Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus asks about "the Son of Man" not just to gauge popular opinion, but to highlight the contrast between earthly perceptions and the divine identity He is about to reveal. This title, which He uniquely uses for Himself, already carries layers of meaning from the Old Testament, suggesting a kingly figure from Daniel's prophecy—a truth the disciples are about to fully grasp beyond mere speculation.
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples are traveling in a northern region of the country, near a significant Roman city. This journey follows a period of conflict and rejection in Galilee, and Jesus is about to lead his disciples into a crucial moment of understanding about his identity. He initiates a discussion by asking what people are saying about him, setting the stage for a more personal and profound question to his closest followers.
Jesus leads his disciples to a unique geographical and historical spot. Why this specific location for such a crucial conversation?
Jesus brings his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi, a place significant for its layered history and religious associations.
A Crossroads of Empires and Idols
Jesus uses a specific title for himself – 'the Son of Man' – when asking about popular opinion. What does this title reveal about how he saw himself and how he wanted his disciples to see him?
Jesus' question, 'Who do people say that I, the Son of Man, am?' is layered. He uses the title 'Son of Man,' a reference to Daniel 7:13-14, which speaks of a divine figure receiving everlasting dominion. Yet, he immediately contrasts this with the common, and often lower, perceptions of himself.
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Popular Opinion vs. Divine Identity
Jesus already knew what people were saying about him. So why ask? What was he really trying to uncover in this pivotal moment?
Jesus' question to his disciples wasn't born of ignorance. He knew the thoughts of their hearts and the whispers of the crowds. This inquiry served a critical purpose for the disciples themselves.
The Disciples' Turn
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A title frequently used by Jesus for himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, denoting his messianic authority, his humanity, and his future role as judge and king of the coming kingdom.
This conversation takes place in Caesarea Philippi, a city recently rebuilt and named by Herod Philip II. Its location at the crossroads of different cultures and its very name—linking a Roman emperor with a Jewish ruler—symbolically underscores the political and religious landscape into which Jesus is introducing his true identity and kingdom.
c. 4 BC
Herod Philip II rules
Herod Philip II, son of Herod the Great, becomes tetrarch of Batanaea, Trachonitis, and Paneas. He significantly rebuilds and beautifies Paneas, renaming it Caesarea Philippi in honor of Emperor Tiberius Caesar.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus travels north
Jesus and his disciples journey into the northern regions of Galilee and Judea, eventually reaching the area of Caesarea Philippi.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus asks about his identity
While in the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus directly asks his disciples who people believe him to be, leading to Peter's pivotal confession.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' ministry continues
Following this confession, Jesus begins to more openly teach his disciples about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection, and the nature of his kingdom.
This passage introduces the initial recognition of Jesus by his disciples, specifically Andrew bringing Simon Peter to Jesus, highlighting the question of identity that is central to Matthew 16:13.
Mark 8:27-29This parallel account provides the same context and question about Jesus' identity, emphasizing the disciples' and then Peter's response, reinforcing the theme of recognition and confession.
Luke 9:18-20This passage offers another perspective on the same pivotal moment, showing Jesus asking about the crowds' and then the disciples' perceptions of him, underscoring the importance of Jesus' self-understanding.
Isaiah 53:1-3This prophetic passage describes the 'servant of the Lord' who is not recognized by the people, mirroring the disciples' report of various popular but inadequate understandings of Jesus' identity in Matthew 16:13.
Daniel 7:13-14This prophecy directly informs Jesus' self-designation as the 'Son of Man' and points to a divine, kingly figure, providing a theological backdrop for the disciples' struggle to grasp who Jesus truly is.
barnesMatthew 16:13: "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?"
See also Mark 8:27-29 , and Luke 9:18-20 . Cesarea Philippi - There were two cities in Judea called Caesarea. One was situated on the borders of the Mediterranean (See the notes at Acts 8:40), and the other was the one mentioned here. This city was greatly enlarged and ornamented by Philip the tetrarch, son of Herod, and called Caesarea in honor of the…
calvinMatthew 16:13-19: "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?"
- And when Jesus came to the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am? 14. And they said, Some [say,] John the Baptist; and other, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15. He saith to them, But who do you say that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Chri…
Jesus asks about "the Son of Man" not just to gauge popular opinion, but to highlight the contrast between earthly perceptions and the divine identity He is about to reveal. This title, which He uniquely uses for Himself, already carries layers of meaning from the Old Testament, suggesting a kingly figure from Daniel's prophecy—a truth the disciples are about to fully grasp beyond mere speculation.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling in a northern region of the country, near a significant Roman city. This journey follows a period of conflict and rejection in Galilee, and Jesus is about to lead his disciples into a crucial moment of understanding about his identity. He initiates a discussion by asking what people are saying about him, setting the stage for a more personal and profound question to his closest followers.
Jesus and his disciples are traveling in a northern region of the country, near a significant Roman city. This journey follows a period of conflict and rejection in Galilee, and Jesus is about to lead his disciples into a crucial moment of understanding about his identity. He initiates a discussion by asking what people are saying about him, setting the stage for a more personal and profound question to his closest followers.
"Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”" — Jesus asks about "the Son of Man" not just to gauge popular opinion, but to highlight the contrast between earthly perceptions and the divine identity He is about to reveal. This title, which He uniq…
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Last reviewed October 2026