Caesarea Maritima (Caesarea by the Sea) : The Book of Acts

The Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Shore and Ruins of Caesarea Maritima in the Background

The Mediterranean Shore and Ruins of Caesarea Maritima in the Background

My friend Jordan and I are standing on the shore of the Mediterranean at the site of Caesarea Maritima.  Jordan is an Orthodox Jew, a student from New York.

This is a replica of an original stone bearing an important inscription. The stone was found in secondary use in construction at Caesarea Maritima. It says: "(Po)ntius Pilatus, the prefect of Judaea, (erected) a (building dedicated) to (the emperor) Tiberias." Pontius Pilate lived in Caesarea Maritima while serving as prefect of Judaea. The city of Caesarea was the governmental seat of Rome in Judaea at that time. Of course, Pilate would travel to and stay in Jerusalem during Jewish festivals such as Passover, in order to immediately address potential riots, etc. This is why Pilate was present in Jerusalem during the Lord's final week.

Ruins of Caesarea. Caesarea is referenced throughout the book of Acts. Read Acts 10 particularly. Peter and Cornelius were here. Paul was imprisoned here. Pontius Pilate was here.