The city of Caesarea Philippi

Jesus took his disciples and withdrew to the region near Caesarea Philippi. His purpose was to spend time with his disciples without any disturbances and to draw out from them a confession of faith. (1) Caesarea Philippi was a city built at the foot of Mount Hermon. Originally named “Paneas,” this place had a sanctuary for the idol god Pan since the Hellenistic period. (2) King Herod, who received this town from the Roman Emperor Augustus, built a temple for emperor worship there. (3) Later, his son Herod Philip expanded and beautified the town, and in honor of Emperor Tiberius, called the city “Caesarea Philippi” (meaning Philip’s Caesarea). (4) The town was situated against a steep cliff (a massive rocky mountain). Water flowed from caves in the cliff, forming the Banias River, one of the sources of the Jordan River. (5) Jesus himself did not enter this town because it was a Gentile town.

“Who do you say that I am”

Jesus asked two questions. (1) Jesus first asked, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples replied, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” (2) Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter, representing the disciples, answered, “You are the Christ.” According to the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16, Jesus was greatly pleased with this confession and said, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven,” and He promised, “Upon this rock I will build My church.” Jesus stated that He would build His church on the confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ. However, it soon becomes apparent that the disciples’ confession of faith at this point was imperfect. Do you believe and confess that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ (the Messiah)? If you do, it is because the Father in heaven has revealed it to you. Let’s be thankful that our spiritual eyes have been opened and pray for those walking towards destruction that their spiritual eyes may also be opened. There is a great responsibility for those who have been saved first.