Geographical and Historical Context:

Caesarea-Philippi, an ancient city located at the southwestern base of Mount Hermon, is approximately 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. It is situated near one of the sources of the Jordan River. The city was originally known as Paneas, named after the Greek god Pan, as it was a center for the worship of Pan and other pagan deities. The area was known for its lush, fertile surroundings and its strategic location.

In the first century B.C., Herod the Great built a temple there in honor of Augustus Caesar. Later, Herod's son, Philip the Tetrarch, expanded the city and renamed it Caesarea in honor of the Roman Emperor, adding "Philippi" to distinguish it from Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean coast. This renaming also served to honor himself as the ruler of the region.

Biblical Significance:

Caesarea-Philippi holds significant importance in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. It is most notably mentioned in the context of a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus travels to the region of Caesarea-Philippi with His disciples. It is here that He poses a crucial question to them: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13). The disciples respond with various answers, reflecting the diverse opinions of the people.

However, it is Simon Peter who makes the profound declaration, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus commends Peter for this revelation, stating that it was not revealed by flesh and blood, but by His Father in heaven. This confession of faith marks a turning point in the Gospel narrative, as Jesus begins to reveal more about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection.

In the Gospel of Mark, this event is similarly recorded, emphasizing the significance of Peter's confession and Jesus' subsequent teaching about His mission and the cost of discipleship (Mark 8:27-30).

Theological Implications:

The events at Caesarea-Philippi underscore the recognition of Jesus' true identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. This acknowledgment is foundational to Christian faith and doctrine. The location itself, a center of pagan worship, highlights the contrast between the world's understanding and the divine revelation given to Peter. It serves as a backdrop for the declaration of Jesus' divine nature and mission.

Furthermore, Jesus' response to Peter's confession includes the promise of the establishment of His church: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and 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 extensive theological discussion, particularly regarding the role of Peter and the nature of the church.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered remnants of the ancient city, including the remains of the temple built by Herod the Great. The site, now known as Banias, continues to be a place of interest for historians and archaeologists, providing insights into the cultural and religious practices of the time.

Modern Relevance:

Today, Caesarea-Philippi serves as a reminder of the enduring question posed by Jesus: "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15). This question remains central to Christian belief and personal faith, challenging individuals to consider their own understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ.Caesarea-Philippi

A city three or four miles east of Dan, near the eastern source of the Jordan; anciently called Paneas, now Banias, from an adjacent grotto dedicated to Pan, from which one of the sources of the Jordan flowed. It stood where the mountains south-west of Hermon join the plain above lake Huleh, on an elevated plateau surrounded by ravines and water-courses; and its walls were thick and strong. It was enlarged and embellished by Philip the tetrarch of Trachonitis, and called Caesarea in honor of Tiberius Caesar; and the name Philippi was added to distinguish it from Caesarea on the Mediterranean. Our Savior visited this place shortly before his transfiguration, Matthew 16:13-28 Mark 8:27-38 Luke 9:18,27. After the destruction of Jerusalem, Titus here made the captive Jews fight and kill each other in gladiatorial shows. In the time of the crusades it underwent many changes, and is now a paltry village amid extensive ruins.

2542. Kaisareia -- Caesarea, the name of two cities in Palestine
... Kaisareia Phonetic Spelling: (kahee-sar'-ia) Short Definition: Caesarea Definition:
Two cities of Palestine: one in Galilee (Caesarea Philippi), the other on ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2542.htm - 6k

More Wonderful Works and Words
... And now Jesus went right away from the Sea of Galilee again to Caesarea Philippi. ...
There is a splendid high mountain near Caesarea Philippi, called Hermon. ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter viii more wonderful works.htm

The Ministry in Galilee --The New Lesson
... in plenty having been before their eyes since the opening of his work among
them,"he and his disciples withdrew again from Galilee towards Caesarea Philippi. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv the ministry in galileethe.htm

The First Disciples
... circumstances, no more requires that John should retain the high thought constantly
than does Peter's confession of Christ at Caesarea Philippi exclude his ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the first disciples.htm

Simon Peter's Faith in Christ
... When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,
saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/simon peters faith in christ.htm

Christ's Cross, and Ours
... And Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and
by the way He asked His disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs cross and ours.htm

General Survey of the Ministry 106 the Attempt to Arrange an ...
... The new lesson which Jesus began to teach after the confession at Caesarea Philippi
marked the supreme turning point in his whole public activity. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i general survey of the.htm

References
... cities of the group were farther S than the Sea of Galilee; some, however, were
E and NE of that sea, hence Jesus' approach from Caesarea Philippi or Damascus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm

The Ministry in Galilee --Its Aim and Method
... Yet Jesus was not indifferent in Galilee to what the people thought about himself.
The question at Caesarea Philippi shows more fully the aim of his ministry. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iii the ministry in galileeits.htm

The Story of the Angel by the Altar
... Mount Hermon, was another Caesarea; but so that it might not be confused with Caesarea
upon the seacoast this city was called Caesarea-Philippi, or "Philip's ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the angel.htm

Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
... Tarnegola at Caesarea." And the Targum of Jerusalem there reads "Tornegola of
Caesarion." Now that Caesarea which they mean is 'Caesarea Philippi,' which is at ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 85 arbel shezor tarnegola.htm

Caesarea-Philippi (2 Occurrences)
Caesarea-Philippi. Caesare'a, Caesarea-Philippi. Caesar's .
Multi-Version Concordance Caesarea-Philippi (2 Occurrences). ...
/c/caesarea-philippi.htm - 7k

Caesare'a (17 Occurrences)
Caesare'a. Caesarea, Caesare'a. Caesarea-Philippi . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Caesarea, Caesare'a. Caesarea-Philippi . Reference Bible.
/c/caesare'a.htm - 10k

Herod (45 Occurrences)
... made him tetrarch of the provinces of Philip and Lysanias, with the title of king
(Acts 25:13; 26:2, 7). He enlarged the city of CaesareaPhilippi, and called ...
/h/herod.htm - 57k

Caesarea (20 Occurrences)
... (2) CaesareaPhilippi (fi-lip'-i) (Kaisareia he Philippou). ... Some think that
on a height near CaesareaPhilippi Jesus was transfigured. ...
/c/caesarea.htm - 20k

Transfiguration
... From these narratives we gather that Jesus went with His disciples from Bethsaida
to the neighborhood of CaesareaPhilippi, where Peter's memorable confession ...
/t/transfiguration.htm - 17k

Flame (61 Occurrences)
... (2) At CaesareaPhilippi. When, at CaesareaPhilippi, Jesus evoked from
the Twelve their great confession, this is given by two ...
/f/flame.htm - 61k

Jordan (188 Occurrences)
... (2.) Beside the ruins of Banias, the ancient CaesareaPhilippi and the yet more
ancient Panium, is a lofty cliff of limestone, at the base of which is a ...
/j/jordan.htm - 70k

Philippi (8 Occurrences)
... But in order to distinguish it from the Caesarea on the sea coast, he added to it
subsequently his own name, and called it Caesarea-Philippi (qv). Int. ...
/p/philippi.htm - 36k

Caesar's (10 Occurrences)

/c/caesar's.htm - 18k

Questioning (65 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus had come into the parts of CaesareaPhilippi,
he said, questioning his disciples, Who do men say that the Son of man is? ...
/q/questioning.htm - 24k

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