And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. Some cities will experience a more severe judgment than others, as each is judged in its generation. 1. Jesus explains this principle in the following way: For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required. (Luke 12:48), There are many Christian towns today which, like those cities favoured by His presence, remain unmoved by powerful moves of God. It appears there will be different degrees of torment and judgment in hell because Christ said it would be more tolerable in the day of judgment for other cities than for Chorazin. Thegoal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. 4. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Compared to other Roman temples, the remains of the structure at Bethsaida are very modest compared with those that had been built elsewhere such as Samaria and Caesarea Maritima. The three cities of Bethsaida, Korazim, and Capernaum were the three largest and most important along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee in Jesus day. In the third and fourth centuries CE, during the time of the Mishnah and Talmud, the town spread southward but did not experience its first period of real growth until the end of the Talmudic period in the 5th or 6th century. Mystery Hill Megaliths May Be 4,000 Years OldDid Celts Build It? A new analysis of two 7.2 million-year-old fossils belonging to a hominin species nicknamed El Graeco from Mediterranean Europe, suggests that mankind emerged in Europe and not in Africa. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them. Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Today, each town is a testament to Gods curse upon them. Capernaum was an even more prominent town. However, it failed in its purpose and by the end of the first century, many Jews considered themselves to be a part of the community of believers. Some Christians today believe exactly the opposite. Nevertheless, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. Woe to you, Chorazin! However, having mythological creatures and even zodiac symbols on the walls of Jewish temples was not rare back in those days. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. There is the Jewish Talmud in which a reference is made to Chorazin as a place that was blessed with an early harvest of grain (at least, earlier than the rest of the villages). When it comes to legends, none is quite as moviesque as that of the Hashshashins, who in the Middle Ages inspired fear in the hearts of leaders with the Middle East. The archaeologists who excavated the site suggested that it might have been a. Roman temple and if it is indeed a Roman temple, it could have been built for the cult of Livia Julia who was the wife of Augustus and the mother of Tiberius. Dr John (Ioannis) Syrigos initially began writing on Ancient Origins under the pen name John Black. Nevertheless, I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you. The largest and most significant was the central quarter of the town and contained numerous dwelling houses along with a paved court. All three cities were located in close proximity on the north end of the Sea of Galilee and each experienced a powerful demonstration of the ministry of Jesus. View Dr. Blizzard's new YouTube: "Science and the Bible". The Bible states: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Mosess seat (Matthew 23:2-4). Author: Liorca CC BY-SA 4.0. Christ pronounced judgment upon the cities and towns that rejected the gospel. Following Christ brings life and blessing, rejecting Him bring death and destruction. They view the Old Testament era as a time of the great foreboding judgment of God, while today we live in an age of grace when the Lord is only bountiful in mercy with His people. In 1838, the American scholar Edward Robinson visited the site and described the place asdesolate and mournful. During the archaeological excavations that started in the nineteenth century, a synagogue was discovered. One of the decorated stones. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. During that time, many repairs and modifications were made especially to the synagogue. Woe to you, Bethsaida! But the question is, why did Jesus supposedly curse Chorazin? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Nevertheless, I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you. You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. The three cities in Galilee failed to produce that response. In the latter he uses his powers to condemn a whole city in the same way as the God of the Old Testament did numerous times. According to the scripture and Bible, Jesus performed miracles on the streets of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for the better part of three years.

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. The following pictures are of the synagogue. For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Adding credence to this theory is the fact that the head of Medusa was found on one of the walls of the synagogue. It is no wonder legends later claimed that the Antichrist would be born in Chorazin. Chorazin stands as a warning to us today not to do the same. Before leaving the subject, we want to recommend that you go to, Book a speaking engagement with Dr. Blizzard, A New Testament Survey: The Romans, The Jews, and the Christians Paperback, David Flusser on the Historical Jesus: An Interview with Roy Blizzard Transcript, Book Promo - Understanding the Difficult Passages in the Bible. The excavations at Capernaum give us a unique look into the daily life of people from the three or four centuries before Jesus and the three or four centuries after the time of Jesus. Click here to begin. 2. 1. There is an indication from some passages in the Mishnah which stress that the population of Capernaum during the first three centuries CE formed two blocks: Actually, there are numerous different versions that are recited today that differ from one another, but basically it was hoped that the, The aerial view picture below includes the synagogue remains on the left, occupation levels where people lived from before, during, and after the time of Jesus, and the domus-ecclesia (church) on the right. Before leaving the subject, we want to recommend that you go to www.biblescholars.org and go to our Israel slide show gallery and view our presentation of Capernaum. Eusebius writes that around 330AD the city was in ruins as a result of a devastating earthquake which was attributed to the punishment of God and the fulfilment of Jesus curse. Tucked away in the Korazim Plateau in the Galilee, and overlooking the biblical Sea of Galilee, Chorazin went down in legend as a village in which Jesus Christ performed some of his miracles.

