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Two miles west of Capernaum is what
Josephus referred to as the "well of
Capernaum." Undoubtedly a popular fishing spot of the locals because of its famous "seven springs," Heptapegon (today the name has been corrupted to
Tabgha) is the traditional location for several episodes in
Jesus' ministry.
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Tabgha is the traditional location for the calling of the disciples. It is believed that here
Jesus walked along the shore and called out to Simon
Peter and Andrew who were casting their nets into the
lake. Walking along, Jesus saw two other brothers, James and
John who were preparing their nets with their father Zebedee. Jesus called all of these men to follow him. Evidence of ancient boating activity at
Tabgha is found in the recently discovered harbor on the shore. Visible when the water level is -211.50 m or lower, the curved western breakwater was 60 meters long. Another 40 m breakwater ran perpendicular to the shore and protected the 30 m wide basin which was entered from the east. |
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The seven springs that emerged at Tabgha (today only six have been discovered) produced water warmer than that of the
Sea of Galilee. This warmer water helped the production of algae, which in turn attracted the fish. Fishermen thus have frequented this area for thousands of years.
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In John 21, Jesus met again with the disciples for the "last breakfast." Here he restored
Peter to himself after the disciple's three denials by asking him three times if Peter loved Jesus. Catholic tradition associates this event with the naming of
Peter as the singular leader of the church. The rock at left is the traditional place where
Jesus stood and called out to the disciples.
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