End Times and Current Events

General Category => Biblical Archaeology => Topic started by: Mark on May 15, 2014, 04:02:40 am



Title: Newly Discovered Synagogue Could Be Where Jesus Taught
Post by: Mark on May 15, 2014, 04:02:40 am
Newly Discovered Synagogue Could Be Where Jesus Taught

 In 2004 Rev. Juan M. Solana set out on a mission to develop a resort on the Sea of Galilee for Christian pilgrims. Solana, a Roman Catholic priest, purchased four privately owned plots of land near Migdal, the hometown of Mary of Magdalene with hopes of building a facility that would help Christians find rest and relaxation in Holy Land.

During a standard salvage dig required by the Israeli government before building can take place, the New York Times reports archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), unearthed remnants of a synagogue from the first century that revealed the location was the actual town of Migdal, also known by its ancient name, Magdala.

The newly discovered Magdala synagogue is one of only seven uncovered in Israel that was in use during the first century C.E., when the Jerusalem Temple still stood.

Archaeologists say they found a stone block that was likely used as a table where the Torah was read. Officials maintain the block is a miniature replica of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

It is also believed that not only did Jesus spend a significant amount of time in this area, but possibly taught in the newly discover synagogue.

“We do not fully understand the power of this stone yet,” Arfan Najar, an archaeologist and co-manager of the Magdala dig, told the New York Times. “Whoever did this saw the temple with his own eyes.”

While the building plans had to be altered due to the findings, a portion of Father Solana’s resort is complete, but only one third of the necessary $100 million have been raised to complete the project. 

Called Magdala Center, the hotel sits on 20 acres of land and can accommodate 300 guests.

http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/newly-discovered-synagogue-could-be-where-jesus-taught.html


Title: Re: Newly Discovered Synagogue Could Be Where Jesus Taught
Post by: Mark on May 15, 2014, 04:09:54 am
Israel's Magdala Center Brings Gospel to Life

 Discoveries from a new archaeological dig are creating excitement in the area where Jesus began his ministry. The village is called Magdala (Migdal in Hebrew), and it's the home of Mary Magdalene.

"She lived here and she met Jesus here and she continued with Him. Yes, it's that place," senior Israeli archaeologist Arfan Najar, who oversees the excavation at Magdala, told CBN News.

Najar said the city lay hidden all this time by just a small layer of dirt.

"Some place almost you touch the surface and you have the wall, waiting for us for 2,000 years to when we are coming," he said.

The most important discovery in Magdala has been a synagogue dating back to the time of Jesus. According to archaeologists, it's the first one discovered in the Galilee.

"An expression that appears many times in several places of the Gospel, 'Jesus went around Galilee preaching in their synagogues," Father Solana, general director at the Magdala Center, explained. "So this is the closest synagogue to Capernaum where He lived. So it was likely He was here many times."

In the synagogue, the team discovered a 2,000-year-old treasure. They call it the Magdala Stone, and some archaeologists say it's the most important discovery in decades.

CBN News first reported on the stone just after it was uncovered in 2009. Father Kelly, of the Catholic order Legionaries of Christ, showed CBN News a replica while overlooking the Temple Mount.

"This particular Magdala Stone is the most important discovery ever made in relation to the Second Temple, the temple at the time of Jesus, which Herod redid. So that's quite the statement," Father Kelly said.

The Menorah (six-lamp candelabrum) on the stone is one of a kind, the first one discovered before the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. The Legionnaires of Christ own the land and are building an entire center at Magdala with an archaeological park, hotel and spiritual center.

Father Solana dreamed up the project and wants it to be a center for all.

"I'm pretty sure it's a gift for the world, for culture, for religions, for Israel of course," he said.

Visitors to the center see the Bible come to life.

"The altar is in the shape of a boat, a fisherman's boat," said Monica, a Christian pilgrim from Australia. "You're reminded of Jesus standing in the boat and preaching to the people on the shore."

Jane, another Christian from Australia, said "…the whole Gospel story has come alive for me here. It will never mean the same ever again."

Father Solana sees the motto of the center, "Duc in Altum," Latin for "go into the deep," as a message for today.

"Somehow Jesus tells to all of us, 'Go into the deep, try again, you can. Go, go, go!'" he said. "So I think this a beautiful message that the world needs in this moment. Financial crisis, problems with jobs, many situations and we need to try again. God is on our side."

VID AT SITE: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2014/February/Magdala-Center-Brings-Gospel-to-Life/


Title: Re: Newly Discovered Synagogue Could Be Where Jesus Taught
Post by: Mark on May 15, 2014, 04:13:54 am
(http://ferrelljenkins.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/magdala-synagogue-table_notredame_fjenkins091512_015t.jpg?w=500&h=375)

Quote
Officials maintain the block is a miniature replica of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Rev. Juan M. Solana...a Roman Catholic priest, purchased four privately owned plots of land near Migdal

I dont know... Im thinking that should raise some red flags here. For one if they are saying the stone is a replica of the temple that was one funky looking temple. Maybe they just mean that its the same shape? But the fact that the Catholic church is involved and with them buying up so much land im quite sure they want to try and get in on the Temple Mount. That was their goal for the Crusades after all.

But to be honest, the stories about this thing seem more like ads for the Catholic Churches resort they are building than anything.