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Selected Verse: Matthew 16:13 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Mt 16:13	Strong Concordance	When [1161] Jesus [2424] came [2064] into [1519] the coasts [3313] of Caesarea [2542] Philippi [5376], he asked [2065] his [846] disciples [3101], saying [3004], Whom [5101] do men [444] say [3004] that I [3165] the Son [5207] of man [444] am [1511]?
	King James	When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
PETER'S NOBLE CONFESSION OF CHRIST AND THE BENEDICTION PRONOUNCED UPON HIM--CHRIST'S FIRST EXPLICIT ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS APPROACHING SUFFERINGS, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION--HIS REBUKE OF PETER AND WARNING TO ALL THE TWELVE. ( = Mar 8:27; Mar 9:1; Luk 9:18-27). (Mat. 16:13-28) When Jesus came into the coasts--"the parts," that is, the territory or region. In Mark (Mar 8:27) it is "the towns" or "villages." of CÃ&brvbr;sarea Philippi--It lay at the foot of Mount Lebanon, near the sources of the Jordan, in the territory of Dan, and at the northeast extremity of Palestine. It was originally called Panium (from a cavern in its neighborhood dedicated to the god Pan) and Paneas. Philip, the tetrarch, the only good son of Herod the Great, in whose dominions Paneas lay, having beautified and enlarged it, changed its name to CÃ&brvbr;sarea, in honor of the Roman emperor, and added Philippi after his own name, to distinguish it from the other CÃ&brvbr;sarea (Act 10:1) on the northeast coast of the Mediterranean Sea. [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 15.10,3; 18.2,1]. This quiet and distant retreat Jesus appears to have sought with the view of talking over with the Twelve the fruit of His past labors, and breaking to them for the first time the sad intelligence of His approaching death. he asked his disciples--"by the way," says Mark (Mar 8:27), and "as He was alone praying," says Luke (Luk 9:18). saying, Whom--or more grammatically, "Who" do men say that I the Son of man am?--(or, "that the Son of man is"--the recent editors omitting here the me of Mark and Luke [Mar 8:27; Luk 9:18]; though the evidence seems pretty nearly balanced)--that is, "What are the views generally entertained of Me, the Son of man, after going up and down among them so long?" He had now closed the first great stage of His ministry, and was just entering on the last dark one. His spirit, burdened, sought relief in retirement, not only from the multitude, but even for a season from the Twelve. He retreated into "the secret place of the Most High," pouring out His soul "in supplications and prayers, with strong crying and tears" (Heb 5:7). On rejoining His disciples, and as they were pursuing their quiet journey, He asked them this question.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

PETER'S NOBLE CONFESSION OF CHRIST AND THE BENEDICTION PRONOUNCED UPON HIM--CHRIST'S FIRST EXPLICIT ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS APPROACHING SUFFERINGS, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION--HIS REBUKE OF PETER AND WARNING TO ALL THE TWELVE. ( = Mar 8:27; Mar 9:1; Luk 9:18-27). (Mat. 16:13-28)

When Jesus came into the coasts--"the parts," that is, the territory or region. In Mark (Mar 8:27) it is "the towns" or "villages."

of CÃ&brvbr;sarea Philippi--It lay at the foot of Mount Lebanon, near the sources of the Jordan, in the territory of Dan, and at the northeast extremity of Palestine. It was originally called Panium (from a cavern in its neighborhood dedicated to the god Pan) and Paneas. Philip, the tetrarch, the only good son of Herod the Great, in whose dominions Paneas lay, having beautified and enlarged it, changed its name to CÃ&brvbr;sarea, in honor of the Roman emperor, and added Philippi after his own name, to distinguish it from the other CÃ&brvbr;sarea (Act 10:1) on the northeast coast of the Mediterranean Sea. [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 15.10,3; 18.2,1]. This quiet and distant retreat Jesus appears to have sought with the view of talking over with the Twelve the fruit of His past labors, and breaking to them for the first time the sad intelligence of His approaching death.

he asked his disciples--"by the way," says Mark (Mar 8:27), and "as He was alone praying," says Luke (Luk 9:18).

saying, Whom--or more grammatically, "Who"

