Keraia
Mark 8

Mark 8:28

Peter’s Confession of Christ · Mark 8:27–30
Read Mark 8

Translations

Modern
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
Traditional
And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
Literal
And they spoke to Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”
Latin
Qui responderunt illi, dicentes: Joannem Baptistam, alii Eliam, alii vero quasi unum de prophetis.

Original

Greek
English
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

Notes

Mark 8:27–28

  • Philip the Tetrarch (a regional ruler) was the son of Herod the Great. Philip built Caesarea Philippi on the slopes of Mount Hermon, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the Sea of Galilee. The more famous Caesarea on the coast was built by his father.

  • Who do people say I am?: As a good teacher, Jesus asked this question to understand what his disciples thought. Their answer is similar to 6:14–16.

  •  John the Baptist: See study note on 6:14.

  • one of the prophets: Many people saw Jesus as a prophet (a person who speaks for God; see 6:4; 14:65; Luke 7:16, 39; 13:33; 24:19).

Mark 8:27–38

Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, God’s chosen king) and the first prediction of his death mark a turning point in the Gospel of Mark. This begins a new stage in his ministry. The question, “Who is this?” asked by the disciples in 4:41, is now answered by Peter.

Mark 8:27–9:1

This section is the first cycle (a repeated pattern) that includes three parts:

  • Jesus predicts his suffering (8:31),

  • the disciples respond with misunderstanding (8:32–33), and

  • Jesus teaches about discipleship (what it means to follow him; 8:34–9:1).

Compare with 9:30–10:31.

Events

Parallels

Matthew 16:13–20 Luke 9:18–20 John 6:67–71

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Caesarea Philippi Herod, Herodian Family Jesus Christ Mark, Gospel of Mediate, Mediator Peter, the Apostle Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Received Titles and Names of the Wicked: Sinful Generation