John 6:1

¶ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea of] Tiberias.

After {G3326} these things {G5023} Jesus {G2424} went {G565} over {G4008} the sea {G2281} of Galilee {G1056}, which is the sea of Tiberias {G5085}.

Some time later, Yeshua went over to the far side of Lake Kinneret (that is, Lake Tiberias),

After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias).

After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which isthe seaof Tiberias.

Commentary

John 6:1 marks a significant transition in Jesus' public ministry as recorded by the Apostle John. This verse sets the geographical stage for some of the most well-known miracles and teachings of Jesus, immediately following His powerful discourse in Jerusalem.

Context

The phrase "After these things" directly connects this chapter to the events of John chapter 5, where Jesus healed an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem on the Sabbath and subsequently engaged in a profound theological discussion about His authority and relationship with the Father. Having faced opposition from Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, Jesus now moves northward, returning to the region of Galilee. This geographical shift precedes the famous miracle of the feeding of the five thousand and His subsequent teaching on the Bread of Life, which are central to John chapter 6.

Key Themes

  • Geographical Transition: Jesus' movement from Jerusalem to the Sea of Galilee signifies a strategic shift in His ministry focus, preparing for new demonstrations of divine power and teaching.
  • Preparation for Miracles: This verse is the prelude to monumental displays of Jesus' power, specifically the miraculous feeding of a vast crowd and His walking on water, which further reveal His identity as the Son of God.
  • Historical Accuracy: The mention of "the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea of] Tiberias" provides a specific geographical detail. The Sea of Galilee was commonly known by this name in the Roman era, particularly due to the prominent city of Tiberias built by Herod Antipas on its western shore. This dual naming reinforces the historical groundedness of John's Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "After these things" (Greek: meta tauta) is a common transitional marker in John's Gospel, indicating a chronological progression without necessarily specifying a long interval. The dual naming of the body of water as "the sea of Galilee" and "the sea of Tiberias" reflects the common usage of the time. While "Galilee" refers to the region, "Tiberias" was a significant Roman city established in the early 1st century AD, lending its name to the lake during that period. Other Gospels also refer to it as the "Lake of Gennesaret" (Luke 5:1).

Practical Application

John 6:1 reminds us that God's plan unfolds in specific times and places. Jesus' intentional movement from one region to another highlights His purposeful ministry, always leading to a greater revelation of who He is. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of being attentive to divine leading and understanding that even seemingly simple transitions in life can be preparation for significant encounters with God's power and truth. Just as Jesus moved to prepare for mighty works, so too does God orchestrate circumstances in our lives to bring about His purposes.

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Cross-References

  • John 6:23 (12 votes)

    (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

  • Mark 6:31 (10 votes)

    And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

  • Mark 6:44 (10 votes)

    And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

  • Luke 5:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

  • Matthew 4:18 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

  • Matthew 14:13 (4 votes)

    ¶ When Jesus heard [of it], he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard [thereof], they followed him on foot out of the cities.

  • Matthew 14:21 (4 votes)

    And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.