Matthew 4:12

Jesus Begins His Ministry

12 When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee. ¹

Matthew 4:12 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 4:12

Now, when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison,
&c.] John was cast into prison by Herod; the reason of it may be seen in ( Matthew 14:3 Matthew 14:4 ) . The prison into which he was cast, according to Josephus ^F19, was the castle of Machaeras: here he continued some time before he was put to death; for from hence he sent two disciples to Jesus, to know if he was the Messiah, ( Matthew 11:2 ) . Now when Jesus heard of this his imprisonment,

he departed into Galilee;
not so much on account of safety, or for fear of Herod, but to call his disciples, who lived in that country.

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FOOTNOTES:

F19 Antiq. l. 18. c. 7.

Matthew 4:12 In-Context

10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”

11 Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.

12 When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.

13 Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

14 to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

Cross References

• 1. (Isaiah 9:1–7; Mark 1:14–15; Luke 4:14–15)