What Was Tiberias in the Bible?
A City with Historical and Biblical Significance
Tiberias is a city mentioned in the New Testament, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Israel. Founded by Herod Antipas in the early 1st century AD, the city was named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Tiberias played a notable role during the time of Jesus’ ministry and holds both historical and biblical significance.
The Founding and Early History of Tiberias
A City Built by Herod Antipas
Tiberias was established by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, around AD 18-22. Herod Antipas was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, and he built Tiberias as a capital city and a symbol of his allegiance to the Roman Empire. The city was strategically located along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, an area known for its fertile land and abundant fishing resources.
The name Tiberias reflects the influence of Roman culture in the region, as it was named after Emperor Tiberius, who reigned from AD 14 to 37. This Roman influence is seen not only in the city’s name but also in its architecture and infrastructure, which included public baths, a palace, and a theater.
Tiberias in the Old Testament: Rakkath
Before its renaming and development by Herod Antipas, the site of Tiberias was known as Rakkath, a name mentioned in Joshua 19:35. This Hebrew name, רַקָּת (Rakkath), which means “shore” or “bank,” highlights the rocky nature of the area. Rakkath was one of the fortified cities allotted to the tribe of Naphtali in the division of the Promised Land. Although the city of Rakkath itself is not extensively described in the Old Testament, its mention provides a connection to the ancient roots of the region that would later become known as Tiberias.
Tiberias in the New Testament
The Miraculous Feeding and the Crowds
Tiberias is specifically mentioned in the New Testament in John 6:23, in the context of the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. After Jesus performed this miracle near the Sea of Galilee, the people were so amazed by His power that they followed Him in large numbers. John 6:23 states, “Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.”
This mention of Tiberias highlights the city’s proximity to key events in Jesus’ ministry. The crowds’ pursuit of Jesus to Tiberias underscores His growing popularity and the impact of His miracles on the people of the region. The reference to Tiberias in this context also emphasizes the geographical reality of Jesus’ ministry, rooted in specific locations that are still identifiable today.
A City of Mixed Reactions to Jesus
While Tiberias is mentioned only briefly in the New Testament, the broader region of Galilee, where Tiberias is located, was central to Jesus’ ministry. The Sea of Galilee, around which much of Jesus’ ministry took place, was surrounded by cities like Tiberias, Capernaum, and Bethsaida, where Jesus performed many miracles and preached to large crowds.
Tiberias itself, however, is not recorded as a city where Jesus performed miracles or taught extensively. This absence is noteworthy, particularly given that other nearby cities, like Capernaum, were central to His ministry. Some scholars suggest that the city’s strong Roman influence and the construction over a Jewish cemetery, which made it ritually unclean for Jews, may have contributed to its limited mention in connection with Jesus’ direct ministry.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Seeking Jesus
The people’s journey from Tiberias to follow Jesus after the miraculous feeding serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking Jesus with diligence. Their pursuit, motivated by the desire to experience more of Jesus’ power and teaching, reflects a deep hunger for spiritual truth and connection with the divine.
For modern Christians, this event challenges us to examine our own pursuit of Jesus. Are we seeking Him with the same intensity and dedication as those who followed Him from Tiberias? Jesus Himself invites us to seek Him, promising that those who do will find Him (Matthew 7:7-8). This lesson encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ, pursuing Him through prayer, Bible study, and a life of obedience.
The Reality of Jesus’ Ministry
The mention of Tiberias in the context of Jesus’ ministry grounds the biblical narrative in real, historical locations. It reminds us that the events of the New Testament are not abstract or mythical but occurred in specific places and times. This connection to history reinforces the authenticity and reliability of the Gospel accounts.
For believers today, this serves as a reminder that our faith is rooted in historical reality. The places mentioned in the Bible, like Tiberias, can be visited and studied, providing tangible evidence of the truth of Scripture. This historical grounding strengthens our faith, reminding us that the events of the Bible are not just spiritual truths but also historical facts.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Presence in Specific Places
The story of Tiberias, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, highlights God’s presence in specific places and times. God chose to reveal Himself in the person of Jesus Christ in a particular region, among particular people. The Sea of Galilee, around which Tiberias is located, became a focal point of God’s redemptive work through Jesus.
For modern believers, this connection to a loving God reminds us that God is not distant or abstract; He is present in our specific circumstances and locations. Just as He worked in the lives of people in Tiberias and the surrounding region, He is at work in our lives today, guiding, teaching, and drawing us closer to Himself.
The Invitation to Experience God’s Miracles
The mention of Tiberias in John 6:23 in the context of a miraculous event invites us to reflect on God’s ongoing work in the world. The people who followed Jesus from Tiberias were drawn by the miracles they witnessed, and while their motives may have been mixed, their actions remind us that God invites us to experience His power and presence.
For believers today, this connection to a loving God encourages us to remain open to His miraculous work in our lives. Whether through answered prayer, divine provision, or the work of the Holy Spirit, God continues to reveal His power and love to those who seek Him.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Centrality of Christ in All Things
The city of Tiberias, though a minor detail in the Gospels, points us back to the central figure of the New Testament: Jesus Christ. The people’s pursuit of Jesus from Tiberias after witnessing His miracle emphasizes the centrality of Christ in all things. Jesus is the one who satisfies the deepest needs of the human heart, just as He satisfied the physical hunger of the crowd.
For modern Christians, this connection to Jesus Christ is a reminder that He is the center of our faith. All aspects of our lives should be oriented around Him, just as the people of Tiberias oriented their actions around seeking Him. Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). This truth calls us to place our trust and hope in Him alone.
The Witness of Jesus’ Ministry
Tiberias’s proximity to many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings serves as a witness to the profound impact of His ministry in the region. While the city itself is mentioned only briefly, the fact that people from Tiberias sought Jesus indicates the far-reaching influence of His message.
For believers today, this connection to Jesus Christ challenges us to be witnesses to His power and love in our own contexts. Just as the people of Tiberias were drawn to Jesus, we are called to draw others to Him through our words and actions, sharing the good news of His life, death, and resurrection with those around us.
Conclusion
Tiberias, though a city of brief mention in the New Testament, plays a significant role in the context of Jesus’ ministry and the early Christian narrative. Its historical and biblical significance serves as a reminder of the tangible reality of the Gospel, the importance of seeking Jesus with all our hearts, and the ongoing work of God in specific places and times.
For modern Christians, the lessons drawn from Tiberias encourage us to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, to trust in God’s presence and guidance, and to be witnesses of His love and power in our daily lives. As we reflect on the story of Tiberias, we are reminded that our faith is not only spiritual but also grounded in history, and that the God who worked in the lives of people in ancient Israel continues to work in our lives today.