Also called the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1), the Sea of Chinnereth (Numbers 34:11), and the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1). A freshwater lake in northern Israel, approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, sitting 696 feet below sea level in the Jordan Rift Valley. Fed by the Jordan River from the north and drained by the Jordan to the south. Its surrounding hills make it subject to sudden violent storms when wind funnels down the wadis from Mount Hermon. In the first century its shoreline was lined with thriving fishing towns — Capernaum, Bethsaida, Magdala, Tiberias, Gennesaret, Chorazin — and a fishing industry that exported processed fish throughout the Roman world.
The Sea of Galilee is the geographic heart of Jesus' public ministry. Approximately 70% of the Gospel narrative occurs within sight of its shores. Key events: (1) Calling of the first disciples — Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen working this lake when Jesus said "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19); (2) Calming of the storm (Mark 4:35-41) — Jesus rebukes the wind and sea; (3) Walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33) — with Peter's brief faith-walk; (4) Feeding of the five thousand on the lake's eastern shore (Matthew 14:13-21); (5) Gadarene demoniac and the pigs running into the sea on the east side (Mark 5:1-20); (6) Sermon on the Mount — traditionally located on a hillside overlooking the northwest shore; (7) Great Commission and post-resurrection appearance on the shore (John 21, possibly Matthew 28:16-20 as well); (8) Miraculous catch of fish both at the start of Peter's discipleship (Luke 5) and at his restoration (John 21). Most miracles, most parables, most of the major teaching discourses of Jesus happened within a day's walk of these waters. To stand on the shore at Capernaum is to stand where the gospel happened.