do men say that I the Son of man am?--(or, "that the Son of man is"--the recent editors omitting here the me of Mark and Luke [Mar 8:27; Luk 9:18]; though the evidence seems pretty nearly balanced)--that is, "What are the views generally entertained of Me, the Son of man, after going up and down among them so long?" He had now closed the first great stage of His ministry, and was just entering on the last dark one. His spirit, burdened, sought relief in retirement, not only from the multitude, but even for a season from the Twelve. He retreated into "the secret place of the Most High," pouring out His soul "in supplications and prayers, with strong crying and tears" (Heb 5:7). On rejoining His disciples, and as they were pursuing their quiet journey, He asked them this question.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
See also Mar 8:27-29, and Luk 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 Act 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, or Caesarea of Philippi. It was situated in the boundaries of the tribe of Naphtali, at the foot of Mount Hermon. It is now called Panias or Banias, and contains (circa 1880's) about 200 houses, and is inhabited chiefly by Turks. The word "coasts" here now usually applied to land in the vicinity of the sea - means "borders" or "regions." He came into the part of the country which appertained to Cesarea Philippi. He was passing northward from the region of Bethsaida, on the coasts of Magdala Mat 15:39, where the transactions recorded in the previous verses had occurred. When Jesus came - The original is, "when Jesus was coming." Mark says Mar 8:27 that this conversation took place when they were in the way, and this idea should have been retained in translating Matthew. While in the way, Jesus took occasion to call their attention "to the truth that he was the Messiah." This truth it was of much consequence that they should fully believe and understand; and it was important, therefore, that he should often learn their views, to establish them if right, and correct them if wrong. He began, therefore, by inquiring what was the common report respecting him. Whom do men say ... - This passage has been variously rendered. Some have translated it, "Whom do men say that I am? the Son of man?" Others, "Whom do men say that I am - I, who am the Son of man - i. e., the Messiah?" The meaning is nearly the same. He wished to obtain the sentiments of the people respecting himself. Mat 16:14 And they said ... - See the notes at Mat 11:14. They supposed that he might be John the Baptist, as Herod did, risen from the dead. See Mat 14:2. He performed many miracles, and strongly resembled John in his manner of life, and in the doctrines which he taught. Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered ... - Peter, expressing the views of the apostles, with characteristic forwardness answered the question proposed to them by Jesus: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." The Christ - The Messiah, the "Anointed" of God. See the notes at Mat 1:1. The Son - That is, the Son by way of eminence - in a special sense. See the notes at Mat 1:17. This appellation was understood as implying divinity, Joh 10:29-36. Of the living God - The term "living" was given to the true God to distinguish him from idols, that are dead, or lifeless blocks and stones. He is also the Source of life, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The word "living" is often given to him in the Old Testament, Jos 3:10; Sa1 17:26, Sa1 17:36; Jer 10:9-10, etc. In this noble confession Peter expressed the full belief of himself and of his brethren that he was the long-expected Messiah. Other people had very different opinions of him, but they were satisfied, and were not ashamed to confess it. Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered, Blessed art thou ... - Simon Bar-jona is the same as Simon son of Jona. Bar is a Syriac word signifying son. The father of Peter, therefore, was Jona, or Jonas, Joh 1:42; Joh 21:16-17. Blessed - That is, happy, honored, evincing a proper spirit, and entitled to the approbation of God. For flesh and blood - This phrase usually signifies man (see Gal 1:16; Eph 6:12), and it has been commonly supposed that Jesus meant to say that man had not revealed it, but he seems rather to have referred to himself. "This truth you have not learned from my lowly appearance, from my human nature, from my apparent rank and standing in the world. You, Jews, were expecting to know the Messiah by his external splendor; his pomp and power as a man; but you have not learned me in this manner. I have shown no such indication of my Messiahship. Flesh and blood have not shown it. In spite of my appearance, my lowly state - my lack of resemblance to what you have expected, you have learned it as from God." They had been taught this by Jesus' miracles, his instructions, and by the direct teachings of God upon their minds. To "reveal" is to make known, or communicate something that was unknown or secret. Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter - The word "Peter," in Greek, means "a rock." It was given to Simon by Christ when he called him to be a disciple, Joh 1:42 Cephas is a Syriac word, meaning the same as Peter - a rock, or stone. The meaning of this phrase may be thus expressed: "Thou, in saying that I am the Son of God, hast called me by a name expressive of my true character. I, also, have given to thee a name expressive of your character. I have called you Peter, a rock, denoting firmness, solidity, stability, and your confession has shown that the name is appropriate. I see that you are worthy of the name, and will be a distinguished support of my religion." And upon this rock ... - This passage has given rise to many different interpretations. Some have supposed that the word "rock" refers to Peter's confession, and that Jesus meant to say, upon this rock, this truth that thou hast confessed, that I am the Messiah and upon confessions of this from all believers, I will build my church. Confessions like this shall be the test of piety, and in such confessions shall my church stand amid the flames of persecution, the fury of the gates of hell. Others have thought that Jesus referred to himself. Christ is called a rock, Isa 28:16; Pe1 2:8. And it has been thought that he turned from Peter to himself, and said, "Upon this rock, this truth that I am the Messiah - upon myself as the Messiah, I will build my church." Both these interpretations, though plausible, seem forced upon the passage to avoid the main difficulty in it. Another interpretation is, that the word "rock" refers to Peter himself. This is the obvious meaning of the passage; and had it not been that the Church of Rome has abused it, and applied it to what was never intended, no other interpretation would have been sought for. "Thou art a rock. Thou hast shown thyself firm, and suitable for the work of laying the foundation of the church. Upon thee will I build it. Thou shalt be highly honored; thou shalt be first in making known the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles." This was accomplished. See Acts 2:14-36, where he first preached to the Jews, and Acts 10, where he preached the gospel to Cornelius and his neighbors, who were Gentiles. Peter had thus the honor of laying the foundation of the church among the Jews and Gentiles; and this is the plain meaning of this passage. See also Gal 2:9. But Christ did not mean, as the Roman Catholics say he did, to exalt Peter to supreme authority above all the other apostles, or to say that he was the only one upon whom he would rear his church. See Acts 15, where the advice of James, and not that of Peter, was followed. See also Gal 2:11, where Paul withstood Peter to his face, because he was to be blamed - a thing which could not have happened if Christ (as the Roman Catholics say) meant that Peter was absolute and infallible. More than all, it is not said here, or anywhere else in the Bible, that Peter would have infallible successors who would be the vicegerents of Christ and the head of the church. The whole meaning of the passage is this: "I will make you the honored instrument of making known my gospel first to Jews and Gentiles, and I will make you a firm and distinguished preacher in building my church." Will build my church - This refers to the custom of building in Judea upon a rock or other very firm foundation. See the notes at Mat 7:24. The word "church" literally means "those called out," and often means an assembly or congregation. See Act 19:32, Greek; Act 7:38. It is applied to Christians as being "called out" from the world. It means sometimes the whole body of believers, Eph 1:22; Co1 10:32. This is its meaning in this place. It means, also, a particular society of believers worshipping in one place, Act 8:1; Act 9:31; Co1 1:2, etc.; sometimes, also, a society in a single house, as Rom 16:5. In common language it means the church visible - i. e., all who profess religion; or invisible, i. e., all who are real Christians, professors or not. And the gates of hell ... - Ancient cities were surrounded by walls. In the gates by which they were entered were the principal places for holding courts, transacting business, and deliberating on public matters. See the notes at Mat 7:13. Compare the notes at Job 29:7. See also Deu 22:4; Sa1 4:18; Jer 36:10; Gen 19:1; Psa 69:12; Psa 9:14; Pro 1:21. The word "gates," therefore, is used for counsels, designs, machinations, evil purposes. "Hell" means, here, the place of departed spirits, particularly evil spirits; and the meaning of the passage is, that all the plots, stratagems, and machinations of the enemies of the church would not be able to overcome it a promise that has been remarkably fulfilled. Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee ... - A key is an instrument for opening a door. He that is in possession of it has the power of access, and has a general care of a house. Hence, in the Bible, a key is used as a symbol of superintendence an emblem of power and authority. See the Isa 22:22 note; Rev 1:18; Rev 3:7 notes. The kingdom of heaven here means, doubtless, the church on earth. See the notes at Mat 3:2. When the Saviour says, therefore, he will give to Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, he means that he will make him the instrument of opening the door of faith to the world the first to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. This was done, Acts 2:14-36; 10. The "power of the keys" was given, on this occasion, to Peter alone, solely for this reason; the power of "binding and loosing" on earth was given to the other apostles with him. See Mat 18:18. The only pre-eminence, then, that Peter had was the honor of first opening the doors of the gospel to the world. Whatsoever thou shalt bind ... - The phrase "to bind" and "to loose" was often used by the Jews. It meant to prohibit and to permit. To bind a thing was to forbid it; to loose it, to allow it to be done. Thus, they said about gathering wood on the Sabbath day, "The school of Shammei binds it" - i. e., forbids it; "the school of Hillel looses it" - i. e., allows it. When Jesus gave this power to the apostles, he meant that whatsoever they forbade in the church should have divine authority; whatever they permitted, or commanded, should also have divine authority - that is, should be bound or loosed in heaven, or meet the approbation of God. They were to be guided infallibly in the organization of the church: 1. by the teaching of Christ, and, 2. by the teaching of the Holy Spirit. This does not refer to persons, but to things - "whatsoever," not whosoever. It refers to rites and ceremonies in the church. Such of the Jewish customs as they should forbid were to be forbidden, and such as they thought proper to permit were to be allowed. Such rites as they should appoint in the church were to have the force of divine authority. Accordingly, they commanded the Gentile converts to "abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood" Act 15:20; and, in general, they organized the church, and directed what was to be observed and what was to be avoided. The rules laid down by them in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Epistles, in connection with the teachings of the Saviour as recorded in the evangelists, constitute the only law binding on Christians in regard to the order of the church, and the rites and ceremonies to be observed in it. Mat 16:20 Then charged ... - That is, he commanded them. Mar 8:30 and Luke Luk 9:21 say (in Greek) that he strictly or severely charged them. He laid emphasis on it, as a matter of much importance. The reason of this seems to be that his time had not fully come; that he was not willing to rouse the Jewish malice, and to endanger his life, by having it proclaimed that he was the Messiah. The word "Jesus" is wanting in many manuscripts, and should probably be omitted: "Then he charged them strictly to tell no man that he was the Christ or Messiah."