5. Among the rest of the finds are a public square, a ritual bathhouse, and a number of other buildings. However, it seems that none of the miracles had any result in changing the lives of the inhabitants of Chorazin and this is the point where Jesus woes Chorazin for not repenting to his powers and changing their ways. On a list of such places, one can easily locate the village (or, as some sources refer to it, the town) of Chorazin. However, we are told that for eye trouble, there is a tradition that the spittle of the first born son of a father had healing powers but not the first born son of a mother. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum are the three and only cities mentioned in the Bible that Jesus allegedly cursed, according to the gospel of Matthew as well as the Gospel of Luke. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Charles Spurgeon once said: It is a sad fact that our impenitent hearers do despite to a grace which would have brought cannibals to the Saviours feet!, Or as the British clergyman Richard Cecil noted: Who is the most miserable man on earth, and whither shall we go to seek him? At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 1. Korazim is mentioned in the Babylonian Talmud Menahot 85a and was renowned for the good wheat that was grown there. 126b) By using spittle in this way, Jesus is declaring himself to be the first born son of the Father, and in other words, he is declaring himself to be God. At that time, there was a praxis or custom forbidding anyone other than Jews to live among them and this was also in effect in Tiberias, Sepphoris, and Nazareth. Dr. Blizzard I just wanted to tell you that I am enjoying your new book SO much! The life of Jesus and the salvation purchased through his death, burial and resurrection is the greatest gift God could offer to mankind. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.. for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Woe to you, Bethsaida! Israel Overview Tour of All Biblical Sites, Chapel of the Ascension: Ascension & Return of Christ, Garden of Gethsemane: Church of All Nations, House of Caiaphas: Peter's Denial of Christ, Pater Noster Church: Lord's Prayer, Olivet Discourse, Prophecy, Proof the Bible Is True: Mount of Olives, Jordan River: Crossing into the Promised Land, Jordan River Baptismal Site of Jesus (Qsar al-Yahud), HolyLandSite.com is aMinistry Affiliated withGo Missions to Mexico, San Quintn, Baja California, Mexico (Mexico Address), Phones: 541 603 0881 (U.S.A.) 011 52 616 166 2827 (Mexico). woe unto thee, Bethsaida! Trees with thorns (the kind used for Jesus crown of thorns). Romans 8:68: For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. It was built out of black basalt stone which was common in the Galilee area. Are we guilty of rejecting Christ and His teaching in some way? Nevertheless, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. Bethsaida, which literally means house of fishing, seems to have been the most populated city in Galilee. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. It indeed cost Him everything. for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Luke 12:48: Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. An old photo of Chorazin. Inside of this synagogue was The seat of Moses, or the stone from which the Torah was once read. Further excavation and restoration activities were carried out between 1980 and 1983. 3. There are only a few incidents where he gets out of control including the episode in front of Solomons temple and the curse of the three cities. (Matthew 11:21 ). Author: : CC BY 2.5. Actually, there are numerous different versions that are recited today that differ from one another, but basically it was hoped that the berkat ha minim blessing would be sufficient to drive the believing Jews from the synagogue. Main 4. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them. Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgement, than for you. For now, what really went on the streets of Chorazin is a mystery; like many others, this mystery promises to remain unsolved for a long time. The following pictures are of the synagogue. Not to the tavern; not to the brothel; but to the church! The same heavenly visitation would have converted heathen cities like Tyre or even Sodom. In the same way this town lies in ruins, our lives will lie in ruins if we reject Christ and the life He offers. John is a computer & electrical engineer with a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, a Read More. In the New Testament, Jesus is mostly portrayed acting in a nice way with love and tolerance. (The term Christian was not used until decades later.) Matthew 23:13: Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 2. The third city cursed by Jesus was Capernaum, which in Hebrew is called kefar nahum, which means the city of Nahum and is considered to be the traditional home of Nahum the prophet, and later was the home of Jesus as well. It has an ornamental shell which would have been the top part of the cabinet where the Torah and Old Testament Scrolls would have been kept. However, some archaeological evidence found just outside of Chorazin point to a first-century settlement, a find that led some to believe that this might have been the original location of Chorazin. