Bible Location

Caesarea Philippi

New Testament

Caesarea Philippi was a city near the southwestern foot of Mount Hermon and one of the principal sources of the Jordan River. The area had long been associated with religious worship and was known in earlier periods as Paneas because of its sanctuary of the Greek god Pan.

Herod Philip developed the city and named it Caesarea in honor of the Roman emperor, with his own name distinguishing it from Caesarea Maritima.

Near Caesarea Philippi, Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

Biblical Significance

Matthew and Mark place one of the most important conversations between Jesus and His disciples in the district or villages of Caesarea Philippi.

Jesus asked His disciples who people said the Son of Man was and then asked them directly who they believed Him to be.

Peter answered that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Matthew records Jesus blessing Peter and speaking of the rock upon which He would build His church and of the gates of Hades not overcoming it.

Immediately afterward Jesus began speaking more explicitly to His disciples about His coming suffering, death, and resurrection.

Historical Background

The site was associated in antiquity with a large spring and cave connected with the worship of Pan and other deities.

Herod the Great constructed a temple in the region honoring Augustus. His son Philip later developed the settlement into a city and called it Caesarea.

The name Caesarea Philippi distinguished Philip's city from the much larger Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean coast.

The city was also known as Paneas, a name preserved in the modern form Banias.

Modern Identification

Caesarea Philippi is securely identified with Banias at the foot of Mount Hermon in the Golan region.

Archaeological remains include the sanctuary area associated with Pan, inscriptions, architectural remains, and evidence of Roman-period occupation.

The Gospels refer to the region or villages of Caesarea Philippi rather than stating that Jesus and His disciples were necessarily standing inside the urban center when Peter made his confession.

Scripture References

Matthew 16:13 Mark 8:27

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Matthew 16:13-28, Mark 8:27-38; Josephus; Greek and Roman inscriptions; archaeological studies of Banias, Paneas, and Caesarea Philippi