John 6:59

ἐν συναγωγῇ. In synagogue (no article), as we say ‘in church;’ comp. John 18:20. The verse is a historical note, stating definitely what was stated vaguely in John 6:22 as ‘on the other side of the sea.’ S. John cannot forget the circumstances of this solemn discourse, and he records them one by one; ‘these things He said—in full synagogue—while teaching—in Capernaum;’ a very early gloss (D) adds ‘on a sabbath.’ The verse shews that the Evangelist is aware of the Synoptic ministry in Galilee. ‘These things’ naturally refers to the whole discourse from John 6:26; we have no sufficient evidence of a break between John 6:40 and John 6:41. On the other hand there is strong evidence that from John 6:26 to John 6:58 forms one connected discourse spoken at one time in the synagogue at Capernaum. The site of Capernaum is not undisputed (see on Matthew 4:13); but assuming Tell Hûm to be correct, the ruins of the synagogue there are probably those of the very building in which these words were uttered. On one of the stones a pot of manna is sculptured.