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

See also Mar 8:27-29, and Luk 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 Act 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, or Caesarea of Philippi. It was situated in the boundaries of the tribe of Naphtali, at the foot of Mount Hermon. It is now called Panias or Banias, and contains (circa 1880's) about 200 houses, and is inhabited chiefly by Turks. The word "coasts" here now usually applied to land in the vicinity of the sea - means "borders" or "regions." He came into the part of the country which appertained to Cesarea Philippi. He was passing northward from the region of Bethsaida, on the coasts of Magdala Mat 15:39, where the transactions recorded in the previous verses had occurred.

When Jesus came - The original is, "when Jesus was coming." Mark says Mar 8:27 that this conversation took place when they were in the way, and this idea should have been retained in translating Matthew. While in the way, Jesus took occasion to call their attention "to the truth that he was the Messiah." This truth it was of much consequence that they should fully believe and understand; and it was important, therefore, that he should often learn their views, to establish them if right, and correct them if wrong. He began, therefore, by inquiring what was the common report respecting him.

Whom do men say ... - This passage has been variously rendered. Some have translated it, "Whom do men say that I am? the Son of man?" Others, "Whom do men say that I am - I, who am the Son of man - i. e., the Messiah?" The meaning is nearly the same. He wished to obtain the sentiments of the people respecting himself.

Mat 16:14

And they said ... - See the notes at Mat 11:14. They supposed that he might be John the Baptist, as Herod did, risen from the dead. See Mat 14:2. He performed many miracles, and strongly resembled John in his manner of life, and in the doctrines which he taught.

Mat 16:16

And Simon Peter answered ... - Peter, expressing the views of the apostles, with characteristic forwardness answered the question proposed to them by Jesus: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

The Christ - The Messiah, the "Anointed" of God. See the notes at Mat 1:1.

The Son - That is, the Son by way of eminence - in a special sense. See the notes at Mat 1:17. This appellation was understood as implying divinity, Joh 10:29-36.

Of the living God - The term "living" was given to the true God to distinguish him from idols, that are dead, or lifeless blocks and stones. He is also the Source of life, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The word "living" is often given to him in the Old Testament, Jos 3:10; Sa1 17:26, Sa1 17:36; Jer 10:9-10, etc. In this noble confession Peter expressed the full belief of himself and of his brethren that he was the long-expected Messiah. Other people had very different opinions of him, but they were satisfied, and were not ashamed to confess it.

Mat 16:17

And Jesus answered, Blessed art thou ... - Simon Bar-jona is the same as Simon son of Jona. Bar is a Syriac word signifying son. The father of Peter, therefore, was Jona, or Jonas, Joh 1:42; Joh 21:16-17.

Blessed - That is, happy, honored, evincing a proper spirit, and entitled to the approbation of God.

For flesh and blood - This phrase usually signifies man (see Gal 1:16; Eph 6:12), and it has been commonly supposed that Jesus meant to say that man had not revealed it, but he seems rather to have referred to himself. "This truth you have not learned from my lowly appearance, from my human nature, from my apparent rank and standing in the world. You, Jews, were expecting to know the Messiah by his external splendor; his pomp and power as a man; but you have not learned me in this manner. I have shown no such indication of my Messiahship. Flesh and blood have not shown it. In spite of my appearance, my lowly state - my lack of resemblance to what you have expected, you have learned it as from God." They had been taught this by Jesus' miracles, his instructions, and by the direct teachings of God upon their minds. To "reveal" is to make known, or communicate something that was unknown or secret.

Mat 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter - The word "Peter," in Greek, means "a rock." It was given to Simon by Christ when he called him to be a disciple, Joh 1:42

Cephas is a Syriac word, meaning the same as Peter - a rock, or stone. The meaning of this phrase may be thus expressed: "Thou, in saying that I am the Son of God, hast called me by a name expressive of my true character. I, also, have given to thee a name expressive of your character. I have called you Peter, a rock, denoting firmness, solidity, stability, and your confession has shown that the name is appropriate. I see that you are worthy of the name, and will be a distinguished support of my religion."

