Called Bethany ford of river Jordan, Bethany in Perea, and also Bethabara, it was a ford in Jordan river. [1] John preached four months at Bethany ford before starting north up the Jordan. He returned a year later to preach there again. [2] Jesus and the apostles preached in this place for the first time in February 27, in the same place where John preached. [3] The disciples of John remained at Bethany beyond the Jordan, teaching and baptizing the multitudes. [4]