Matthew 16:13-14
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Jesus doesn't ask about popular opinion out of ignorance; he asks to draw out his disciples' belief and solidify their conviction, highlighting how easily people can perceive something remarkable without grasping the true identity of the Son of Man. His question, "Who do people say that I am?" sets the stage to reveal that true understanding of his identity isn't found in the whispers of the crowd, but in a divine revelation.
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished a challenging teaching section with the crowds, dealing with stubborn hearts and the importance of inner purity over outward ritual. Now, seeking a moment of relative quiet and intentional teaching with his closest followers, he travels north with his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi, a place geographically far from the religious center of Jerusalem. It's here, away from the masses, that he begins to probe their understanding of who he truly is.
Jesus brings his disciples to Caesarea Philippi, a city steeped in pagan worship. Why this location for such a pivotal question?
The journey to Caesarea Philippi wasn't accidental. This city, built by Philip the tetrarch and named in honor of the Roman emperor, was a place known for its diverse religious practices. It was a site where Roman, Greek, and local deities were worshipped, nestled at the foot of Mount Hermon.
Imagine the atmosphere: a melting pot of beliefs, a place where people were accustomed to different gods and different ideas about divine power. Jesus deliberately chose this complex spiritual landscape to ask his disciples about their understanding of him. This setting highlights the radical nature of Jesus' identity, standing in stark contrast to the prevailing pagan deities and even differing from the traditional Jewish expectations of the Messiah.
Jesus asks, 'Who do people say that I am?' It sounds like he's fishing for compliments, but what's really going on?
Jesus initiates this crucial conversation by asking about popular opinion. This wasn't because Jesus was unaware of what people were saying – he knew their hearts and minds perfectly. Instead, this was a strategic move to:
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Why does Jesus specifically refer to himself as the 'Son of Man' when asking this question?
The title 'Son of Man' is deeply significant. While it sounds like a simple description, it carries heavy theological weight, particularly referencing the vision in Daniel 7.
In Daniel's vision, the 'Son of Man' is presented as a figure receiving 'dominion, glory, and a kingdom,' representing a divine, eternal reign.
By using this title, Jesus is subtly directing the disciples' thoughts toward a Messiah who is more than just a human teacher or a political liberator. He's hinting at his divine authority and pre-existence, setting the stage for Peter's confession of him as the 'Son of the living God.' It's a title that encompasses both his humanity and his divine mission.
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.
Ēlias · Greek Noun
A major Old Testament prophet who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind and expected by Jewish tradition to return before the coming of the Messiah.
Hieremias · Greek Noun
A major Old Testament prophet known for his message of judgment and repentance to Israel and his deep, personal lamentation for the nation.
prophētēs · Greek Noun
One who speaks on behalf of God, delivering divine messages to the people, often involving calls to repentance, warnings of judgment, or predictions of future salvation.
c. 2 BC
Philip the Tetrarch rebuilds Paneas
Philip, son of Herod the Great, enlarges and beautifies the city of Paneas, renaming it Caesarea in honor of Emperor Tiberius. This distinguishes it from another Caesarea on the coast.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and surrounding regions
Jesus travels and preaches throughout Galilee, performing miracles and gathering disciples. This period precedes his final journey to Jerusalem.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus travels to Caesarea Philippi
Jesus and his disciples journey north to the region of Caesarea Philippi, a significant geographical and cultural crossroads.
c. AD 30
Jesus asks about his identity
In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus directly asks his disciples what people are saying about him, leading to Peter's famous confession.
c. AD 30
Jesus predicts his suffering and death
Following Peter's confession, Jesus begins to teach his disciples about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection.
This passage presents the same question Jesus asked his disciples, showing different details about their journey and the disciples' immediate response, highlighting the range of popular opinions about Jesus.
Luke 9:18-20This parallel account emphasizes Jesus asking the question while praying alone with his disciples, and Peter's immediate, bold confession of Jesus as the Christ of God.
John 1:41-42This passage introduces Andrew bringing his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus, showing the initial connection and the significance of Peter's eventual confession, hinting at the foundational role he would play.
1 Kings 18:20-22This Old Testament passage shows Elijah confronting the people about their wavering faith, echoing the theme of public perception and calling for a clear stance, which Jesus is now doing in a new way.
Daniel 7:13-14This prophecy describes the 'Son of Man' receiving everlasting dominion, providing the theological backdrop for Jesus' self-identification and the disciples' eventual understanding of his true identity beyond popular opinion.
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 doesn't ask about popular opinion out of ignorance; he asks to draw out his disciples' belief and solidify their conviction, highlighting how easily people can perceive something remarkable without grasping the true identity of the Son of Man. His question, "Who do people say that I am?" sets the stage to reveal that true understanding of his identity isn't found in the whispers of the crowd, but in a divine revelation.
Jesus has just finished a challenging teaching section with the crowds, dealing with stubborn hearts and the importance of inner purity over outward ritual. Now, seeking a moment of relative quiet and intentional teaching with his closest followers, he travels north with his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi, a place geographically far from the religious center of Jerusalem. It's here, away from the masses, that he begins to probe their understanding of who he truly is.
Jesus has just finished a challenging teaching section with the crowds, dealing with stubborn hearts and the importance of inner purity over outward ritual. Now, seeking a moment of relative quiet and intentional teaching with his closest followers, he travels north with his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi, a place geographically far from the religious center of Jerusalem. It's here, away from the masses, that he begins to probe their understanding of who he truly is.
"Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”" — Jesus doesn't ask about popular opinion out of ignorance; he asks to draw out his disciples' belief and solidify their conviction, highlighting how easily people can perceive something remarkable w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
