Jesus’ Ministry beyond Israel

Almost all of Jesus’ ministry took place within the traditional borders of Israel in areas dominated by Jews. Yet Jesus also traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where he healed a Gentile woman’s daughter, and to the region of Decapolis, where he healed many people. It was also at the extreme northern border of Israel at Caesarea Philippi that Peter made his confession that “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus declared “on this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:16, 18).