16:13–14 We come now to a critical juncture in the ministry of Jesus. He has withdrawn with his disciples to the northern region of Caesarea Philippi. There he questions them regarding people’s understanding of who he is; then he directs the question to the disciples themselves. Peter, answering for the disciples, declares him to be “the Christ” (or Messiah), “the Son of the living God.” It is upon this basic truth that Jesus will build his church. Now that the true identity of Jesus is clear, he will begin very shortly to teach his disciples that his role as Messiah leads first to death (16:21) and then to exaltation (16:21, 27–28; cf. 17:1–9).

The importance of this passage is clearly seen in the attention given to it by commentators. Many writers are convinced that the material goes ba…