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. In each of these cities, one would expect to find a synagogue such as has been found in Korazim and Capernaum but none to date has yet been found in Bethsaida. For a tour of the remains and archaeological site at Korazim, be sure to visit www.biblescholars.org and go to the Israel Slide Show Gallery for a tour through Korazim as well as Capernaum. Further excavation and restoration activities were carried out between 1980 and 1983. However, all three cities failed to respond to his message and did not repent. 2. Adjacent to the central court and oriented somewhat west and south towards Jerusalem was the ancient synagogue. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach (Matt 23:2-3). And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. The archaeologists who excavated the site suggested that it might have been aRoman temple and if it is indeed a Roman temple, it could have been built for the cult of Livia Julia who was the wife of Augustus and the mother of Tiberius. Are we walking in close obedience, or living in casual obedience to Christ, or even disobedience? Although it is not generally known or widely related, many Jews of the first century simply accepted Jesus as their Messiah but continued to worship in a Jewish context. Christ pronounced judgment upon the cities and towns that rejected the gospel. Dr. Blizzards Audio Seminars are now available in downloadable mp3 formats. 3. Apparently, ungodly cities may be judged less harshly than cities steeped in religious tradition, but which fail to respond to the move of God in their midst. But despite all of the archaeological excavations, no evidence has been found that the town was formed and thriving during the first century, or the time when Jesus was believed to have been alive. For Tyre and Sidon the judgment of God will be more tolerable than for you, he warns. On his second visit, he correctly identified the remains of a synagogue and an octagonal building which was later designated as a. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was founded in 1980 as an evangelical response for the need to comfort Zion according to the command of the scripture found in Isaiah 40:1-2; Mail: PO Box 1192, Jerusalem, 9101002, Israel. And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Megalithic cyclopean masonry is found in many parts of Italy, including Lazio, Abruzzo, Campania, Umbria, Tuscany and Molise. Book a speaking engagement with Dr. Blizzard | However, no archaeological evidence has been found showing that the city existed in the first century AD, the century of Jesus. Furthermore, the scripture says that despite everything, the citizens of Chorazin didnt change their ways. 3. Studying the origins of the aptly named Mystery Hill megaliths, also known as Americas Stonehenge, whets ones curiosity but does not satisfyunless one is satisfied by the excitement of confounding mystery alone. The Mountain of the Lord. When it comes to myths and legends and the bible a small number of towns are proud to offer up both. From Chorazin, you can see the Sea of Galilee, Bethsaida, and some of Capernaum. Part of Chorazins ruins. Looking at their ruins today along the northern shoreline of the Galilee is a stark reminder for all of us of some important lessons. 4. The majority of the ruins are made of black basalt and one of the most interesting findings was the Seat of Moses which was carved out of a single basalt block with an inscription in Aramaic on the back. Mark 8:22-25 reads: And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. It is located to the north of Capernaum some two miles away. The chair seen here is a replica of the original one found. But this radical offer of Gods incredible love requires a radical response from us. A synagogue was discovered in the 19 th century and has been partly excavated. 4. If it wasnt for the Bible, Chorazin would probably have been completely forgotten. During that time, many repairs and modifications were made especially to the synagogue. The letter of Hebrews warned the early church and as well as us today that: For since the message declared by angels [the Old Testament] proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation which was declared at first by the Lord (Hebrews 2:2-3). 8. Chorazin was a city in Galilee a few kilometres from the city of Capernaum, where Jesus lived after he left Nazareth. The Langeid Viking Battle Axe and a Warrior Who Singlehandedly Held Off the Entire English Army, Ancient Race of White Giants Described in Native Legends From Many Tribes, The Notorious Hashshashins, the Original Assassins of Persia, Boudicca: The Celtic Queen Who Unleashed Fury on the Romans, The Truth Behind the Christ Myth: Ancient Origins of the Often Used Legend Part I, Tiresias: The Blind Seer of Greek Mythology, The Origins of the Faeries: Encoded in our Cultures Part I. It makes us wonder what was it really that the people of Chorazin did that got such an extreme reaction from Jesus? 1. Well take a look at a few such legends, including those among the Choctaw and the Comanches of the United States down to the Manta of Peru. The original is in a museum in Jerusalem. Yet the above passage suggests the opposite. You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. To some, this discovery is proof that Chorazin was indeed a biblical town. For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Destroyed by an earthquake. Jesus spent around 50-70% of His ministry time around the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee so those in Chorazin would have repeatedly heard and seen all Jesus did. Jesus visited this bustling fishing village from time to time and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing (Luke 9:11). But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. There is an indication from some passages in the Mishnah which stress that the population of Capernaum during the first three centuries CE formed two blocks: First, the minim (heretics), i.e. While the Bible does not tell us much about the town of Chorazin, it presents Bethsaida as the hometown of three of the disciples of Jesus (John 1:44). Tithing Giving and Prosperity Author: Effib CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Crumbling Castle of a Transylvanian Count. 5. Were theonlyPop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. Most of the ruins we see today are from the 3rd century. From it, the Torah would have been read. 3. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! Capernaum was abandoned 1,000 years ago and two-thirds of the present day ruins belong to the Franciscans who purchased it from the Bedouins in 1894, while the remaining one-third belong to the Greek Orthodox patriarchate. The ruins today remind us of that. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. The passage from Luke 10, therefore, also presents a clear warning not to count the great and eternal salvation offered through Jesus as cheap grace. The lack of a synagogue, in addition to a lack of repentance might go a long way in explaining why Jesus would have cursed the city. An interesting story in the life of Jesus is recorded for us in the Gospel of Mark relating to the three cities of Bethsaida, Korazim, and Capernaum located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. That man, who has sat, Sunday after Sunday, under the awakening and affecting calls of the gospel, and has hardened his heart against these calls, he is the man whose condition is the most desperate of all others.. Jews that had accepted Jesus as Messiah and second, Orthodox Jews. Therefore, let us rather follow those who committed their lives to the Saviour and Redeemer. Chorazin was one of the three towns (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum), which made up what scholars call The Evangelical Triangle.. Matthew 11:21-24: Woe to you, Chorazin! Several Native American tribes have passed down legends of a race of white giants who were wiped out. His power was witnessed by everyone that happened to be around at the time. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. The second city cursed by Jesus was the city of Korazim and is the only one of the three not situated on the Sea of Galilee. Chorazin is a testament to Christs judgment on a people who rejected His teachings, miracles, healing, and salvation. The largest and most significant was the central quarter of the town and contained numerous dwelling houses along with a paved court. north of the Sea of Galilee. According to Matthew, mighty works were done in all three of these cities, however it is Mark that gives us the example of the miracle healing of the blind man in Bethsaida. Archaeological research revealed that the whole area is rich with volcanic soil that allowed the ground to heat up more quickly and thus produce more favorable conditions for the grain to grow. They simply referred to themselves as minim or believers and considered themselves to be Jewish and worshipped in a Jewish context. In the time of Jesus, Chorazin was about 15 acres (7 hectares) in size and had an estimated population of around 5001,000. International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, The ruins of Capernaum, Chorazin and BethsaidaBy: Dr. Jrgen Bhler, Woe to you, Chorazin! What do you think? Jesus cursed those in Chorazin because they rejected Him, His teachings, and the many miracles He had done in their midst. Jesus cursed those in Chorazin because they rejected Him, His teachings, and the many miracles He had done in their midst. Are we genuinely living for Christ and putting His Word into practice? Further evidence suggested that the town was reborn again in the fifth century.

| Bible Scholars, Inc. | Facebook . According to the Bible, the city of Chorazin would see Jesus miracles multiple times over for at least three years. woe unto thee, Bethsaida!