Study · Place
Galilee
Galilee was the northern region of ancient Israel where Jesus spent most of His earthly ministry. Isaiah prophesied that a great light would shine on 'Galilee of the Gentiles' (Isaiah 9:1), fulfilled when Jesus began His ministry there after the imprisonment of John the Baptist (Matthew 4:12-17). The region was home to Jesus' disciples — most of whom were Galilean fishermen — and the site of many miracles. Its people were sometimes looked down upon by Judeans, yet Galilee became the cradle of Christianity.
Biblical and historical context
Galilee in the first century was a prosperous agricultural and fishing region surrounding the Sea of Galilee (also called Lake Tiberias). It was ethnically diverse — 'Galilee of the Gentiles' — with a mixed Jewish and non-Jewish population. The region was part of the tetrarchy of Herod Antipas during Jesus' ministry. Most of Jesus' Galilean teaching occurred in or around Capernaum, which became His base of operations.
Location
Northern Israel, Israel · 32.8500, 35.5000