Mark 8:27 (NET) Then Jesus and his disciples went to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They said, “John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.
Peter got it right
There was a lot of speculation about who Jesus was. After John the Baptist was beheaded, some thought he was a resurrected John. Others, Elijah or one of the prophets. The Pharisees and Sadducees believed he was the devil.
Peter got it right. He said, “You are the Christ.” Matthew 16:17 reveals more of the story. There, the record adds, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven! ”
To know Jesus, God must reveal him to us.
Why the warning?
The time had not come for the world to know. Many speculated about this man who performed extraordinary miracles everywhere he went. They marveled at his authority when he spoke. But, few understood his true identity. He would not reveal it except to his closest followers. God has a time for everything.
Dana Roseman's Thoughts on Scripture 