The question that Herod asks in v. 9 is answered (Who is this about whom I hear such things?) in the accound of Peter's Confession. In Luke's version, Jesus poses the question to his disciples in an atmosphere of prayer, something characteristic of Luke who portrays Jesus as the model of prayer.
"And Peter said that he was The Anointed (Christ) of God." In Luke's account, the confession of Peter is expressed in an indirect statement. No emphasis is given as in the case of Mark and Matthew. Perhaps this is because Luke found it unnecessary first, because his audience were mainly converts from the Gentiles among whom the title "Christos" for Jesus was already established (see the references of Paul to the Christ) and second, because in Luke's literary plan, the title "Christ" has been given to Jesus as early as 2:11. There was no need for a direct declaration (as Matthew and Mark does) since the readers already knew the identification. (See the occurences of CristoV in Luke 2:11;3:15;4:41. 9:21 is the last time that Jesus is referred to as Christ before he is put in trial. )
What remains impressionable, however is Jesus' statement in verse 22. In Luke's version it is a direct quote from Jesus (unlike Matthew and Mark who express it in an indirect statement). It is a statement that Luke's account of the Transfiguration will force the reader to look back to (cf. vv. 28-32 ) Luke stresses this first saying about the coming Passion to prepare the reader for Jesus' Exodus.
Luke's Gospel narrative stresses Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem, the journey that is required by Jesus' Exodus to the Father, and the Gospel's Exodus to the Gentiles and to the whole world (cf. Acts of the Apostles).
"Anointed of God" "Messiah of God" The title will keep recurring during the account of the Passion. In fact, it is the title that Luke uses for the apparently vanquished just man, Jesus, but whom God vindicates in the Resurrection. (cf. 22:67;23:2;23:35.39; 24:26.46
