Matthew 16:13-20

“When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but 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 overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” Then he instructed his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭20‬ ‭NET‬‬

I know I’m weird, but I enjoyed going to school and learning new things. I was grateful for most (haha) of my teachers/professors, and I always knew they had my best interest in mind. You hear these stories about these mean, impossible professors that make a living off of failing students, and their lectures are unbearable, and your entire grade depends on one final exam, which for me was never the case. My professors were for the most part rather friendly and bearable to listen to. 

Exams were a big part of my grade but weighted just like high school, and of course the requirements and information is harder, but you’re prepared for it. But I was worried, because I heard these horror stories of these philosophy teachers that would pass out these exams, which your whole grade depended on, and it would be one question. And you have to write, like a whole semester worth of stuff, logically and coherently, about whatever topic they chose from that semester, in a certain amount of time. Or the question would simply be the word, “Why?” And you have to philosophize about the existence of all things. There’s another one about a professor putting a chair in the front of the room, and your final exam after a whole semester of notes and lectures is simply to prove that the chair exists. 

My favorite is the story of the CEO of Charles Schwab. When he was in business school, he was taking his final exam. So after studying, and preparing, and going all semester, it comes down to one test. The professor passes out the exam, and there’s one question. He was kind of shocked, because they clearly covered a lot of material, and this is business school. You need to know a lot of stuff to be successful, right? The question was this: What’s the name of the lady who empties the trash in the hallway every day? That determined much of their grade for that class, and it taught Charles a valuable lesson, but that’s not the point of this post. 

My point is sometimes a lot of weight and pressure is placed on one question, and your answer can have drastic implications. All these stories in the gospels to this point have built up to this moment. And there’s a one question test. And this is the only question that matters for any person that’s ever lived.

Now this is about the halfway point of Jesus ministry (ish). And the city that Jesus takes them to is actually pretty significant. It’s farther north in Israel, and this city belonged to the tribe of Dan, which was one of the most pagan tribes historically. It continued to absorb the pagan ideas and beliefs and customs of its neighbors, and throughout the Greek and Roman empires into Jesus’ day this city which had now been renamed Caesarea Philippi was a very pagan city. It was known for worshipping the Greek god Pan, a fertility god, which any time there’s a fertility god involved you can imagine the behavior of people and their forms of worship.

I’ve never been there, but I’ve read that in Caesarea Philippi, there’s a hill with a water fall that’s stopped up that used to flow into a series of lakes. And around that place was a series of shrines to a number of gods, but most importantly to Pan. But behind the water fall was a deep, dark cave and the people believed that it led to the underworld. It was a mysterious place. A religious place, but not in a good way. And it’s there that Jesus asks His disciples, So what are people saying about me?

John the Baptist and Jeremiah go together because these would have to be resurrected figures. We know of Herod who thought Jesus was John the Baptist. So people are thinking Jesus was a strong prophet, proclaiming God’s kingdom. Elijah: it could be that they thought the real Elijah was coming back to life, but there’s a prophecy of someone like Elijah coming later, so an end times figure, a great awesome prophet to bring in the coming age. People are in the right ball park, but they don’t quite get it. 

Then Jesus offers the one question exam to the disciples. VV. 15-16 You guys have been with me for maybe a year by now. You’ve seen the exorcisms. You’ve heard me preach. You’ve seen me shut up the religious leaders. What do you think about me? 

And Peter aces the test to the best of his ability to this point. He takes all the evidence and puts it together. 

Of course, Jesus says God has revealed it to him and helped him articulate such a truth, but Peter says, I know that you are the Messiah. Remember, “Son of God” = Davidic King to the first century audience (cf Psalm 2 and 2 Sam 7). Jesus, you are the agent working on God’s behalf. You are the promised one Sent from God. This goes back to Matt 14:33, where Jesus walked on the water, Peter tried and sank, Jesus saved him, and when they got back into the boat, the disciples all said, “You are the Son of God.” This implies, You are bringing God’s kingdom. You are especially empowered and enabled as the promised one. And as we go along in the story, we’ll get more information, like in the next paragraph, but Jesus praises Peter for his answer. 

