Caeserea Philippi was one of the most interesting locations on my trip to Israel. At the time of Jesus there were no roads and a swamp in the way to get to it. Something we did not need to go through in order to get there. This city was very important to the pagans. They worshiped Pan who blessed their crops and made them fertile. There was a massive spring and altar there where they would sacrifice children up to the age of fourteen. The children thought it was a great honor to be sacrificed to Pan.

The child would be thrown into the spring that led into a cave pool called the "Abyss." If there was blood in the Abyss, which was unlikely because it was running water, then the sacrifice was rejected and another child would have to be sacrificed. The cave where the Abyss was located was called the "Gates of Hades."

This location was very significant to the understanding of Matthew 16, which takes place in the district of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" After giving numerous answers, Jesus asks, "But who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."

And Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the Gates of Hades will not overcome it."

When Jesus referred to the "Gates of Hades" in Matthew 16, He was referring to a physical location in the district of Ceasarea Philippi.