The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:13-20
The climax of recognition of Christ ' s true nature declared in the great confession of Peter. ( Mark 8:27-30 ; Luke 9:18-21 .) read more
The climax of recognition of Christ ' s true nature declared in the great confession of Peter. ( Mark 8:27-30 ; Luke 9:18-21 .) read more
The true confession. "Who's who?" This is, generally speaking, a question of very little consequence. When the "Son of man" is concerned, it is of infinite moment. Everlasting issues turn upon the manner in which it is answered. From this important text we learn— I. THAT THE FAITH WHICH IS HUMAN IS UNCERTAIN . 1 . It may take colour from the distraction of guilt. 2 . It may be influenced by the spirit of the world. 3 . It may be distorted by the vanity of... read more
But whom ( who ) say ye that I am? More emphatic in the Greek, υμεῖς δὲ τίνα με λέγετε εἶναι ; But ye, who do ye say that I am? This was the important question to which the previous one led. Ye, who have shared my life and received my teaching, witnessed my miracles and have been endued by me with supernatural powers, ye know better than the people, whose crude opinions you have heard and recounted; so tell plainly what you believe of me: who you think and say that I am? A... read more
Simon Peter answered and said. The ardent Peter, when all were asked, replies in the name of the rest, giving, however, his own personal sentiment and belief, as we see from Christ's answer ( Matthew 16:17 ). Some of the others probably would have been less ready to make the same confession; but in his vehement loyalty, Peter silences all hesitation, and declares boldly what must be the conviction of all his comrades. He speaks out the persuasion wrought in his soul by Divine grace. ... read more
Visions of the mystery of Christ. It was the end and aim of our Lord's life to reveal the mystery of himself to his disciples. But what is so strange and yet so significant is, that he made scarcely any direct declarations on the subject. He evidently wanted it to be the impression left by his presence, his words, and his works. Later on in his life we find more of what may, in a good sense, be called self-assertion. But in his earlier ministry he virtually answered all inquiries as he... read more
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 Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar. To distinguish it from the other Caesarea the name of Philip was added to it, and it was called Caesarea Philippi,... read more
Matthew 16:13-16. When Jesus came, &c. There was a large interval of time between what has been related already, and what follows. The passages that follow were but a short time before our Lord suffered: came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi “This city, while in the possession of the Canaanites, was called Lesheim, Joshua 19:47; and Laish, Judges 18:27. But when the children of Dan took it, they named it after their progenitor. In latter times it was called Paneas, from the... read more
73. Peter’s confession of the Messiah (Matthew 16:13-23; Mark 8:27-33; Luke 9:18-22)Jesus and the apostles travelled up to Caesarea Philippi, in the far north of Palestine. While there, Jesus asked the apostles who they believed him to be. Peter, probably speaking for the group, replied that he was the promised Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-16).Delighted at this insight, Jesus told the group (through words addressed to their spokesman Peter) that they would be the foundation on which... read more
the Christ = the Messiah. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "Thou art Christ". read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:13-19
Peter's confession. This renewed retirement of our Lord is best accounted for by his need of quiet. What was now to be done? Another Passover was coming round. To proclaim himself at Jerusalem was indeed certain death; and yet was not the hour for taking this step at last come? Filled with inward conflict, our Lord journeys on and on until he finds himself at the very edge of the land of Israel But when his own mind is made up he at once communicates with the disciples, because it was... read more