VV 17-20

These are some pretty debated verses, so I won’t be too dogmatic here. “This rock” could be referring to Peter. This is usually frowned upon because that’s how the Catholics conclude that Peter was the first pope. So a lot of people choose the other main option which is seeing Peter’s confession, “Jesus is the Messiah” as the “rock” on which the church is built. This is also legitimate, but I tend to think Jesus was talking about Peter, making a wordplay on his name. 

In either case, Jesus is going to make a new community, a gathering, an assembly of people with Peter and the other disciples as the first representatives. We know that. Ephesians 2:20 says the apostles were the foundation of the church. And in Acts 2, 3, and on, Peter is clearly the leader of the early church, but it’s also true that those who enter the kingdom are characterized as people who get it right when it comes to Jesus. They are the types of people who acknowledge what? Who He is. If they were asked, who do you say I am, they have the correct answer, just like Peter did.

And this universal body of believers will grow over time. They are the representatives of Jesus’ kingdom that grows like yeast in a lump of dough. He talks about that in Matthew 13. But Jesus, so what? Look where we are. Paganville. Greco-roman society that is filled with many many gods. How are we supposed to survive following just one god, let alone You who are going to end up claiming to be God become man? You’ve done some awesome things, but we’re going to take some heat for following you.

And then in the next paragraph you are going to tell us about how you’re going to die? And rise again? No, no, no. Jesus you have this wrong. See, that’s not how this Messiah thing is supposed to work. In fact, Peter is the one that pulls Jesus aside and says, “Jesus, you will not die!” And all of a sudden, Jesus’ praise of Peter turns to a curse. He even calls him Satan. This is one reason we know this event happened. This I think meets the criterion of embarrassment. When you call the founder of the early church the devil. 

v. 20. Jesus commanded them to be quiet about the confession. Don’t go telling people I’m the Messiah…yet. Why? Because you guys don’t really know what you’re talking about, yet. You don’t understand what type of Messiah I am, one that has to suffer and die and become a sacrifice and then be raised to conquer death and offer life and then be a king. If you go telling people I’m the Messiah now, people are going to get all sorts of wrong ideas about me.

Now we know the whole story. Jesus did suffer. He was beaten. He was crucified, and buried, and then He rose in victory, to conquer sin, death, the grave, and He is the reigning King. He is God’s anointed Messiah. We now know that He is God. He is exalted in heaven at God’s right hand waiting to return to earth to complete what He began and to make God’s kingdom visible and final. 

I get asked pretty frequently about spiritual stuff or Bible passages. I get asked about minor debates that don’t matter. A lot of times people wonder if they’re going to heaven; if they really made the decision to accept Jesus. If they said the right words, if they really meant it. I mean death is a scary thing, and knowing that once it happens, your chances are over, that’s a sobering thought. So no matter if you’re super confident in your salvation or a little uneasy, or know someone who is flat out pagan, the one question exam is the same: What do you believe about Jesus? Right now. In this moment. 

We’ve established that He existed. That’s good. He did miracles. That’s good. He taught some awesome things and was a very moral person. Perfect even. But do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that He rose from the grave? Do you believe that He’s God? All those are the same question to some extent. And that one question is the most important question of your life, and it has infinite implications. 

You say, Yes, Kevin, I know Jesus is God. I know He died for me. And rose! I know I’m forgiven and have entered the kingdom. Jesus is the Savior, and I love Him. Awesome! I’m happy for you. BUT… If Jesus is God, then He cannot simply be Savior. He must also be Lord. 

Jump down to vv. 24-25. It’s not easy following Jesus. The One who promised His own path to suffering in essence promised a difficult path for us, too. In addition to the regular frustrations of life, we have the burden of wearing the target of Christianity. But if Jesus is God, and He rose from the grave, then who else can I follow? He has rescued me from my own guilt and shame and failure and inability to live life with any joy and peace on my own. I must follow the one true King. He demands my allegiance. 

And it’s true. I am a foreigner in this world now. I don’t belong here, and yet I have a mission to spread the influence of the gospel as far as I can before I die. And you know, there’s a lot of things that oppose this new community that Jesus formed, called the church: disease, demons, persecution, even death. But what did Jesus say? V. 18: The gates of Hades/Sheol will not prevail against it. That’s the grave. The underworld, maybe even reference that same spot where the disciples were standing. This terrible world, the supernatural one, and even the one most feared… death itself… will not conquer us, because Jesus rose. This week gives us hope that we, too, will rise, and God’s kingdom will spread. Satan’s already conquered. 

