We have been reading through the lectionary passages in the Acts of the Apostles. One city that features prominently is the Mediterranean seaport of Caesarea Maritima, where the apostle Peter baptized the first recorded gentile convert to Christianity, Cornelius.
It was in Acts 10 that we have recorded the conversion of Cornelius and his household to Christianity after receiving the gift of faith through the Holy Spirit. This was the headquarters of Pontius Pilate and the site where the famous "Pilate stone" was discovered. Paul was also imprisoned for two years here and preached to King Agrippa II. After the destruction of Jerusalem Caesarea became a significant center for Christianity holding a church council 196 to settle the Easter date controversy.
Caesarea (there is another Caesarea Philippi in Galilee) was founded by Herod the Great, who constructed a massive breakwater for the harbor, a stadium which seated thousands of people featured chariot races and gladiator fights.
Some events from the Acts of the Apostles include:
Philip arrives in Caesarea: Acts 8
Peter visits Cornelius: Acts 10
Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea: Acts 23-26
Pilate Stone with Inscription:
"To the Divine Augusti [this] Tiberieum
The Theater
Ariel view of the Harbor
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