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Bible chapter guide
Matthew 16
The Pharisees and Sadducees ask for a sign. At Caesarea Philippi Jesus asks, 'But whom say ye that I am?' and Peter answers, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus then foretells his suffering in Jerusalem and calls his followers to take up their cross.
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How sure can we be?
- Strongly supported
Caesarea Philippi is Banias, at the springs below Mount Hermon.
The name Paneas survives as Banias, and Josephus describes Herod's temple and Philip's refounding here.
- Speculative
Jesus' words about 'the gates of Hades' allude to the cave of Pan.
The cave, from which the spring once flowed, was thought to lead to the underworld. It makes a vivid setting, but the Gospels place the saying only in 'the region' of the city.