Asochis is a location mentioned in historical and biblical contexts, primarily associated with the region of Galilee during the time of the Second Temple period. While the name "Asochis" itself does not appear directly in the canonical texts of the Bible, it is referenced in extra-biblical sources, such as the writings of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. Understanding Asochis provides insight into the geographical and cultural backdrop of the New Testament era.

Historical Context

Asochis is identified with the area around the ancient city of Sepphoris, which was a significant urban center in Galilee. Sepphoris, known for its strategic location and fertile surroundings, played a crucial role in the region's history. It was situated approximately 6 kilometers northwest of Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew up (Matthew 2:23: "And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets, that He would be called a Nazarene").

During the first century, Sepphoris was a bustling city, often referred to as the "Ornament of Galilee." It was a hub of political, economic, and cultural activity. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, made Sepphoris his capital before later moving to Tiberias. The city's proximity to Nazareth suggests that Jesus and His disciples may have been familiar with it, although the Gospels do not explicitly mention Jesus visiting Sepphoris.

Biblical Significance

While Asochis itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, understanding its location and significance helps illuminate the broader context of Galilee during Jesus' ministry. Galilee was a region known for its diverse population and vibrant trade routes, which facilitated the spread of Jesus' teachings. The presence of cities like Sepphoris highlights the cultural and economic backdrop against which the Gospel narratives unfold.

The Gospels frequently mention Jesus traveling throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, and performing miracles (Matthew 4:23: "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people"). The region's mixed population of Jews and Gentiles underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' message, which transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations in the area identified as Asochis have uncovered significant findings that shed light on the daily life and culture of Galilee during the Second Temple period. Discoveries include remnants of Roman architecture, mosaics, and artifacts that reflect the Hellenistic influence on the region. These findings provide a glimpse into the complex social and cultural dynamics that characterized Galilee during the time of Jesus.

Conclusion

Asochis, as part of the greater Galilean landscape, offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the New Testament. While not directly mentioned in the biblical texts, its association with Sepphoris and the surrounding region helps to enrich our understanding of the world in which Jesus lived and ministered.ASOCHIS, PLAIN OF

a-so'-kis. See CANA, OF GALILEE.

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a ...
... Cana[3] was a little town at from two to two and a half hours' journey from Nazareth,
at the foot of the mountains which bound the plain of Asochis on the north ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter v the first sayings.htm

Nay, Indeed, Tiberias had Like to have Been Plundered by the ...
... So a great many of them together from all quarters the next day, and came to the
city Asochis, where I then lodged, and made heavy clamors, and called the city ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 68 nay indeed tiberias.htm

When I had Written Thus, and Given the Letter to be Carried by The ...
... to the Romans in their sentiments, met them indeed, but neither praised nor reproached
me and when they were gone down from Sepphoris to Asochis, the people of ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 45 when i had.htm

Now, as My Father Wrote Me an Account of This...
... supposed that they should suffer no harm. So they all came into the great
plain, wherein I lived, the name of which was Asochis. ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 41 now as my.htm

What Actions were done by Alexander Janneus, who Reigned Twenty ...
... 2. Now it happened that there was a battle between him and Ptolemy, who
was called Lathyrus, who had taken the city Asochis. He ...
/.../chapter 4 what actions were.htm

How Alexander when He had Taken the Government Made an Expedition ...
... of his own country; nay, as some writers have said, eighty thousand [33] He then
took his army, and went to meet Ptolemy; but Ptolemy fell upon Asochis, a city ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how alexander when.htm

Asochis
Asochis. Asnath, Asochis. Asom . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASOCHIS,
PLAIN OF. a-so'-kis. See CANA, OF GALILEE. Asnath, Asochis. Asom . ...
/a/asochis.htm - 6k

Cana (4 Occurrences)
... mentioned by Josephus, but probably this one is intended by the Cana where for a
time he dwelt (Vita, 16) which he locates in the plain of Asochis (ibid., 41). ...
/c/cana.htm - 11k

Galilee (73 Occurrences)
... mentioned by Josephus, but probably this one is intended by the Cana where for a
time he dwelt (Vita, 16) which he locates in the plain of Asochis (ibid., 41). ...
/g/galilee.htm - 67k

Asnath (3 Occurrences)

/a/asnath.htm - 7k

Asom

/a/asom.htm - 6k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... Olive groves and vineyards are plentiful. Good harvests are gathered on the sunny
slopes, and on the rich levels of the Plain of Asochis (el-BaTTauf). ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... W. Ewing. ASOCHIS, PLAIN OF. a-so'-kis. See CANA, OF GALILEE. PILLAR, PLAIN OF THE.
See PLAIN OF THE PILLAR. Multi-Version Concordance Plain (113 Occurrences). ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

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