### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Kaisáreia**, represented by `{{G2542}}`, refers to **Cæsarea**, the name of two places in Palestine. It appears 17 times across 17 unique verses, serving as a significant geographical setting for pivotal events in the Gospels and the book of Acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, there are two distinct locations named `{{G2542}}`. At the towns of **Caesarea** Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples the crucial question of his identity ([[Matthew 16:13]], [[Mark 8:27]]). The other **Caesarea**, a coastal city, features prominently in the early church's expansion. It is the home of Philip the evangelist [[Acts 21:8]] and the Roman centurion Cornelius, who receives a vision there ([[Acts 10:1]], [[Acts 10:24]]). The city also functions as a Roman administrative center, where Herod abode [[Acts 12:19]] and where the Apostle Paul was brought for trial and imprisonment ([[Acts 23:33]], [[Acts 25:4]], [[Acts 25:6]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events occurring in `{{G2542}}` **Caesarea**:
* `{{G5376}}` **Phílippos** (Philip): This name is directly associated with both locations, identifying one as **Caesarea** Philippi [[Matthew 16:13]] and the other as the home of **Philip** the evangelist [[Acts 21:8]].
* `{{G1543}}` **hekatontárchēs** (centurion): This word highlights Caesarea's Roman military presence, as it was the home of Cornelius, a **centurion** of the Italian band [[Acts 10:1]], and the destination for Paul under the guard of two centurions [[Acts 23:23]].
* `{{G2232}}` **hēgemṓn** (governor): This term establishes Caesarea as a seat of Roman political power, as Paul was delivered to the **governor** there [[Acts 23:33]] and kept in the city under governor Festus [[Acts 25:4]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G2542}}` **Caesarea** is evident through several key themes in the narrative:
* **A Center for Evangelism and Church Growth:** It is a place where Philip preached [[Acts 8:40]] and later hosted Paul's company [[Acts 21:8]]. The city is the setting for the gospel being extended to the Gentiles through the household of Cornelius [[Acts 10:24]].
* **A Hub of Roman Authority and Judgment:** As a provincial capital, Caesarea is where Roman officials like Herod [[Acts 12:19]], Festus [[Acts 25:1]], and Agrippa [[Acts 25:13]] resided or visited. It is the location of the judgment seat where Paul's case is heard [[Acts 25:6]].
* **A Strategic Location in Apostolic Journeys:** Paul is brought to **Caesarea** for his safety before being sent to Tarsus [[Acts 9:30]]. He later lands there to salute the church [[Acts 18:22]] and is held there before his journey to Rome.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2542}}` **Caesarea** is more than just a name on a map; it is a critical stage for defining moments in scripture. From Jesus' foundational question at **Caesarea** Philippi to its role as the administrative and military center where the early church confronted Roman power and expanded its mission to the Gentiles, the city is a backdrop for revelation, conflict, and the advancement of the gospel.
TRV