“But whom say ye that I am?”
The full verse · Matthew 16:15 · KJV
He unto , that ?
Asked by
Jesus: the Son of God and promised Messiah, who had just heard what the crowds were saying about Him (Matthew 16:13-14)
Asked to
Disciples: "his disciples" (Matthew 16:13) at Caesarea Philippi; after reporting what others say, they are asked for their own answer, and "Simon Peter answered" (Matthew 16:16).
The Scene
At Caesarea Philippi, after the disciples report that people call Jesus John the Baptist, Elias, Jeremias, or one of the prophets, Jesus turns the question to them (Matthew 16:13-14).
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionJesus moves from public opinion to personal confession. In the Greek the word "ye" (hymeis) is written out and comes first, setting the disciples apart from the "men" of Matthew 16:13. Gill says this second question is "what he had chiefly in view, that he might have their sense of him." He also stresses that knowing in private was not enough: "it was not enough to believe in him, they must confess him." Jesus asks so that the disciples will say out loud what they have come to believe.
The Response
What Scripture recordsSimon Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Barnes says Peter was "expressing the views of the apostles, with characteristic forwardness." Jesus blessed him: "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). Then "charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ" (Matthew 16:20).
Historical Context
The world behind the wordsPeter's answer has two parts. Matthew Henry explains that Peter, "for himself and his brethren," said they were sure Jesus was "the promised Messiah, the Son of the living God." Gill calls it "a short, but a very full confession of faith."
The three Gospels record the answer a little differently. Mark has "Thou art the Christ" (Mark 8:29), and Luke has "The Christ of God" (Luke 9:20). Only Matthew includes "the Son of the living God" and Jesus' blessing of Peter (Matthew 16:16-17). Earlier, the disciples in the boat had already worshipped Him, saying, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33).
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyJesus wants to be known, not just admired. The crowds respected Him, but He asks His own followers for a personal answer. And when Peter answers rightly, Jesus credits the Father: "flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee" (Matthew 16:17). Knowing who Jesus is comes as a gift. Matthew Henry says Peter was blessed because "the teaching of God made him differ from his unbelieving countrymen."
Right after this confession, Jesus begins to speak of His suffering and death, and Peter, who answered so well, rebukes Him (Matthew 16:21-23). A true confession is a beginning. Peter still had to learn what kind of Christ Jesus came to be.
Look Closer
How was Jesus' second question different from His first?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord Jesus, You asked Your disciples, "But whom say ye that I am?"; what would my honest answer be today, and what do You want me to see about You?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- It is easier to report what others believe than to say what you believe. What makes saying it yourself harder?
- How has your own answer to "Who is Jesus?" grown or changed over the years?
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Sooner or later, Jesus' question becomes personal. You can know every opinion about Him and still need to answer for yourself. Gill's point is worth keeping: it was not enough to believe in Him; they had to confess Him. Say what you believe in prayer, in worship, and to others as the opportunity comes.
Remember too that knowing Jesus is a gift. Peter did not figure it out on his own (Matthew 16:17), so ask God to show you more of Jesus.
A right answer is a beginning, not the finish line. Peter still had much to learn (Matthew 16:22-23), and so do we.
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