Matthew 16:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

NIV: "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

NASB: He *said to them, 'But who do you yourselves say that I am?'

CSB: "But you," he asked them, "who do you say that I am?"

NLT: Then he asked them, 'But who do you say I am?'

KJV: He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am

NKJV: He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Different groups in Jesus' era held their own opinions on the concept of a Messiah, or a Promised One. Jesus has asked His disciples about the people's view of "the son of man," which His disciples understand as a reference to Jesus Himself. This question might have been aimed at those following Him around Galilee to hear Him preach and see His miracles. Luke's details from this conversation include Jesus asking, "Who do the crowds say that I am" (Luke 9:18)?

According to the disciples, there are a few common opinions. Some think Jesus is one of the prophets of old, returned in the fulfilment of prophecy. Others think Him to be John the Baptist resurrected—despite that Jesus and John lived at the same time and were about the same age. John had recently been executed by Herod Antipas (Matthew 14:1–12).

Yet, the opinion of the crowd is not really the point of Jesus' question. He seems to have asked only to set up the idea found in this verse. This pointedly separates popular opinion from personal belief: the emphasis is on this group, not the overall public. Who do these closest followers think Jesus is?

This is a key moment in Matthew's narrative. Until Jesus' core followers truly understood His identity, they would not truly understand the gospel. Once they fully knew who He was, they could begin to represent Him to the world (John 16:12–15). Peter's response in the following verse reveals He understands who Jesus is (Matthew 16:16–17), though almost immediately he will also reveal the limits of his understanding (Matthew 16:21–23).

Matthew 16:13–20 describes a conversation between Jesus and the disciples about His identity. It takes place about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee in the district of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asks who the people say He is and then asks who the disciples say He is. Peter says Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus says this declaration of faith will be the rock on which He will build His church.

A group of Pharisees and Sadducees demand a miracle from Jesus, though He has already performed many. Jesus refuses and warns the disciples to beware of the teachings of these religious leaders. Jesus asks the disciples who the people say He is, as well as their own opinion. Peter says Jesus is the Christ, and is commended for that statement. Jesus begins to reveal that He must suffer and be killed before being raised on the third day. Peter's attempt to scold Jesus results in a devastating rebuke. Jesus then says all who would follow Him must take up crosses of self-denial.

Matthew 16 finds Jesus returned from the Gentile regions, only to be immediately confronted by another group of Jewish religious leaders. Yet again, these men prove they are insincere: no amount of evidence will ever be enough for them. After a dramatic discussion about Jesus' role as Messiah, Jesus indicates that those who would come after Him must take up their crosses and follow Him. His references to some seeing the Son of Man coming in His kingdom will be fulfilled at the beginning of chapter 17, in an event known as the transfiguration.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.