Built by Herod the Great 25 years before Christ. Capitol of Israel during Christ's life and Roman occupation. Saul sent to Rome from here. Home of Cornelius, gentile who received the gospel from Peter. Paul imprisoned 2 years and tried here before being sent to Rome. King Herod Agrippa died here. (more photos: Wiki & Bible)
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Bible Photo & Explanation: Looking northward across the ancient seaport of Caesarea and the Plain of Sharon. Also in view along the top of the picture is the Carmel mountain range.
Significant Events: Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (1 Kgs. 18). The Via Maris (Way of the Sea), an important road in ancient times, lay to the east of Caesarea. After a remarkable vision while in Joppa, Peter began the ministry among the Gentiles by teaching a Roman centurion named Cornelius in Caesarea (Acts 10). Philip preached and lived here and had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 8:40; 21:8–9). Paul was a prisoner in the city for two years (Acts 23–26). He preached to Felix, Festus, and Herod Agrippa Ⅱ, who said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). (See BD Caesarea.)
Caesarea BD An important seaport town of Palestine, on the main road from Tyre to Egypt, 33 miles north of Joppa, and about 60 miles from Jerusalem. Built by Herod the Great, it was the official residence of Festus, Felix, and other Roman prefects and procurators of Judea (Acts 23:23, 33; 25:1–13). Philip worked in Caesarea (Acts 8:40; 21:8, 16). It was there that Cornelius, the gentile centurion, was baptized by Peter (Acts 10:1, 24; 11:11), and that Herod Agrippa died (Acts 12:23). Caesarea is also frequently mentioned in connection with Paul’s journeys (Acts 9:30; 18:22; 21:8, 16; 23:23, 33; 25:1, 4, 6, 13).
Acts 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.
Acts 9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cæsarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus
Acts 10:1, 24 There was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band
Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me.
Acts 18:22 And when he had landed at Cæsarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Cæsarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 33 Who, when they came to Cæsarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea to salute Festus.
Agrippa BD Listens to Paul at Caesarea (Acts 25:13–26:32). Son of Herod Agrippa Ⅰ and brother of Bernice and Drusilla. See also Herod.
Festus BD Porcius Festus, successor of Felix as
procurator of Judea (Acts 24:27). Finding Paul in prison at Caesarea, he proposed to try him in Jerusalem. To avoid such a trial, Paul appealed to Caesar. While waiting for an opportunity to send him to Rome, Festus was visited by Herod Agrippa. Paul was brought before them and made a speech in his own defense. Festus died two years after his appointment to Judea. See also Bible Chronology in the appendix.
Claudius BD (1) Emperor of Rome, from A.D. 41 to 51 (Acts 11:28; 18:2).
(2) Claudius Lysias, the Roman military tribune in Jerusalem, who rescued Paul and sent him for trial to Caesarea (Acts 21:31–40; 22:24; 23:10, 26, 30; 24:7).
Cornelius BD A centurion at Caesarea, baptized by Peter (Acts 10). He was probably the first Gentile to join the Church without first having been converted to Judaism. The baptism of Cornelius and his family marked the opening of the way for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles. Peter, the chief Apostle, who held the keys of the kingdom of God on the earth at that time, directed this preaching.