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Caesarea

Caesarea City

CityNew Testament
32.5000°N, 34.8833°E View on Map

About Caesarea

Caesarea Maritima was a grand Roman port city built by Herod the Great. Peter preached to the Roman centurion Cornelius here, opening Christianity to the Gentiles. Paul was imprisoned here for two years and made his defense before Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa.

Events at Caesarea

Peter and Cornelius
Peter and Cornelius

Caesarea · ACT 10:44

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CorneliusLinked to this placeCorneliusRoman centurion, first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit and baptism

History of Caesarea

  1. Herodian Period25-13 BC

    Herod the Great builds Caesarea Maritima with a magnificent harbor

    Historical record

  2. Apostolic Agec. AD 40

    Peter baptizes Cornelius, the first Gentile convert

    Acts 10:1-48

  3. Apostolic Agec. AD 57-59

    Paul imprisoned for two years and testifies before governors Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa

    Acts 23:23-26:32

Notable Characters in Caesarea

Cornelius
Cornelius

Roman centurion, first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit and baptism

Peter
Peter

Received a vision and baptized Cornelius, opening the gospel to Gentiles

Paul the Apostle
Paul the Apostle

Imprisoned for two years, testified before rulers

Locations Related to Caesarea

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Paul was transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea for trial

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Rome
Rome

Paul was sent from Caesarea to Rome after appealing to Caesar

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Biblical Significance of Caesarea

Gateway to the Gentiles

Caesarea was where the gospel first officially crossed the Jewish-Gentile boundary when Peter baptized Cornelius, demonstrating that God shows no favoritism.

Key Verses about Caesarea

Acts 10:1-48Acts 23:23-35Acts 24:1-27

Frequently Asked Questions

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