Beth-Abara, often identified with the site of Bethany beyond the Jordan, is a significant location mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of John the Baptist's ministry. The name "Beth-Abara" is understood to mean "house of the ford," indicating its geographical and functional importance as a crossing point over the Jordan River.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Beth-Abara is found in the Gospel of John. In John 1:28 , it is written: "All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." While some manuscripts and translations use "Bethany," others, including early Christian tradition, suggest "Beth-Abara" as the correct reading. This location is where John the Baptist conducted his ministry of baptism, calling people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Beth-Abara is traditionally located east of the Jordan River, in the region known today as Jordan. Its identification with Bethany beyond the Jordan has been supported by archaeological findings and historical records. The site served as a natural ford, making it a practical location for John's baptisms, as it was accessible to people traveling from both Judea and Galilee.

Theological Significance:

Beth-Abara holds theological importance as the setting for the baptism of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, it is at this location that John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry and is a pivotal event in the New Testament narrative.

The act of baptism at Beth-Abara symbolizes purification and the washing away of sins, a theme central to the message of John the Baptist. It also prefigures the Christian sacrament of baptism, which signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Impact:

Beth-Abara, as a site of pilgrimage, has been revered by Christians throughout history. It represents a place of spiritual renewal and commitment to a life of faith. The location's association with John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus has made it a focal point for understanding the transition from the Old Covenant, represented by the Law and the Prophets, to the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ.

In summary, Beth-Abara is a site rich in biblical history and theological meaning. It serves as a testament to the preparatory work of John the Baptist and the inauguration of Jesus' ministry, highlighting the themes of repentance, purification, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through His Son.Beth-Abara

Place of the ford, a town on the east bank of the Jordan, where John baptized, John 1:28. It was perhaps the same as Beth-barah, Jud 7:24; but the true site is unknown. Many of the best Greek manuscripts and recent editions have Bethany, also unknown, instead of Beth-abara.

962. Bethabara -- Bethabara.
... 961b, 962. Bethabara. 963 . Bethabara. Transliteration: Bethabara Phonetic
Spelling: (bay-thab-ar-ah') Short Definition: Bethabara. ... Bethabara. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/962.htm - 6k

The Name of the Place Where John Baptized is not Bethany, as in ...
... Sixth Book. 24. The Name of the Place Where John Baptized is Not Bethany,
as in Most Copies, But Bethabara. Proof of This. Similarly ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the name of the.htm

Message of the Sanhedrim to John at Bethabara.
... Section 111. Message of the Sanhedrim to John at Bethabara. Meanwhile
John, with his disciples, had been traversing both shores ...
/.../section 111 message of the.htm

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
... immaterial."] 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan [Owing to
variation in the manuscripts, we may read "Bethany" or "Bethabara," or even ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xx johns first testimony to.htm

The Witness of John.
... (John 1:28). 28. These things were done in Bethabara, beyond Jordan, where John
was baptizing. The Revision substitutes Bethany for Bethabara. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the witness of john.htm

His Decision on the Question of Divorce. --Celibacy. (Matt. , xix,
... CHAPTER XIV. JESUS IN PERAEA (BETHABARA). Section 224. His Decision on the Question
of Divorce."Celibacy. (Matt., xix,. 2-12; Mark, x., 3-12.) ...
/.../section 224 his decision on.htm

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ...
... neighborhood of the Dead Sea.[4] At the periods when he administered baptism, he
went to the banks of the Jordan,[5] either to Bethany or Bethabara,[6] upon ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter vi john the baptistvisit.htm

The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ...
... But in that first time of his trial at Bethabara he overcame, the first temptation
by the humility of his intense sincerity, the second by the absolute ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the twofold testimony.htm

The Baptism of Jesus: Its Higher Meaning.
... Conder to have identified the site of Beth-Abara. ... The reading Bethania instead of
Bethabara seems undoubtedly the original one, only the word must not be ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the baptism of.htm

List of Illustrations
... Child at prayer. The shepherd's care (2nd version). The shepherd's care (3rd version).
The Jordan near Bethabara. Mount of Olives and Jerusalem. Gethsemane. Calvary ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/list of illustrations.htm

Jesus Begins his Work
... One day, when the fight of Jesus with the devil in the wilderness was over, He came
to Bethabara, where John was baptizing, and when John saw Jesus coming ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter v jesus begins his.htm

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