Now how does this really affect me? Am I committed to Jesus the Lord and King, or is my view of Jesus pretty incomplete? His demands are heavy, but it flows from Who He is. If you believe it, you will follow. 

The church is mentioned here directly in step with the character of Jesus. If you go back and read vv. 19-20, Peter and by extension the church were given a high responsibility to represent the activity of God on earth. This again is found in Acts and beyond, but we also must be committed to the mission that God has given us, of following Jesus, of making disciples. And by focusing on the physical and spiritual needs of others and not our own, we will imitate the attitude and mindset of Jesus. We will be more willing to share our faith. We will serve. And God will be glorified. 

But none of this occurs unless you settle in your mind: Who is Jesus?

Daniel 7:1-28

“In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream filled with visions while he was lying on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream in summary fashion. Daniel explained: “I was watching in my vision during the night as the four winds of the sky were stirring up the great sea. Then four large beasts came up from the sea; they were different from one another. “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind was given to it. “Then a second beast appeared, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and there were three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and devour much flesh!’ “After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it. “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions a fourth beast appeared – one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. It had two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns. “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn – a small one – came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things. “While I was watching, thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His attire was white like snow; the hair of his head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was ablaze with fire and its wheels were all aflame. A river of fire was streaming forth and proceeding from his presence. Many thousands were ministering to him; Many tens of thousands stood ready to serve him. The court convened and the books were opened. “Then I kept on watching because of the arrogant words of the horn that was speaking. I was watching until the beast was killed and its body destroyed and thrown into the flaming fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their ruling authority had already been removed, though they were permitted to go on living for a time and a season. I was watching in the night visions, “And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed. “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, and the visions of my mind were alarming me. I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed to me the interpretation of the vision: ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’ “Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others. It was very dreadful, with two rows of iron teeth and bronze claws, and it devoured, crushed, and trampled anything that was left with its feet. I also wanted to know the meaning of the ten horns on its head, and of that other horn which came up and before which three others fell. This was the horn that had eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things, whose appearance was more formidable than the others. While I was watching, that horn began to wage war against the holy ones and was defeating them, until the Ancient of Days arrived and judgment was rendered in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. Then the time came for the holy ones to take possession of the kingdom. “This is what he told me: ‘The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingdom on earth that will differ from all the other kingdoms. It will devour all the earth and will trample and crush it. The ten horns mean that ten kings will arise from that kingdom. Another king will arise after them, but he will be different from the earlier ones. He will humiliate three kings. He will speak words against the Most High. He will harass the holy ones of the Most High continually. His intention will be to change times established by law. They will be delivered into his hand For a time, times, and half a time. But the court will convene, and his ruling authority will be removed – destroyed and abolished forever! Then the kingdom, authority, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be delivered to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; all authorities will serve him and obey him.’ “This is the conclusion of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and the color drained from my face. But I kept the matter to myself.””

— ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭28‬‬

A long passage, and I can add more notes later. This is an important text for NT interpretation as well as Old, particularly for the title Son of Man, and “riding on clouds.” Won’t do all details here but here are some key thoughts to lay as foundation.

Not sure of the full analogy, but I have heard from significant scholars (most notably NT Wright) that this vision’s placement is significant after chapter 6, where Daniel is rescued from the lion’s den. Could be that Daniel represents Israel in that case, and the beasts are obvious enough. Not sure if the king is really Jesus at that point, but Israel is vindicated after being under oppression for so long. The final kingdom will be established.

There’s minor debate over what the kingdoms are, but Daniel has multiple visions that seem to reinforce the 4 great kingdoms of ancient history.

Winged lion = Babylon

Bear = Persia (3 ribs could be the 3 main kings)

4 headed/winged Leopard = Greece (Alexander’s kingdom split for four generals)

Terrible beast = Rome (rows of 10 teeth-people debate which emperors)

Little horn saying arrogant things is also debatable. Only a few emperors claimed divinity for themselves (Nero, Caligula, Domitian). Of course, the dispensational view is to at least see final fulfillment in the singular Antichrist. I think it makes most sense to begin with a near fulfillment in Roman Empire. If there’s pattern fulfillment throughout history, then fine.

