Map of Jesus’ Travels

Before the Time of the Apostles

Wouldn't it be great to know more about Jesus’ early years? There is not much information in the Bible about that early time or the many places he traveled before he began his public work with the twelve apostles. But The Urantia Book describes not only his early years but provides details about the many places he traveled as a young adult.

In this article that describes the map of Jesus’ travels we’ll tell you about the twenty-month trip Jesus made through the Mediterranean when he was in his twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth years.

Jesus traveled with an Indian merchant, Gonod, and his son, Ganid, to many areas around the Mediterranean Sea. Jesus’ visits included Alexandria (Egypt), Cyrene (in present-day Libya), Malta, Rome (in present-day Italy), Greece, and Antioch (in present-day Turkey). Jesus engaged in profound discussions with scholars, religious leaders, philosophers, and the common man. It was during this journey that Jesus and his companions explored the rich tapestry of human beliefs, from the Stoics in Athens to the devotees of the Egyptian gods.

Some of the highlights from this trip include:

1. From Jerusalem they went to Caesarea by way of Joppa (all in present-day Israel).

2. At Caesarea they took a boat for Alexandria (Egypt).

3. From Alexandria they sailed for Lasea on Crete (in present-day Greece).

4. From Crete they sailed for Carthage (in present-day Tunisia), touching at Cyrene (in present-day Libya).

5. At Carthage they took a boat for Naples (in present-day Italy), stopping at Malta; they also stopped in Syracuse and Messina (both in present-day Italy).

6. From Naples they went to Capua, whence they traveled by the Appian Way to Rome (all in present-day Italy).

7. They also made a trip away from Rome to visit the northern Italian lakes, near present-day Switzerland.

8. After their stay in Rome they went overland to Tarentum (present-day Taranto, Italy), where they set sail for Athens, stopping at Nicopolis and Corinth (all three in Greece).

9. From Athens they went to Ephesus by way of Troas (both in present-day Turkey).

10. From Ephesus they sailed for Cyprus, putting in at Rhodes on the way (both present-day islands of Greece).

11. They spent several weeks visiting and resting on Cyprus in Paphos, eventually departing for Salamis, where they embarked for Antioch (near the present-day Turkey-Syria border).

This Mediterranean journey was marked by moments of spiritual insight and revelation. Jesus would often take time for periods of reflection and communion with God. These moments of solitude and meditation allowed him to gain deeper spiritual insights and strengthen his own connection with his Father.

The young man, Ganid, learned much from Jesus during this long and close association. They developed a great affection for each other, and the lad's father many times tried to persuade Jesus to return with them to India, but Jesus always declined, and explained the need to return to his family in Palestine.

Many other places did this trio of travelers go until the Indians left to return to their home. This trip around the Mediterranean changed their lives.

This journey shows not only Jesus' remarkable ability to connect with people but also his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth and the elevation of human consciousness. It is a testament to his role as a spiritual teacher and guide dedicated to touching the hearts and minds of all who crossed his path.

For more information about the life of Jesus, you may be interested in The Urantia Book, a 2096-page book that reveals the structure of, and the beings in, our universe, and the history of our world in incredible detail. The last section of the book is “Part IV. The Life and Teachings of Jesus.” This information adds to the information found in biblical accounts. It is neither a substitute for nor a discounting of the Bible but is a beautiful adjunct to the biblical account revealing of the Master’s life in the flesh in astounding detail. We highly recommend you discover The Urantia Book for yourself.

Related links (including maps showing Jesus’ visits):

1. Cities of the First Preaching Tour

2. Cities of the Second Preaching Tour

3. Cities of the Third Preaching Tour

4. The Decapolis Tour

5. The Mission of the Seventy

6. The Perean Mission

7. What Does The Urantia Book Say about Jesus?