Topical Bible: The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Sea of Galilee

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret, Lake Tiberias, or the Sea of Kinnereth, is a significant body of water in the biblical narrative, located in the northeastern region of Israel. This freshwater lake is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, making it the largest freshwater lake in Israel. It is situated about 700 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying bodies of water on earth.

Biblical Significance

The Sea of Galilee holds a prominent place in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, where it serves as the backdrop for many events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is here that Jesus called His first disciples, performed miracles, and delivered teachings that have resonated through the ages.

Calling of the Disciples

The Sea of Galilee is the setting for the calling of several of Jesus' disciples, who were fishermen by trade. In Matthew 4:18-19 , it is recorded: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"

Miracles

Numerous miracles performed by Jesus took place on or near the Sea of Galilee. One of the most well-known is the calming of the storm. In Mark 4:37-39 , it is written: "Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?' Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm."

Another significant miracle is the feeding of the five thousand, which took place on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. In John 6:1-14, Jesus miraculously multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd, demonstrating His divine provision and compassion.

Teachings

The Sea of Galilee also served as a natural amphitheater for Jesus' teachings. The Sermon on the Mount, one of His most famous discourses, was delivered on a hillside overlooking the lake. This sermon, found in Matthew 5-7, includes the Beatitudes and other foundational teachings of Christian ethics and spirituality.

Geographical and Historical Context

The Sea of Galilee is fed by the Jordan River and surrounded by hills, which contribute to its unique weather patterns, including sudden storms. Its fertile surroundings have supported human settlement and agriculture for millennia. In the time of Jesus, the region was bustling with activity, with towns such as Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Tiberias located along its shores.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The Sea of Galilee remains a place of pilgrimage and reflection for Christians worldwide. Its serene waters and historical significance continue to inspire faith and devotion, serving as a tangible connection to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The events that unfolded on and around this lake are central to the Christian narrative, illustrating themes of faith, divine power, and the call to discipleship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:18
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 8:32
And he said to them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:1
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... is His witness among rivers; the sea of Tiberias among seas: blind and ... The Cerinthians,
Ebionites, Ophites, and Valentinians are mentioned by Iren??us ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age.
... who is searching for ancient remains on the seas of the ... Jewish works of Jost, Graetz,
and Geiger, mentioned Sec. ... and the coasts of the Black Sea); to Thaddaeus ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 20 sources and literature.htm

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of ...
... the formation of the stars "is nowhere mentioned in thi8 ... the existing molluscs lived
in our seas." (p.229 ... things that are therein;" including "the sea, with all ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/v in the present crusade.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... That narrow in the seas on every side ... wanderings); I shall only name such places
as are mentioned in the ... Coming by sea from Pelusium to Maioma on account of the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... away; could eat with them on the sea shore, and ... yet to come;] the resurrection here
mentioned, is a ... thou art, consider that frequently in scripture the words ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... of a ship far off upon the sea coming towards him ... for accusation on the points I
have mentioned, however they ... it is a venial fault, for the Scripture also says ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Christian feels, and also that which I mentioned before, namely ... not thus of all waters,
but of the sea, which is ... together of the waters called he seas: and God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm