BETHSAIDA

Despite Jesus’ extensive ministry in Galilee, only three towns/villages are mentioned by name, Capernaum, Chorozain, and Bethsaida (Matt. 11:21-4). All are criticized for their lack of faith in Jesus, despite the fact that he worked miracles in each. In Bethsaida he restored sight to a blind man (Mark 8:22-6). The attitude of the town stands in vivid contrast to that of some of its native sons, Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44), who gave up all to follow Jesus.

The distance of Bethsaida from the sea- 2 km as the crow flies- might explain why at some point the brothers moved to Capernaum (Mark 1:21,29), which is located right on the lake. Much less time would be wasted going back and forwards to their boat. The move to Capernaum also made economic sense. The Jordan river was a border, as we know from the fact that the first village on the other side, Capernaum, had a customs post (Matt. 9:9) backed up by a small garrison under a centurion. (Matt. 8:5). Those like Peter and Andrew who came from the territory of Philip had to pay a tax as they crossed the border. Thus it cost them more to have their fish smoked or pickled at Magdala/Taricheae in the territory of Herod Antipas. It was cheaper to become residents of Capernaum.

Source: The Holy Land by Jerome Murphy- O’Connor