Banias, also known as Caesarea Philippi in the New Testament, is an ancient site located at the base of Mount Hermon in the northern part of modern-day Israel. It is situated near the source of the Jordan River and has a rich history that intertwines with biblical narratives and the broader context of the ancient Near East.

Historical and Geographical Context

Banias was originally a Canaanite city dedicated to the worship of the god Baal, and later, during the Hellenistic period, it became associated with the Greek god Pan. The name "Banias" is derived from "Paneas," reflecting this connection. The city was later rebuilt by Herod Philip, the son of Herod the Great, and renamed Caesarea Philippi to honor the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus and to distinguish it from the coastal city of Caesarea Maritima.

The site is characterized by its lush surroundings and abundant water sources, which have made it a significant location throughout history. The Banias waterfall and the grotto of Pan are notable features of the area.

Biblical Significance

Caesarea Philippi holds particular importance in the New Testament as the location where Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15). This pivotal moment led to Peter's confession of faith: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). This declaration is a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah.

The Gospel of Mark also records this event, stating, "Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way, He questioned His disciples: 'Who do people say I am?'" (Mark 8:27). This setting, away from the predominantly Jewish regions, provided a backdrop for Jesus to reveal more about His mission and identity.

Theological Implications

The confession of Peter at Caesarea Philippi is significant for several reasons. It marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry, as He begins to speak more openly about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus' response to Peter's confession includes the promise, "On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). This statement has been the subject of much theological discussion, particularly regarding the role of Peter and the foundation of the Church.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations at Banias have uncovered remnants of the ancient city, including temples, a palace, and other structures that reflect its historical significance. The remains of the temple dedicated to Pan and the niches carved into the rock face for pagan idols provide insight into the religious practices of the time.

Cultural and Religious Influence

Banias, as a center of pagan worship, contrasts with the revelation of Jesus' divine identity. The location underscores the transition from paganism to the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Christ. This setting highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the establishment of the Church amidst a world of diverse beliefs.

In summary, Banias, or Caesarea Philippi, is a site of profound biblical and historical importance. It serves as a backdrop for key events in the life of Jesus and offers insights into the cultural and religious dynamics of the ancient world.BANIAS (1)

ba-ni'-as (B, Banias; A, Bani; the King James Version Banid (1 Esdras 8:36)): An ancestor of Salimoth. The descendants of Banias returned with Ezra to Jerusalem. The name is omitted (Ezra 8:10), perhaps due to the oversight of a copyist or a mistaken reading of bene, "sons of," for bani.

BANIAS (2)

See CAESAREA, PHILIPPI.

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... road of Christ and His disciples lead to the capital of the Tetrarch Philip, the
ancient Paneas, or, as it was then called, C??sarea Philippi, the modern Banias ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

Council of Milan.
... Ar. 5. Balane?? is now Banias on the coast of Syria. [527] Now Boldo, a little
to the N. of Banias. [528] In Phoenicia, now Tortosa. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xii council of milan.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... Paneas, the original name, still pertains to the village, though now corrupted
to Banias. It is situated under the shadow of Mt. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 2.htm

The Signs at Paneas of the Great Might of Our Saviour.
... and beautified it. The place, which is now a small village, is called Banias
by the Arabs. It lies at the base of Mt. Hermon, and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xvii the signs at paneas.htm

The Land and the People.
... [169]. Caesarea Philippi, formerly and now called Banias (or Paneas, Paneion, from
the heathen sanctuary of Pan), at the foot of Hermon, marks the northern ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... to join the Nahr el-Hasbany, which brings the waters of the upper torrents to swell
its stream; a little lower down it mingles with the Banias branch, and ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

References
... Jordan, it is called Panias by Jos. Ant. xv.10.3, now Banias. Probably
a sanctuary of the god Pan. Here Herod the Great built a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... generations. It is also probable that the tradition was confirmed by some
work of art, like the celebrated group of Paneas (Banias). ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The mountain of Baal-Hermon is the mountain of Banias, where the Jordan has one
of its sources, and the town of Baal-Hermon is Banias itself. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle.
... [2974] Properly "miserable." Compare Romans 7:24; 1 Corinthians 15:19.--Tr. [2975]
Otherwise C??sarea Paneas, or C. Philippi: now Banias.--Tr. ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching.htm

Banias
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BANIAS (1). ba-ni'-as (B, Banias; A, Bani; the
King James Version Banid (1 Esdras 8:36)): An ancestor of Salimoth. ...BANIAS (2). ...
/b/banias.htm - 6k

Bethrehob (2 Occurrences)
... It has been conjecturally identified with Hunin, West of Banias, and, more plausibly,
with Banias itself (Thomson, The Land and the Book (2), 218; Buhl, Geog ...
/b/bethrehob.htm - 8k

Banid
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BANID. ba'-nid (1 Esdras 8:36): In the Revised
Version (British and American) BANIAS, which see. CITY, ROYAL. See RABBAH. ...
/b/banid.htm - 6k

Beth-rehob (2 Occurrences)
... It has been conjecturally identified with Hunin, West of Banias, and, more plausibly,
with Banias itself (Thomson, The Land and the Book (2), 218; Buhl, Geog ...
/b/beth-rehob.htm - 8k

Dan (71 Occurrences)
... This points decisively to Tell el-Qady, in the plain West of Banias. ... For Dr. GA Smith's
suggestion that Dan may have been at Banias see HGHL1, 473, 480. ...
/d/dan.htm - 41k

Jordan (188 Occurrences)
... (2.) Beside the ruins of Banias, the ancient Caesarea Philippi and the ... It joins the
main stream about a mile below the junction of the Leddan and the Banias. ...
/j/jordan.htm - 70k

Bani (15 Occurrences)

/b/bani.htm - 13k

Luz (7 Occurrences)
... the land of the Hittites, founded (Judges 1:26) by "a man who came forth out of
the city of Luz." It is identified with Luweiziyeh, 4 miles north-west of Banias...
/l/luz.htm - 11k

Fever (13 Occurrences)
... In Palestine the marshes of the north about Banias and the Water of Merom, the
Shephelah, and the Jordan valley are the most fever-stricken regions of the ...
/f/fever.htm - 17k

Rehob (12 Occurrences)
... hardly suits the references. Buhl (GAP, 240) following Thomson (LB, II,
547) seeks it at Paneas (modern Banias). This would suit ...
/r/rehob.htm - 13k

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