And upon this rock ... - This passage has given rise to many different interpretations. Some have supposed that the word "rock" refers to Peter's confession, and that Jesus meant to say, upon this rock, this truth that thou hast confessed, that I am the Messiah and upon confessions of this from all believers, I will build my church. Confessions like this shall be the test of piety, and in such confessions shall my church stand amid the flames of persecution, the fury of the gates of hell. Others have thought that Jesus referred to himself. Christ is called a rock, Isa 28:16; Pe1 2:8. And it has been thought that he turned from Peter to himself, and said, "Upon this rock, this truth that I am the Messiah - upon myself as the Messiah, I will build my church." Both these interpretations, though plausible, seem forced upon the passage to avoid the main difficulty in it. Another interpretation is, that the word "rock" refers to Peter himself.

This is the obvious meaning of the passage; and had it not been that the Church of Rome has abused it, and applied it to what was never intended, no other interpretation would have been sought for. "Thou art a rock. Thou hast shown thyself firm, and suitable for the work of laying the foundation of the church. Upon thee will I build it. Thou shalt be highly honored; thou shalt be first in making known the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles." This was accomplished. See Acts 2:14-36, where he first preached to the Jews, and Acts 10, where he preached the gospel to Cornelius and his neighbors, who were Gentiles. Peter had thus the honor of laying the foundation of the church among the Jews and Gentiles; and this is the plain meaning of this passage. See also Gal 2:9. But Christ did not mean, as the Roman Catholics say he did, to exalt Peter to supreme authority above all the other apostles, or to say that he was the only one upon whom he would rear his church. See Acts 15, where the advice of James, and not that of Peter, was followed. See also Gal 2:11, where Paul withstood Peter to his face, because he was to be blamed - a thing which could not have happened if Christ (as the Roman Catholics say) meant that Peter was absolute and infallible. More than all, it is not said here, or anywhere else in the Bible, that Peter would have infallible successors who would be the vicegerents of Christ and the head of the church. The whole meaning of the passage is this: "I will make you the honored instrument of making known my gospel first to Jews and Gentiles, and I will make you a firm and distinguished preacher in building my church."

Will build my church - This refers to the custom of building in Judea upon a rock or other very firm foundation. See the notes at Mat 7:24. The word "church" literally means "those called out," and often means an assembly or congregation. See Act 19:32, Greek; Act 7:38. It is applied to Christians as being "called out" from the world. It means sometimes the whole body of believers, Eph 1:22; Co1 10:32. This is its meaning in this place. It means, also, a particular society of believers worshipping in one place, Act 8:1; Act 9:31; Co1 1:2, etc.; sometimes, also, a society in a single house, as Rom 16:5. In common language it means the church visible - i. e., all who profess religion; or invisible, i. e., all who are real Christians, professors or not.

And the gates of hell ... - Ancient cities were surrounded by walls. In the gates by which they were entered were the principal places for holding courts, transacting business, and deliberating on public matters. See the notes at Mat 7:13. Compare the notes at Job 29:7. See also Deu 22:4; Sa1 4:18; Jer 36:10; Gen 19:1; Psa 69:12; Psa 9:14; Pro 1:21. The word "gates," therefore, is used for counsels, designs, machinations, evil purposes.

"Hell" means, here, the place of departed spirits, particularly evil spirits; and the meaning of the passage is, that all the plots, stratagems, and machinations of the enemies of the church would not be able to overcome it a promise that has been remarkably fulfilled.

Mat 16:19

And I will give unto thee ... - A key is an instrument for opening a door.

He that is in possession of it has the power of access, and has a general care of a house. Hence, in the Bible, a key is used as a symbol of superintendence an emblem of power and authority. See the Isa 22:22 note; Rev 1:18; Rev 3:7 notes. The kingdom of heaven here means, doubtless, the church on earth. See the notes at Mat 3:2. When the Saviour says, therefore, he will give to Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, he means that he will make him the instrument of opening the door of faith to the world the first to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. This was done, Acts 2:14-36; 10. The "power of the keys" was given, on this occasion, to Peter alone, solely for this reason; the power of "binding and loosing" on earth was given to the other apostles with him. See Mat 18:18. The only pre-eminence, then, that Peter had was the honor of first opening the doors of the gospel to the world.

Whatsoever thou shalt bind ... - The phrase "to bind" and "to loose" was often used by the Jews. It meant to prohibit and to permit. To bind a thing was to forbid it; to loose it, to allow it to be done. Thus, they said about gathering wood on the Sabbath day, "The school of Shammei binds it" - i. e., forbids it; "the school of Hillel looses it" - i. e., allows it. When Jesus gave this power to the apostles, he meant that whatsoever they forbade in the church should have divine authority; whatever they permitted, or commanded, should also have divine authority - that is, should be bound or loosed in heaven, or meet the approbation of God. They were to be guided infallibly in the organization of the church:

1. by the teaching of Christ, and,

2. by the teaching of the Holy Spirit.

This does not refer to persons, but to things - "whatsoever," not whosoever. It refers to rites and ceremonies in the church. Such of the Jewish customs as they should forbid were to be forbidden, and such as they thought proper to permit were to be allowed. Such rites as they should appoint in the church were to have the force of divine authority. Accordingly, they commanded the Gentile converts to "abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood" Act 15:20; and, in general, they organized the church, and directed what was to be observed and what was to be avoided. The rules laid down by them in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Epistles, in connection with the teachings of the Saviour as recorded in the evangelists, constitute the only law binding on Christians in regard to the order of the church, and the rites and ceremonies to be observed in it.

Mat 16:20

Then charged ... - That is, he commanded them.

Mar 8:30 and Luke Luk 9:21 say (in Greek) that he strictly or severely charged them. He laid emphasis on it, as a matter of much importance. The reason of this seems to be that his time had not fully come; that he was not willing to rouse the Jewish malice, and to endanger his life, by having it proclaimed that he was the Messiah. The word "Jesus" is wanting in many manuscripts, and should probably be omitted: "Then he charged them strictly to tell no man that he was the Christ or Messiah."

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
Son of man Also (Mat 16:27-28); (See Scofield) - (Mat 8:20).

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
And Jesus coming - There was a large interval of time between what has been related, and what follows. The passages that follow were but a short time before our Lord suffered. Mar 8:27; Luk 9:18.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Caesarea Philippi - A city, in the tribe of Naphtali, near to Mount Libanus, in the province of Iturea. Its ancient name was Dan, Gen 14:14; afterwards it was called Lais, Jdg 18:7. But Philip the tetrarch, having rebuilt and beautified it, gave it the name of Caesarea, in honor of Tiberius Caesar, the reigning emperor: but to distinguish it from another Caesarea, which was on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and to perpetuate the fame of him who rebuilt it, it was called Caesarea Philippi, or Caesarea of Philip. When Jesus came - Ελθων δε ο Ιησους - when Jesus was coming. Not, when Jesus came, or was come, for Mark expressly mentions that it happened εν τη οδω, in the way to Caesarea Philippi, Mar 8:27, and he is Matthew's best interpreter. - Wakefield. Whom do men say - He asked his disciples this question, not because he was ignorant what the people thought and spoke of him; but to have the opportunity, in getting an express declaration of their faith from themselves, to confirm and strengthen them in it: but see on Luk 9:20 (note). Some, John the Baptist, etc. By this and other passages we learn, that the Pharisaic doctrine of the Metempsychosis, or transmigration of souls, was pretty general; for it was upon this ground that they believed that the soul of the Baptist, or of Elijah, Jeremiah, or some of the prophets, had come to a new life in the body of Jesus.

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⁷ Who [3739] in [1722] the days [2250] of his [846] flesh [4561], when he had offered up [4374] prayers [1162] and [5037] [2532] supplications [2428] with [3326] strong [2478] crying [2906] and [2532] tears [1144] unto [4314] him that was able [1410] to save [4982] him [846] from [1537] death [2288], and [2532] was heard [1522] in that [575] he feared [2124];

¹ [1161] There was [2258] a certain [5100] man [435] in [1722] Caesarea [2542] called [3686] Cornelius [2883], a centurion [1543] of [1537] the band [4686] called [2564] the Italian [2483] band,

¹⁸ And [2532] it came to pass [1096], as [1722] he was [1511] alone [2651] praying [4336], his [846] disciples [3101] were with [4895] him [846]: and [2532] he asked [1905] them [846], saying [3004], Whom [5101] say [3004] the people [3793] that I [3165] am [1511]?
¹⁹ They [1161] answering [611] said [2036], John [2491] the Baptist [910]; but [1161] some [243] say, Elias [2243]; and [1161] others [243] say, that [3754] one [5100] of the old [744] prophets [4396] is risen again [450].
²⁰ [1161] He said [2036] unto them [846], But [1161] whom [5101] say [3004] ye [5210] that I [3165] am [1511]? [1161] Peter [4074] answering [611] said [2036], The Christ [5547] of God [2316].
²¹ And [1161] he straitly charged [2008] them [846], and commanded [3853] them to tell [2036] no man [3367] that thing [5124];
²² Saying [2036], [3754] The Son [5207] of man [444] must [1163] suffer [3958] many things [4183], and [2532] be rejected [593] of [575] the elders [4245] and [2532] chief priests [749] and [2532] scribes [1122], and [2532] be slain [615], and [2532] be raised [1453] the third [5154] day [2250].
²³ And [1161] he said [3004] to [4314] them all [3956], If any man [1536] will [2309] come [2064] after [3694] me [3450], let him deny [533] himself [1438], and [2532] take up [142] his [846] cross [4716] daily [2250] [2596], and [2532] follow [190] me [3427].
²⁴ For [1063] whosoever [3739] [302] will [2309] save [4982] his [846] life [5590] shall lose [622] it [846]: but [1161] whosoever [3739] [302] will lose [622] his [846] life [5590] for my [1700] sake [1752], the same [3778] shall save [4982] it [846].
²⁵ For [1063] what [5101] is [5623] a man [444] advantaged [5623], if he gain [2770] the whole [3650] world [2889], and [1161] lose [622] himself [1438], or [2228] be cast away [2210]?
²⁶ For [1063] whosoever [3739] [302] shall be ashamed [1870] of me [3165] and [2532] of my [1699] words [3056], of him [5126] shall [1870] the Son [5207] of man [444] be ashamed [1870], when [3752] he shall come [2064] in [1722] his own [846] glory [1391], and [2532] in his Father's [3962], and [2532] of the holy [40] angels [32].
²⁷ But [1161] I tell [3004] you [5213] of a truth [230], there be [1526] some [5100] standing [2476] here [5602], which [3739] shall [1089] not [3364] taste [1089] of death [2288], till [2193] [302] they see [1492] the kingdom [932] of God [2316].

¹ And [2532] he said [3004] unto them [846], Verily [281] I say [3004] unto you [5213], That [3754] there be [1526] some [5100] of them that stand [2476] here [5602], which [3748] shall [1089] not [3364] taste [1089] of death [2288], till [2193] [302] they have seen [1492] the kingdom [932] of God [2316] come [2064] with [1722] power [1411].

²¹ And [1161] he straitly charged [2008] them [846], and commanded [3853] them to tell [2036] no man [3367] that thing [5124];

³⁰ And [2532] he charged [2008] them [846] that [2443] they should tell [3004] no man [3367] of [4012] him [846].

²⁰ Then [5119] charged he [1291] his [846] disciples [3101] that [2443] they should tell [2036] no man [3367] that [3754] he [846] was [2076] Jesus [2424] the Christ [5547].

²⁰ But [235] that we write [1989] unto them [846], that they abstain [567] from [575] pollutions [234] of idols [1497], and [2532] from fornication [4202], and [2532] from things strangled [4156], and [2532] from blood [129].

¹⁸ Verily [281] I say [3004] unto you [5213], Whatsoever [3745] [1437] ye shall bind [1210] on [1909] earth [1093] shall be [2071] bound [1210] in [1722] heaven [3772]: and [2532] whatsoever [3745] [1437] ye shall loose [3089] on [1909] earth [1093] shall be [2071] loosed [3089] in [1722] heaven [3772].

² And [2532] saying [3004], Repent ye [3340]: for [1063] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772] is at hand [1448].

⁷ And [2532] to the angel [32] of the church [1577] in [1722] Philadelphia [5359] write [1125]; These things [3592] saith [3004] he that is holy [40], he that is true [228], he that hath [2192] the key [2807] of David [1138], he that openeth [455], and [2532] no man [3762] shutteth [2808]; and [2532] shutteth [2808], and [2532] no man [3762] openeth [455];

¹⁸ [2532] I am he that liveth [2198], and [2532] was [1096] dead [3498]; and [2532], behold [2400], I am [1510] alive [2198] for [1519] evermore [165] [165], Amen [281]; and [2532] have [2192] the keys [2807] of hell [86] and [2532] of death [2288].

²² And the key [04668] of the house [01004] of David [01732] will I lay [05414] upon his shoulder [07926]; so he shall open [06605], and none shall shut [05462]; and he shall shut [05462], and none shall open [06605].

¹⁹ And [2532] I will give [1325] unto thee [4671] the keys [2807] of the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772]: and [2532] whatsoever [3739] [1437] thou shalt bind [1210] on [1909] earth [1093] shall be [2071] bound [1210] in [1722] heaven [3772]: and [2532] whatsoever [3739] [1437] thou shalt loose [3089] on [1909] earth [1093] shall be [2071] loosed [3089] in [1722] heaven [3772].

²¹ She crieth [07121] in the chief place [07218] of concourse [01993], in the openings [06607] of the gates [08179]: in the city [05892] she uttereth [0559] her words [0561], saying,

¹⁴ That I may shew forth [05608] all thy praise [08416] in the gates [08179] of the daughter [01323] of Zion [06726]: I will rejoice [01523] in thy salvation [03444].

¹² They that sit in [03427] the gate [08179] speak [07878] against me; and I was the song [05058] of the drunkards [08354] [07941].

¹ And there came [0935] two [08147] angels [04397] to Sodom [05467] at even [06153]; and Lot [03876] sat [03427] in the gate [08179] of Sodom [05467]: and Lot [03876] seeing [07200] them rose up [06965] to meet [07125] them; and he bowed [07812] himself with his face [0639] toward the ground [0776];

¹⁰ Then read [07121] Baruch [01263] in the book [05612] the words [01697] of Jeremiah [03414] in the house [01004] of the LORD [03068], in the chamber [03957] of Gemariah [01587] the son [01121] of Shaphan [08227] the scribe [05608], in the higher [05945] court [02691], at the entry [06607] of the new [02319] gate [08179] of the LORD'S [03068] house [01004], in the ears [0241] of all the people [05971].

¹⁸ And it came to pass, when he made mention [02142] of the ark [0727] of God [0430], that he fell [05307] from off the seat [03678] backward [0322] by [01157] the side [03027] of the gate [08179], and his neck [04665] brake [07665], and he died [04191]: for he was an old [02204] man [0376], and heavy [03513]. And he had judged [08199] Israel [03478] forty [0705] years [08141].

⁴ Thou shalt not see [07200] thy brother's [0251] ass [02543] or his ox [07794] fall down [05307] by the way [01870], and hide [05956] thyself from them: thou shalt surely [06965] help him to lift them up again [06965].

⁷ When I went out [03318] to the gate [08179] through the city [07176], when I prepared [03559] my seat [04186] in the street [07339]!

¹³ Enter ye in [1525] at [1223] the strait [4728] gate [4439]: for [3754] wide [4116] is the gate [4439], and [2532] broad [2149] is the way [3598], that leadeth [520] to [1519] destruction [684], and [2532] many [4183] there be [1526] which [3588] go in [1525] thereat [1223] [846]:

⁵ Likewise [2532] greet the church [1577] that is in [2596] their [846] house [3624]. Salute [782] my [3450] wellbeloved [27] Epaenetus [1866], who [3739] is [2076] the firstfruits [536] of Achaia [882] unto [1519] Christ [5547].

² Unto the church [1577] of God [2316] which [3588] is [5607] at [1722] Corinth [2882], to them that are sanctified [37] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424], called [2822] to be saints [40], with [4862] all [3956] that in [1722] every [3956] place [5117] call upon [1941] the name [3686] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] our [2257] Lord [2962], both [5037] theirs [846] and [2532] ours [2257]:

³¹ Then [3303] [3767] had [2192] the churches [1577] rest [1515] throughout [2596] all [3650] Judaea [2449] and [2532] Galilee [1056] and [2532] Samaria [4540], and were edified [3618]; and [2532] walking in [4198] the fear [5401] of the Lord [2962], and [2532] in the comfort [3874] of the Holy [40] Ghost [4151], were multiplied [4129].

¹ And [1161] Saul [4569] was [2258] consenting [4909] unto his [846] death [336]. And [1161] at [1722] that [1565] time [2250] there was [1096] a great [3173] persecution [1375] against [1909] the church [1577] which [3588] was at [1722] Jerusalem [2414]; and [5037] they were [1289] all [3956] scattered abroad [1289] throughout [2596] the regions [5561] of Judaea [2449] and [2532] Samaria [4540], except [4133] the apostles [652].

³² Give [1096] none offence [677], neither [2532] to the Jews [2453], nor [2532] to the Gentiles [1672], nor [2532] to the church [1577] of God [2316]:

²² And [2532] hath put [5293] all [3956] things under [5259] his [846] feet [4228], and [2532] gave [1325] him [846] to be the head [2776] over [5228] all [3956] things to the church [1577],

³⁸ This [3778] is he [2076], that was [1096] in [1722] the church [1577] in [1722] the wilderness [2048] with [3326] the angel [32] which [3588] spake [2980] to him [846] in [1722] the mount [3735] Sina [4614], and [2532] with our [2257] fathers [3962]: who [3739] received [1209] the lively [2198] oracles [3051] to give [1325] unto us [2254]:

³² Some [243] therefore [3767] [3303] cried [2896] one thing [5100], and some another [243]: for [1063] the assembly [1577] was [2258] confused [4797]; and [2532] the more part [4119] knew [1492] not [3756] wherefore [5101] [1752] they were come together [4905].

