Archaeologists Get Hands Dirty, Believe They Recently Discovered St Peter’s Original Birthplace at Church Site in Israel

Recently discovered evidence is being called a “Bible breakthrough” as experts reportedly “pinpoint birthplace of St Peter” while excavating a church in Israel. Researchers are confident that evidence confirms their assertion that “the site was the birthplace of St. Peter, the most prominent apostle in Christianity.” [i]

According to the Times of Israel,

An inscription found at an excavation near the Sea of Galilee strengthens beliefs that the site was a church built over the home of Saint Peter and his brother Andrew, two of the first disciples of Jesus. [ii]

The site is believed to be “the lost Byzantine period Church of the Apostles located in the biblical village of Bethsaida,” near where Jesus is said to have miraculously fed 5,000 of his followers with only five loaves of bread and two fish. [ii]

Many may recall Jesus “feeding a multitude,” with only these small rations. The takeaway is, “All things are possible with God.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints shared the following video depicting “The Feeding of the 5,000.” [iii]

The inscription was discovered by archeologists from the Kinneret Institute for Galilee Archeology at Kinneret College and Nyack College. The inscription is located on a mosaic floor. They further assert that the inscription uses a Byzantine phrase, the “Head and Leader of the Heavenly Messengers,” when referring to Peter. [iv]

Because “Byzantine Christian tradition routinely identified the house of Peter and Andrew as in Bethsaida,” researchers believe their discovery “clearly indicates that the church was dedicated to Peter.” As excavation continues, archaeologists are optimistic about finding an inscription that references Andrew, Peter’s brother, to solidify their claims further. [v]

The video below shows an up-close look at the archeological dig of “Peter & Andrew’s hometown.”

References

[i] Antony Ashkenaz, Bible breakthrough as experts pinpoint birthplace of St Peter near Jesus miracle site, (Aug. 12, 2022)

[ii] Times of Israel Staff, Inscription points to Sea of Galilee site as St. Peter’s home, say researchers, (Aug. 11, 2022)

[iii] Antony Ashkenaz, Bible breakthrough as experts pinpoint birthplace of St Peter near Jesus miracle site, (Aug. 12, 2022)

[iv] Times of Israel Staff, Inscription points to Sea of Galilee site as St. Peter’s home, say researchers, (Aug. 11, 2022)

[v] Id.