But what about you?This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, emphasizing personal reflection and decision. It follows a discussion about public opinion regarding Jesus' identity, highlighting the contrast between societal views and personal conviction. This question is directed to the disciples, who have witnessed Jesus' teachings and miracles firsthand. It underscores the importance of individual belief and the personal nature of faith, challenging the disciples to move beyond hearsay and form their own understanding of who Jesus is.
Jesus asked.
The act of Jesus asking this question is significant. It demonstrates His role as a teacher who guides His disciples to deeper understanding through inquiry. This method of teaching was common in Jewish rabbinical tradition, where questions were used to provoke thought and self-examination. Jesus' question is not just for information but is intended to lead the disciples to a revelation of truth. It also shows Jesus' interest in the personal convictions of His followers, not just their outward actions.
Who do you say I am?
This question is central to Christian faith, as it directly addresses the identity of Jesus. It requires the disciples to articulate their belief about Jesus' nature and mission. The question is set against the backdrop of various opinions about Jesus, including those who saw Him as a prophet or teacher. The disciples' response to this question is crucial, as it forms the foundation of Christian confession and doctrine. Peter's subsequent declaration that Jesus is the Messiah is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and establishes Jesus' divine authority. This question continues to resonate with believers today, as it calls for a personal acknowledgment of Jesus' identity and role in one's life.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, and the Messiah. In this passage, He is engaging His disciples in a crucial conversation about His identity.
2.
DisciplesThe followers of Jesus who are being directly questioned by Him. This group includes Peter, who will soon make a significant declaration about Jesus' identity.
3.
Caesarea PhilippiThe location where this conversation takes place. It is a region known for its pagan worship, making Jesus' question about His identity even more poignant.
Teaching Points
Personal Confession of FaithEach believer must personally answer Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" This is a foundational aspect of Christian faith and discipleship.
Revelation and UnderstandingUnderstanding Jesus' identity is not merely an intellectual exercise but a revelation from God, as seen in Peter's confession.
Cultural Context and FaithJust as Jesus asked this question in a place known for its diverse beliefs, Christians today must affirm their faith in a pluralistic society.
The Importance of Christ's IdentityRecognizing Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God is central to the Christian faith and impacts how we live and share the gospel.
Living Out Our ConfessionOur acknowledgment of Jesus' identity should influence our daily lives, guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions with others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 16:15?
2.How does Matthew 16:15 challenge your personal understanding of Jesus' identity?
3.Why is Jesus' question in Matthew 16:15 crucial for Christian faith today?
4.How can Peter's response in Matthew 16:16 guide your daily walk with Christ?
5.What Old Testament prophecies affirm Jesus as the Messiah in Matthew 16:15?
6.How can you confidently share your belief in Jesus as "the Christ"?
7.What does Jesus mean by asking, "But who do you say I am?" in Matthew 16:15?
8.How does Matthew 16:15 challenge personal beliefs about Jesus' identity?
9.Why is Peter's response to Jesus' question in Matthew 16:15 significant?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 16?
11.Who do you say I am?
12.What did Jesus mean by 'Ask and You Shall Receive'?
13.What defines the Socratic Method?
14.What did Jesus mean by 'I Am with You Always'?What Does Matthew 16:15 Mean
But what about you?Jesus turns from public opinion to personal conviction. The shift is deliberate and searching.
• Elijah once made a similar pivot: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him” (1 Kings 18:21).
• Joshua pressed Israel, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
• Scripture insists that “each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).
The verse reminds every disciple that second-hand faith will not suffice; Christ demands a personal, considered response.
Jesus asked.The Son of God initiates the conversation, not to learn something He does not know, but to draw faith into the open.
• InJohn 11:25-26 He tells Martha, “I am the resurrection… Do you believe this?”
• After stilling the storm He asks, “Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
• With the Twelve He inquires, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67).
His questions expose the heart, urging hearers to move from curiosity to commitment.
Who do you say I am?Identity is the core issue. Eternal destiny hinges on recognizing Jesus as Messiah and Lord.
• Peter’s answer follows immediately: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
• Thomas echoes later, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
• The early church proclaims, “Salvation exists in no one else” (Acts 4:12).
• One day “every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11), yet the blessing belongs to those who confess now (1 John 4:15).
The question therefore confronts each listener with the necessity of a clear, heartfelt confession of Christ’s true identity.
summaryMatthew 16:15 records Jesus pressing His disciples for a personal confession: “But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” The verse moves from general opinion to individual decision, driven by the Lord’s probing question, and calls every believer to embrace and articulate the truth that Jesus is the promised Messiah and the living God.
(15)
Whom sayye?--The pronoun is doubly emphasised in the Greek, "But
ye--whom say
ye . . .?" The question is, as has been said, parallel in tone, though not in form, to that of
John 6:67. Had they still a distinct faith of their own? or were they, too, falling back into these popular surmises?
Verse 15. -
But whom (
who)
say ye that I am? More emphatic in the Greek,
Υμεῖςδὲ τίνα με λέγετε εϊναι;
But ye, who do ye say that I am? This was the important question to which the previous one led. Ye, who have shared my life and received my teaching, witnessed my miracles and have been endued by me with supernatural powers, ye know better than the people, whose crude opinions you have heard and recounted; so tell plainly what you believe of me: who you think and say that I am? A momentous inquiry! upon which hung the foundation of the Christian Church. Their knowledge of the real nature of Jesus was now to be tested.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
“But [what about]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.you?”Ὑμεῖς(Hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.Jesus asked.Λέγει(Legei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.“Whoτίνα(tina)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.do you sayλέγετε(legete)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.Iμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.am?”εἶναι(einai)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 16:15 He said to them But who do (Matt. Mat Mt)