Charles Ellicott Commentary John 6:59

"These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum." — John 6:59 (ASV)

As he taught in Capernaum. If we accept the identification of Capernaum with Tell-Hûm, which is in every way probable (compare to the Note on Matthew 4:13), we have good reason for believing that modern discovery has traced out the foundations of the synagogue in which this discourse was spoken. It was a gift to the Jews by a devout Gentile (Luke 7:5), and as such, of greater architectural beauty than was common among Galilean synagogues.

Corinthian capitals and a heavy cornice and frieze are among the ruins, and the traveler’s eye may rest today on the very ornaments which our Lord’s eyes saw there eighteen centuries ago. On one of the lintels of the door he may trace a sculptured pot of manna, and connect with it the thoughts of the manna which the fathers did eat, and died: just as in a Christian church he may trace the emblems of the bread of life, which a man may eat of and not die. A plan and details of the synagogue, with an account by Captain Wilson, R.E., will be found in the Second Quarterly Statement of the Palestine Exploration Fund (June 1869). The same society has published a photograph of the ruins.