Matthew 16:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:13-20

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:16

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 16:16

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 16:13-20

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 16:13-16

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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 16:13-23

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 16:16

the Christ = the Messiah. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "Thou art Christ". read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.This is called the Great Confession. It is no mere acknowledgment that Jesus is the Messiah of the Hebrews but also declares Jesus' unique filial relationship to God. Dummelow aptly pointed this out, saying,Son of God, here, is no mere equivalent of "the Messiah." ... This is shown by the deep emotion with which the speaker makes, and Jesus receives, the confession; and the fact that the confession is perfectly... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 16:16

16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God—He does not say, "Scribes and Pharisees, rulers and people, are all perplexed; and shall we, unlettered fishermen, presume to decide?" But feeling the light of his Master's glory shining in his soul, he breaks forth—not in a tame, prosaic acknowledgment, "I believe that Thou art," c.—but in the language of adoration—such as one uses in worship, "THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD!" He first owns... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 16:13-17

1. Instruction about the King’s person 16:13-17 (cf. Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20) read more

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