After his resurrection, the Gospels provide various accounts to where and when Jesus appeared, until his ascension.
According to Gospel of Luke, Jesus appeared at a site called Emmaus, yet once he was recognized, he disappeared. The Gospel of John records Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene, to Thomas, and again to the disciples next to the Sea of Galilee.
At his appearance to the disciples by the lake, he directed them to throw the net to the right side of the boat. They did so, and “they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish”. (John 21:6).
The disciples then returned to shore and joined Jesus for grilled fish and bread. At the end of the meal Jesus commanded Peter, 3 times “feed my lanbs”, “Take care of my sheep”, and “feed my sheep”. By Catholic faith, this reinstatement of the primacy of Peter established his papacy.
Where was Peter appointed?
In the 4th century CE the site of the primacy of Peter was identified at the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The site, called in Arabic “Tabgha”, is known for its local springs whose warm water attract the fish of the lake to this day.
The chapel built in antiquity at the site lasted until 1263 and was rebuilt again in 1933. The rock in the center of the chapel is by local tradition the place where Jesus and the disciples dined. Accordingly, the rock is called Mensa Christi – “The table of Christ”.
On the southern side of the chapel are some stone steps, sanctified as the steps on which Jesus stood when he blessed the disciples and so their nets were so full of fish, that “they were unable to haul the net” (John 21:6).
The shore next to it provides a scenic and quiet viewpoint, perfect place to contemplate on the glory of the Lord.
The site is maintained by a Catholic Franciscan order, and is apopular pilgrimage destination by all Christians.
Book a Private Tour to the Church of the Primacy of Peter
Teh Church of the Primacy of Peter is located on the North Western Shore of the Sea of Galilee, and is about 3 hours drive from Tel-Aviv.
Contact us for a proposal of a full day tour of Galilee, that will also include a visit to the site.
Points of Interest in the Area
 | Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish |
 | Capernaum |
 | Mount of Beatitudes |
 | Day Tour to the Galilee |
Our Friends, Sergio and Rhoda, Presenting the Church of the Primacy of Peter
