jesus spent
time in the city.

Sepphoris, the ancient capital of Galilee in the time of Jesus

82