John 6:59

Taught in Capernaum. There is some textual evidence (cf. p. 146) for adding “on the sabbath” to v. 59. While it is virtually certain that the original text of this passage did not contain these words, these manuscripts do preserve the interesting tradition that Jesus’ Sermon on the Bread of Life was given on the Sabbath day. The disciples would not have made the journey back to Capernaum after sundown Friday night (see p. 50; see on Matt. 14:22-36).

That Jesus repeatedly taught in the synagogues is clear from a number of statements (see Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 12:9; 13:54; Mark 1:39; 3:1; John 18:20). As the center of Jewish communal life the synagogue was a logical place for Him to come in contact with the people and stimulate their religious thinking (see p. 56).

This synagogue at Capernaum was probably the same one presented to the Jews of that city by the centurion (see Luke 7:5). Formerly it was thought that ruins still in existence at Tell Hum (generally recognized as ancient Capernaum) were those of the synagogue. It is now clear, however, that the ruins in question probably are no earlier than the 3rd century A.D.; nevertheless they doubtless stand on the remains of an earlier structure that might have been the building in which Jesus taught. If so, it may be reasonable to think that the ruins to be seen today reproduce in general the outlines of the synagogue of Jesus’ time.

The present ruins, some 50 ft. wide by 70 ft. long, are of white limestone, and are oriented so that the congregation faced south, that is, toward the Temple in Jerusalem. On three sides of the main chamber there was a balcony for the women and children, which was supported by columns and was reached by a stairway from the outside. The main floor seems to have been reserved for the men. At the side of the building is a courtyard.