House of Peter at Capernaum

QUESTION: House of Peter at Capernaum

ANSWER:

The House of Peter is an ancient residence at Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee that’s been an obvious object of attention since the 2nd century AD. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a home and subsequent home church that contains ancient writings in the wall plaster mentioning Jesus as “Lord” and “Christ” in Aramaic, Greek, Syriac and Latin. The structure is very close to the ancient synagogue at Capernaum and contains 1st century fish hooks and graffiti references to “Peter.”

Due to its location and early treatment as a Christian pilgrimage site, a large octagonal Byzantine church was erected over the House of Peter in the 5th century. Since that time, Christians have referred to this site as the House of Peter. In biblical accounts, it’s here where Jesus stayed while teaching in Capernaum and where he performed a number of miracles (Mark 1:29-34 and Mark 2:1-12). Although scholars can’t be certain whether this was the actual House of Peter, scholars agree that this is one of the earliest Christian houses of worship yet discovered.




© 2009 AllAboutGOD.com; View our Copyright Notice.

Here’s the House of Peter archaeological site before it was covered for protection and restoration by the Franciscan church in 1990:


© 2009 AllAboutGOD.com; View our Copyright Notice.