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Nazareth
Nazareth is located in northern Israel. Biblically, it was the birthplace of Jesus. However, in modern times the population is predominantly Muslim (around 70%).
256 Questions
What was Nazareth like in the time of Jesus?
NAZARETH
(Naz′a·reth) [probably, Sprout-Town].
A city in Lower Galilee where Jesus lived most of his earthly life, along with his half brothers and half sisters. (Lu 2:51, 52; Mt 13:54-56) Both Joseph and Mary were residents of Nazareth when Gabriel announced the approaching birth of Jesus. (Lu 1:26, 27; 2:4, 39) Later, after their return from Egypt, they took up residence in Nazareth again.-Mt 2:19-23; Lu 2:39.
Location. Most scholars identify Nazareth with En Nasira (Nazerat) in Galilee. (PICTURES, Vol. 2, p. 539) If this view is correct, Nazareth was situated in the low mountains just N of the Valley of Jezreel and approximately halfway between the S tip of the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Coast. It was in a mountain basin with hills rising 120 to 150 m (400 to 500 ft) above it. The area was well populated, with a number of cities and towns near Nazareth. Also, it is estimated that one could walk from Nazareth to Ptolemais on the Mediterranean Coast in seven hours, to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee in five hours, and to Jerusalem in three days.
On one occasion people of Nazareth sought to throw Jesus from "the brow of the mountain upon which their city had been built." (Lu 4:29) That is not to say that Nazareth was on the very brow or edge, but that it was on a mountain having a brow from which they wanted to hurl Jesus. Some have identified it with a rocky cliff some 12 m (40 ft) high located SW of the city.
Prominence of Nazareth. It is difficult to say with certainty just how prominent Nazareth was in the first century. The most common view of commentators is that Nazareth was then a rather secluded, insignificant village. The principal Biblical statement used to support this view is what Nathanael said when he heard that Jesus was from there: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (Joh 1:46) This has been taken by many to mean that Nazareth was looked down upon, even by people of Galilee. (Joh 21:2) Nazareth was near trade routes of the area but not directly on them. It was not mentioned by Josephus, though he referred to nearby Japhia as the largest fortified village of all Galilee, leading to the idea that Nazareth was eclipsed by its neighbor.
On the other hand, Nathanael may simply have been expressing surprise that Philip would claim a man from the neighborhood city of Nazareth in Galilee to be the promised Messiah, for the Scriptures had foretold that that one would come from Bethlehem in Judah. (Mic 5:2) Josephus did not mention many of the settlements in Galilee, so his not mentioning Nazareth might not be particularly significant. It is noteworthy that the Bible does not call Nazareth a village, but always a "city." (Lu 1:26; 2:4, 39) Furthermore, close-by Sepphoris was an important, fortified city having a district court of the Sanhedrin. Nonetheless, whatever its size and prominence, Nazareth was convenient to important trade routes and main cities, and so its inhabitants would have had ready information about the social, religious, and political activities of the time.-Compare Lu 4:23.
Attitude of the People. As Jesus grew up, he progressed "in favor with God and men." (Lu 2:52) He and his half brothers and half sisters were known by the people of Nazareth, and it was his "custom" to attend the local synagogue each week. (Mt 13:55, 56; Lu 4:16) When he was about 30 years of age, Jesus left Nazareth and was baptized by John. (Mr 1:9; Lu 3:23) Some months later, near the start of his Galilean ministry, Jesus returned to Nazareth and in the synagogue read aloud Isaiah 61:1, 2, applying it to himself. The people manifested a lack of faith and attempted to kill him, "but he went through the midst of them and continued on his way," taking up residence in Capernaum.-Lu 4:16-30; Mt 4:13.
Over a year later, Christ again visited Nazareth. (Mt 13:54-58; Mr 6:1-6) Though some have thought this to be the same occasion as in Luke 4:16-30, the order of events in Matthew, Mark, and Luke indicates otherwise, as does the fact that Jesus' activities and the results were somewhat different. His fame may have grown by this time so that a somewhat more hospitable reception was granted him. Though many stumbled over the fact that he was a local man, there is no mention of the people's trying to kill him this time. He performed some powerful works, but not many, because of the people's lack of faith. (Mt 13:57, 58) Jesus then left and began his third circuit of Galilee.-Mr 6:6.
