Dr. Tom McCollough, a retired professor of religion and history from Centre College, has presented new findings suggesting that Khirbet Qana, a location in modern-day Israel, is the actual site of the biblical miracle where Jesus transformed water into wine. This conclusion challenges the traditional belief that the town of Kafr Kanna, which has long been venerated as the location of the historical event, was the true site. The scholar’s research is based on an excavation that uncovered a network of tunnels and caves used by early Christian pilgrims, marked with crosses and Latin inscriptions referencing Christ and the miracle. These findings, McCollough argues, align closely with the biblical account described in the Gospel of John, which recounts the miracle occurring during a wedding feast in Cana.
Khirbet Qana, according to McCollough, was a Jewish village from 323 B.C. to 324 A.D., a period that coincides with the time of Jesus’ ministry. The site was part of the broader region associated with the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have spent much of his early ministry. McCollough emphasizes that the veneration complex discovered at Khirbet Qana—complete with an altar and a stone vessel—provides compelling evidence for the site’s historical significance. He also highlights that the space at the site accommodates the six stone jars described in the biblical account, further reinforcing the alignment between the excavation findings and the Gospel narrative.
McCollough’s findings are not just archaeological but also rooted in historical texts. He points to the references made by Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, which place the village of Cana in the same geographical area as Khirbet Qana. Josephus’s accounts align with the New Testament narratives and rabbinic texts, supporting the idea that Cana was a Jewish village near the Sea of Galilee. McCollough argues that this corroborates his position that Khirbet Qana was both a Jewish community and a site where early Christians gathered to venerate the miracle. Additionally, he notes that the site’s history, dating back over 1,500 years, reflects the long-standing faith in the miracle of turning water into wine.
These discoveries have significant implications for the study of early Christianity and the historical authenticity of biblical events. McCollough believes that his findings could bolster the case for the historicity of the Gospel accounts, particularly John’s references to Cana and the miracle. He suggests that a closer examination of these findings could lead to a re-evaluation of the historical value of such biblical narratives. The research also raises broader questions about the intersection of faith and archaeology, inviting further scholarly exploration into the historical and cultural contexts of early Christian communities.
McCollough’s work is part of a growing trend in archaeology focused on uncovering sites related to biblical events. In recent months, other archaeologists have reported discoveries that support or refine historical understandings of the New Testament. For instance, an archaeologist working near Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre has uncovered evidence of an ancient garden consistent with biblical descriptions, and Israeli archaeologists have found proof of a biblical battle at Megiddo in northern Israel. These findings collectively highlight the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between ancient texts and historical reality, offering new insights into the world of Jesus and his followers.