Caesarea Philippi

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:13‭-‬18 NIV

David reminded us that city gates are a defensive position. Jesus was taking the offensive position by bringing his message of salvation to Gentiles in Caesarea Philippi, who were actively worshiping the false Greek god, Pan. Adjacent to the temple of Pan is a large cave commonly referred to as the Gates of Hades. It contains a pit that the historian Josephus described as being so deep that a rope couldn't be made that would reach the bottom.

Caesarea Philippi is a reminder that we need to be courageous sharing our faith, even if it means going into enemy territory.Read more