²⁴ Therefore [3767] whosoever [3956] [3748] heareth [191] these [5128] sayings [3056] of mine [3450], and [2532] doeth [4160] them [846], I will liken [3666] him [846] unto a wise [5429] man [435], which [3748] built [3618] his [846] house [3614] upon [1909] a rock [4073]:

¹¹ But [1161] when [3753] Peter [4074] was come [2064] to [1519] Antioch [490], I withstood [436] him [846] to [2596] the face [4383], because [3754] he was [2258] to be blamed [2607].

⁹ And [2532] when James [2385], [2532] Cephas [2786], and [2532] John [2491], who [3588] seemed [1380] to be [1511] pillars [4769], perceived [1097] the grace [5485] that was given [1325] unto me [3427], they gave [1325] to me [1698] and [2532] Barnabas [921] the right hands [1188] of fellowship [2842]; that [2443] we [2249] should go unto [1519] the heathen [1484], and [1161] they [846] unto [1519] the circumcision [4061].

⁸ And [2532] a stone [3037] of stumbling [4348], and [2532] a rock [4073] of offence [4625], even to them which [3739] stumble [4350] at the word [3056], being disobedient [544]: whereunto [1519] [3739] also [2532] they were appointed [5087].

¹⁶ Therefore thus saith [0559] the Lord [0136] GOD [03069], Behold, I lay [03245] in Zion [06726] for a foundation a stone [068], a tried [0976] stone [068], a precious [03368] corner [06438] stone, a sure [03245] foundation [04143]: he that believeth [0539] shall not make haste [02363].

⁴² And [2532] he brought [71] him [846] to [4314] Jesus [2424]. And [1161] when Jesus [2424] beheld [1689] him [846], he said [2036], Thou [4771] art [1488] Simon [4613] the son [5207] of Jona [2495]: thou [4771] shalt be called [2564] Cephas [2786], which [3739] is by interpretation [2059], A stone [4074].

¹⁸ And [1161] I say [3004] also [2504] unto thee [4671], That [3754] thou [4771] art [1488] Peter [4074], and [2532] upon [1909] this [5026] rock [4073] I will build [3618] my [3450] church [1577]; and [2532] the gates [4439] of hell [86] shall [2729] not [3756] prevail against [2729] it [846].

¹² For [3754] we [2254] wrestle [3823] not [3756] against [2076] [4314] flesh [4561] and [2532] blood [129], but [235] against [4314] principalities [746], against [4314] powers [1849], against [4314] the rulers [2888] of the darkness [4655] of this [5127] world [165], against [4314] spiritual [4152] wickedness [4189] in [1722] high [2032] places.

¹⁶ To reveal [601] his [846] Son [5207] in [1722] me [1698], that [2443] I might preach [2097] him [846] among [1722] the heathen [1484]; immediately [2112] I conferred [4323] not [3756] with flesh [4561] and [2532] blood [129]:

¹⁶ He saith [3004] to him [846] again [3825] the second time [1208], Simon [4613], son of Jonas [2495], lovest thou [25] me [3165]? He saith [3004] unto him [846], Yea [3483], Lord [2962]; thou [4771] knowest [1492] that [3754] I love [5368] thee [4571]. He saith [3004] unto him [846], Feed [4165] my [3450] sheep [4263].
¹⁷ He saith [3004] unto him [846] the third [5154] time, Simon [4613], son of Jonas [2495], lovest [5368] thou me [3165]? Peter [4074] was grieved [3076] because [3754] he said [2036] unto him [846] the third [5154] time, Lovest [5368] thou me [3165]? And [2532] he said [2036] unto him [846], Lord [2962], thou [4771] knowest [1492] all things [3956]; thou [4771] knowest [1097] that [3754] I love [5368] thee [4571]. Jesus [2424] saith [3004] unto him [846], Feed [1006] my [3450] sheep [4263].

¹⁷ And [2532] Jesus [2424] answered [611] and said [2036] unto him [846], Blessed [3107] art thou [1488], Simon [4613] Barjona [920]: for [3754] flesh [4561] and [2532] blood [129] hath [601] not [3756] revealed [601] it unto thee [4671], but [235] my [3450] Father [3962] which [3588] is in [1722] heaven [3772].

⁹ Silver [03701] spread into plates [07554] is brought [0935] from Tarshish [08659], and gold [02091] from Uphaz [0210], the work [04639] of the workman [02796], and of the hands [03027] of the founder [06884]: blue [08504] and purple [0713] is their clothing [03830]: they are all the work [04639] of cunning [02450] men.
¹⁰ But the LORD [03068] is the true [0571] God [0430], he is the living [02416] God [0430], and an everlasting [05769] king [04428]: at his wrath [07110] the earth [0776] shall tremble [07493], and the nations [01471] shall not be able to abide [03557] his indignation [02195].

³⁶ Thy servant [05650] slew [05221] both the lion [0738] and the bear [01677]: and this uncircumcised [06189] Philistine [06430] shall be as one [0259] of them, seeing he hath defied [02778] the armies [04634] of the living [02416] God [0430].

²⁶ And David [01732] spake [0559] to the men [0582] that stood [05975] by him, saying [0559], What shall be done [06213] to the man [0376] that killeth [05221] this [01975] Philistine [06430], and taketh away [05493] the reproach [02781] from Israel [03478]? for who is this uncircumcised [06189] Philistine [06430], that he should defy [02778] the armies [04634] of the living [02416] God [0430]?

¹⁰ And Joshua [03091] said [0559], Hereby ye shall know [03045] that the living [02416] God [0410] is among [07130] you, and that he will without fail [03423] drive out [03423] from before [06440] you the Canaanites [03669], and the Hittites [02850], and the Hivites [02340], and the Perizzites [06522], and the Girgashites [01622], and the Amorites [0567], and the Jebusites [02983].