Why did Jesus move from Bethlehem to Nazareth?
Both Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was born in Bethlehem: Matthew apparently because Bethlehem was the home town of Joseph and Mary; Luke because there was a census that apparently required Joseph to be in Bethlehem.
What did Jesus of Nazareth do?
God became man in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, so that humanity may attain everlasting life in whoever believes the truth and in believing the truth they are made over in the image of God and did attain everlasting life.
Is nazareth the major city in judea?
No, Nazareth is not the major city in Judea; it is a small town located in the region of Galilee. The major city in Judea during biblical times was Jerusalem, which served as the political and religious center. Nazareth is known for its association with the life of Jesus, but it does not hold the same significance as Jerusalem in terms of size or influence.
What is the capital city of nazareth?
Nazareth is the capital city in the Northern District of Israel.
Which mountain is found near nazareth?
Near Nazareth, the prominent mountain is Mount Tabor. It is traditionally associated with the biblical Transfiguration of Jesus and stands at approximately 588 meters (1,929 feet) high. The mountain features a church at its summit and offers scenic views of the surrounding region, making it a significant site for both religious and historical reasons.
What miracles where performed in Nazareth?
From Jesus no miracles occurred because of the people of Nazareth not believing Jesus was the sent One from God.
There was one miracle in Nazareth however and that was when the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and she conceived Jesus in her womb (Luke 1:35).
Jesus of nazareth introduced what to the Romans?
He introduced the way back to their Heavenly Father. Also that only God in heaven was the one and only true God.
What does nazareth have to do with Jesus?
Most likely nothing. Nazareth did not exist as a geographical term in the time the legend says Jesus was alive. Furthermore, there is no independent record that Jesus ever existed (none of the contemporary historians even mention his name).
Nazareth appears in the bible most likely because of the bad translation of Nazarene (a known religious sect in Judea at the time).
Why was the historical Jesus of Nazareth killed?
Jesus of Nazareth was set-up to executed by the Jewish Pharisees for being the true Messiah and the Son of God. The corrupt Pharisees, were jealous of His goodness and truth and fearful that He would break-up their power monopoly over the people of Jerusalem. The apostle and trusted friend of Jesus, Judas, betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver that were given to him by the corrupt Pharisees. Judas later hung himself and is in Hell for eternity, along with the Pharisees. Jerusalem and the Jewsih Temple were sacked in 70 AD by the Roman general, Titus who was fed-up with the troublesome Jews. The Jews have been in the Dispora ever since.
Why were the people of Nazareth looked down upon?
The people of Galilee, which includes Nazareth, were not considered real Jews by the people of Judea, because they had only been forcibly converted to Judaism a little over a hundred years before the time of Christ.
Is the Blessed Virgin Mary from Bethlehem or Nazareth?
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Luke's Gospel gives the home of Mary and Joseph as Nazareth.
Matthew's Gospel suggests that their home was in Bethlehem before the flight to Egypt, but after their return to Judea, they turned aside and moved to Nazareth, out of the fear of King Herod's son.
In a direct line, it is 104 kilometres (65 miles) from Nazareth to Jerusalem, although any land journey across the mountainous terrain of Samaria and northern Judah must be somewhat longer. However, in the first century, it would have been dangerous for a Jew to traverse Samaria. Jews would have taken a much longer route across the River Jordan and through the Decapolis.
In Luke's Gospel, Joseph and Mary would have taken the longer route across the River Jordan for their own safety, both on the way south and then back.
In Matthew's Gospel, the young family had never been to Nazareth prior to the return from Jerusalem. They probably did not go to Jerusalem, which would still have been dangerous for them, but most likely crossed the Jordan somewhere to the south and then followed the route east of the river until they reached the Decapolis ( Matthew 2:22-23: "he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth...")
