Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20)

Sometimes the location of an event in the Bible is as important as the occurrence itself. There is no more outstanding example of this than the city of Caesarea Philippi, considered the Roman empire's epicenter for worshipping pagan gods. Here, the scene is set for Peter’s great confession of who Christ is. Jesus and his disciples had just traveled 30 miles north, a two-day journey from the Sea of Galilee to Caesarea Philippi. Jesus led them here for an important reason. Before heading south on the final trip to Jerusalem, Jesus had one last test for the disciples.

Joanna: A Life of Service

Who is your favorite female character in the Bible? How many of you would choose someone who was only mentioned a couple of times in the Bible by name, but who dedicated her time to serving her Lord? Let's meet Joanna, one such woman who offers a great example of a life of service.

Caesarea Maritima: A Harbor for God’s Purpose

This city is quite the man-made accomplishment, especially considering that the town didn’t even exist in the Old Testament. Herod built this city to celebrate humanism: the glory of Caesar Augustus, the Roman Empire, and Herod's own worldly achievements. Herod established this city to celebrate man forever and built the harbor to show he could “conquer nature” himself. Caesarea Maritima certainly boasted all the worldly pleasures man could ever hope for. But God had other plans. 

Cappadocia

You might think of the creeds of Nicea and Constantinople as your personal connection to Cappadocia...our spiritual bond to this place is vital. Next time you or your minister reads from the Nicene Creed, think of Cappadocia and the three church fathers from there that God sent at just the right time in church history to defend those truths we hold so dear.

Archelaus

King Herod didn't want anyone to forget his funeral. He ensured it had the same decadence and self-aggrandizement that he had displayed in life, so his subjects would remember it forever. The procession began at Herod's summer palace in Jericho. With all the pomp and circumstance of a military parade, it headed 23 miles west to the Herodium, Herod's pleasure palace and final resting place south of Jerusalem. Herod himself led the way, embalmed and carried on a golden bier.

But the Jews were left to wonder: Who would be their next king? Would it be Antipas, son of Herod’s Samaritan wife Malthake? Or possibly Philip, Herod’s son with a Jewish wife named Cleopatra? What would Herod’s last testament reveal? 

More "Biblical Obscurities": Author Mike Velthouse Interviews with Hope RWC

Are you looking to learn more about the Bible and church history this week? Consider spending some time with author Mike Velthouse and the Hope RWC podcast! Back in early 2024, Mike was interviewed by Hope RWC on a series of "Biblical Obscurities" that helped inspire his love of church history. Recently, Mike returned to Hope RWC to discuss four MORE "Biblical Obscurities," including the House of Annas, Gehenna, and more.