Weeve Ministry

Bethsaida

Probable~500 m
Modern identification
el-Araj · Northeast Sea of Galilee
Coordinates
32.8957, 35.6193

A major alternative candidate near the first-century shoreline.

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Disputed identification

Scholars propose more than one site for Bethsaida:

  • Probableet-Tell

What happened at Bethsaida

  1. The first retirement. The twelve return, and Jesus retires with them beyond the lake to rest. Feeding of the five thousand

    Mark 6:30-44; Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13

    The feeding and withdrawal are near Bethsaida; the city site is disputed. Bethsaida is disputed, especially between et-Tell and el-Araj. This midpoint is only a neutral visualization aid.

  2. The prevention of the revolutionary purpose to proclaim Jesus king (a political Messiah)

    Mark 6:45-46; Matthew 14:22-23; John 6:14-15

    The feeding and withdrawal are near Bethsaida; the city site is disputed. Bethsaida is disputed, especially between et-Tell and el-Araj. This midpoint is only a neutral visualization aid.

  3. The fourth retirement to bethsaida julias in the tetrarchy of Herod Philip with sharp rebuke of the dulness of the disciples on the way across and the healing of a blind man in bethsaida

    Mark 8:13-26; Matthew 16:5-12

    Bethsaida is disputed, especially between et-Tell and el-Araj. This midpoint is only a neutral visualization aid.

Nearby places in Northeast Sea of Galilee

Sources