Perhaps the most significant thing is the image here is nearly identical to the beast in Revelation 13. Beast with horns and speaking blasphemous words and making war on the saints. (If you do not study Daniel and Ezekiel in depth, Revelation cannot make sense. These books are the cheat code). 

Daniel does some interpretation of the vision. Horns means kings. “All the earth” may not mean our globe. Rome did conquer all the earth in that day. Now, in Revelation, the dragon and beasts influence the world and culture as well, so again pattern fulfillment may be best way to see this. 

This little horn harasses God’s people continually. Persecution—which was rampant under certain emperors. 

Time, times, and half a time. NET says “times” is a dual form, so this is 3 1/2 times. Most are going to see this as 3 1/2 years. When we go to Revelation, the really odd thing is that multiple scenes have events that last for this long, but the duration is described as 3 1/2 years, 42 months, or even 1260 days. 

Honestly, I don’t like these timelines. I’ve studied the eschatology ad nauseam and how everything has to happen. I know of tremendous scholars, who could reason me silly who could prove beyond a doubt that a pre-trib, pre-millennial model is 100% correct. But I have become queasy when we have to use a verse from 1 Thess, then jump back to Dan 7, then go grab the “son of perdition” from 2 Thess”, and debate over the literary style of Revelation to boot. Piecing a theory together from so many different authors with different intentions/audiences and everything has to line up perfectly or else it crumbles apart has become suspect. But it could happen. 

So why 3 1/2 times/years? Revelation mentions it to refer to Dan 7, obviously. Also in 11:1-2; 12:7, 11-12; 13:5. Jewish writings associated Daniel’s 3 1/2 years as a general time of trial for believers (Midr. Ps 10.1), time of Israel’s exile (b. Sanhedrin 97b), or as the amount of time before Israel is finally restored (b Sanhedrin 97b-98a). Taken from Beale’s Commentary on Revelation, 565. 

In Rev 11, the two prophets are linked with Elijah’s ministry, who’s most famous narrative was the 3ish year famine (then the battle with prophets of Baal on Carmel). Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, but Num 33:5-49 may list 42 encampments (and their 40 years may not have started until they had traveled for 2 years in Jewish thinking at least). 

Both Daniel and Revelation focus on the temple, though. The initial abomination of desolation was Antiochus Epiphanes in 167BC. His oppression lasted about 3 years. Then the Roman siege of Jerusalem lasted about 3 years. 

Throughout Revelation, in all these passages of 3 1/2 years, there is an emphasis on physical attack on God’s people, though spiritually they are safe/secure. (Not to mention Daniel experienced the same thing in the lion’s den.). They experience no spiritual harm from their enemies, whether human or demonic, regardless of the onslaught raging towards them. 

If some want to see a beginning 3 1/2 years and a more harsh 3 1/2 years based on Daniel 9, 12, and Jesus discourse in Mark 13, that’s fine. This would really only apply to those viewing a literal 7 year Tribulation. The point in any passage, though, is not on length of time but (1) severity of persecution and (2) there is no time ever where the world and the people of God have harmony. 

For those who do not see a literal 7 year Tribulation, Revelation 12:6 seems to make it clear that the 3 1/2 years began at the resurrection of Jesus. It will end at His final appearing. 

In between the vision and interpretation, Daniel sees court of Ancient of Days (God). One like son of man approaches. Approaches is “coming.” They translates as “approaches” to remove confusion. Coming may imply returning to earth. But when we see “coming” in NT, we need to remember this passage. Jesus is talking about Son of Man going before God and establishing His authority. (Yes, He is returning, but we must understand full context of a passage before we misapply something). Sanhedrin ripped clothes, not because Jesus said He was coming to earth. He said He was coming on clouds= going before Ancient of Days = nearly divinity. 

1 Enoch developed these ideas of “Son of Man.” Will probably have another post on what that title meant and how Jesus built on 1st century expectations. Daniel laid foundation, but this title had enough mystery for Jesus to fill with His own meaning.

His kingdom is eternal. His kingdom is beyond any human kingdom. Those who belong to His kingdom may suffer but are truly beyond any harm.