Caesarea Philippi was an ancient pagan city located at the foot of Israel's highest summit, Mt. Hermon. Canaanites, Greeks and Romans had built shrines and temples near the city for deities, such as Ba'al, the supreme god of fertility and harvests, and Pan, the half-goat god of nature. At the base of Mt. Hermon was a temple dedicated to the conquering emperor Caesar Augustus, whom the world had considered the "Prince of Peace." This city was the perfect example of mankind's rejection of God and the practice of idolatry. Jesus asking his disciples at Caesarea Philippi, "Whom do men say that I am?", was a very significant teaching moment.
At the time of Jesus, there was no single pagan god, neither was there a specific religious structure within Judaism. There were many differences in the customs, worship and doctrines within the Jewish groups. So the answer from the Lord's disciples is understandable,
"And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:14 KJV)
Today, we still have differences in religious customs, worship and doctrines — even amongst Christians. Men and women who profess to be disciples of Jesus are even discussing and debating over his identity. But there is one way to clarify the truth about who he is and about who follows him.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:15-18 KJV)
The world will always have an opinion about different religious leaders and will always deify unknown supernatural forces. Declaring Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ — God's Anointed One, Israel's Messiah — not only separates him from pagan gods, but also separates believers from pagan people. Jesus of Nazareth will always be included in the annals of history, amongst the many prophets, and as a significant social reformer. But singling him out as the Christ will also single believers out as the Church.
The Church is Jesus' separated body of believers, united as one, who fellowship and worship together, living in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Only the Church can declare Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Only the Church can stand against the Gates of Hell.
The Church should gather around one primary truth and must remain focused on the center of all worship and faith — Jesus, the Christ. There will always be discussions and debates over religions, temples, and leaders. Only one question really matters if you are in the Church. Jesus asked it — "Who do you say that I am?"