Caesarea

Caesarea

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

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.

Historical Timeline

Herodian Period25-13 BC

Herod the Great builds Caesarea Maritima with a magnificent harbor

Historical record
Apostolic Agec. AD 40

Peter baptizes Cornelius, the first Gentile convert

Acts 10:1-48
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

Cornelius
CorneliusRoman centurion, first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit and baptism
Peter
PeterReceived a vision and baptized Cornelius, opening the gospel to Gentiles
Paul the Apostle
Paul the ApostleImprisoned for two years, testified before rulers

Related Locations

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Paul was transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea for trial

Rome
Rome

Paul was sent from Caesarea to Rome after appealing to Caesar

Biblical Significance

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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