²⁹ My [3450] Father [3962], which [3739] gave [1325] them me [3427], is [2076] greater than [3187] all [3956]; and [2532] no [3762] man is able [1410] to pluck [726] them out of [1537] my [3450] Father's [3962] hand [5495].
³⁰ I [1473] and [2532] my Father [3962] are [2070] one [1520].
³¹ Then [3767] the Jews [2453] took up [941] stones [3037] again [3825] to [2443] stone [3034] him [846].
³² Jesus [2424] answered [611] them [846], Many [4183] good [2570] works [2041] have I shewed [1166] you [5213] from [1537] my [3450] Father [3962]; for [1223] which [4169] of those [846] works [2041] do ye stone [3034] me [3165]?
³³ The Jews [2453] answered [611] him [846], saying [3004], For [4012] a good [2570] work [2041] we stone [3034] thee [4571] not [3756]; but [235] for [4012] blasphemy [988]; and [2532] because [3754] that thou [4771], being [5607] a man [444], makest [4160] thyself [4572] God [2316].
³⁴ Jesus [2424] answered [611] them [846], Is it [2076] not [3756] written [1125] in [1722] your [5216] law [3551], I [1473] said [2036], Ye are [2075] gods [2316]?
³⁵ If [1487] he called [2036] them [1565] gods [2316], unto [4314] whom [3739] the word [3056] of God [2316] came [1096], and [2532] the scripture [1124] cannot [3756] [1410] be broken [3089];
³⁶ Say [3004] ye [5210] of him, whom [3739] the Father [3962] hath sanctified [37], and [2532] sent [649] into [1519] the world [2889], [3754] Thou blasphemest [987]; because [3754] I said [2036], I am [1510] the Son [5207] of God [2316]?

¹⁷ So [3767] all [3956] the generations [1074] from [575] Abraham [11] to [2193] David [1138] are fourteen [1180] generations [1074]; and [2532] from [575] David [1138] until [2193] the carrying away [3350] into Babylon [897] are fourteen [1180] generations [1074]; and [2532] from [575] the carrying away [3350] into Babylon [897] unto [2193] Christ [5547] are fourteen [1180] generations [1074].

¹ The book [976] of the generation [1078] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], the son [5207] of David [1138], the son [5207] of Abraham [11].

¹⁶ And [1161] Simon [4613] Peter [4074] answered [611] and said [2036], Thou [4771] art [1488] the Christ [5547], the Son [5207] of the living [2198] God [2316].

² And [2532] said [2036] unto his [846] servants [3816], This [3778] is [2076] John [2491] the Baptist [910]; he [846] is risen [1453] from [575] the dead [3498]; and [2532] therefore [1223] [5124] mighty works [1411] do shew forth themselves [1754] in [1722] him [846].

¹⁴ And [2532] if [1487] ye will [2309] receive [1209] it, this [846] is [2076] Elias [2243], which [3588] was for [3195] to come [2064].

¹⁴ And [1161] they said [2036], Some say that thou art [3303] John [2491] the Baptist [910]: [1161] some [243], Elias [2243]; and [1161] others [2087], Jeremias [2408], or [2228] one [1520] of the prophets [4396].

³⁹ And [2532] he sent away [630] the multitude [3793], and took [1684] ship [1519] [4143], and [2532] came [2064] into [1519] the coasts [3725] of Magdala [3093].

⁴⁰ But [1161] Philip [5376] was found [2147] at [1519] Azotus [108]: and [2532] passing [1330] through he preached [2097] in all [3956] the cities [4172], till [2193] he [846] came [2064] to [1519] Caesarea [2542].

²⁷ And [2532] Jesus [2424] went out [1831], and [2532] his [846] disciples [3101], into [1519] the towns [2968] of Caesarea [2542] Philippi [5376]: and [2532] by [1722] the way [3598] he asked [1905] his [846] disciples [3101], saying [3004] unto them [846], Whom [5101] do [3004] men [444] say [3004] that I [3165] am [1511]?
²⁸ And [1161] they answered [611], John [2491] the Baptist [910]: but [1161] some [243] say, Elias [2243]; and [2532] others [243], One [1520] of the prophets [4396].
²⁹ And [2532] he [846] saith [3004] unto them [846], But [1161] whom [5101] say [3004] ye [5210] that I [3165] am [1511]? And [1161] Peter [4074] answereth [611] and saith [3004] unto him [846], Thou [4771] art [1488] the Christ [5547].

²⁰ And [2532] Jesus [2424] saith [3004] unto him [846], The foxes [258] have [2192] holes [5454], and [2532] the birds [4071] of the air [3772] have nests [2682]; but [1161] the Son [5207] of man [444] hath [2192] not [3756] where [4226] to lay [2827] his head [2776].

²⁷ For [1063] the Son [5207] of man [444] shall [3195] come [2064] in [1722] the glory [1391] of his [846] Father [3962] with [3326] his [846] angels [32]; and [2532] then [5119] he shall reward [591] every man [1538] according [2596] to his [846] works [4234].
²⁸ Verily [281] I say [3004] unto you [5213], There be [1526] some [5100] standing [2476] here [5602], which [3748] shall [1089] not [3364] taste [1089] of death [2288], till [302] [2193] they see [1492] the Son [5207] of man [444] coming [2064] in [1722] his [846] kingdom [932].

²⁰ [1161] He said [2036] unto them [846], But [1161] whom [5101] say [3004] ye [5210] that I [3165] am [1511]? [1161] Peter [4074] answering [611] said [2036], The Christ [5547] of God [2316].

⁷ Then the five [02568] men [0582] departed [03212], and came [0935] to Laish [03919], and saw [07200] the people [05971] that were therein [07130], how they dwelt [03427] careless [0983], after the manner [04941] of the Zidonians [06722], quiet [08252] and secure [0982]; and there was no magistrate [03423] [06114] in the land [0776], that might put them to shame [03637] in any thing [01697]; and they were far [07350] from the Zidonians [06722], and had no business [01697] with any man [0120].

¹⁴ And when Abram [087] heard [08085] that his brother [0251] was taken captive [07617], he armed [07324] his trained [02593] servants, born [03211] in his own house [01004], three [07969] hundred [03967] and eighteen [06240] [08083], and pursued [07291] them unto Dan [01835].