Keraia
Matthew 4

Matthew 4:12

Jesus Begins His Ministry · Matthew 4:12–17
Read Matthew 4

Translations

Modern
When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.
Traditional
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
Literal
And having heard that John was delivered up, He withdrew into Galilee.
Latin
Cum autem audisset Jesus quod Joannes traditus esset, secessit in Galilæam:

Original

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

Notes

Matthew 4:12

  • Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee and Perea. He had arrested John the Baptist (see 14:1–12). John was probably working in the area at this time.

  • When Jesus heard about this, he left Judea. This was near Perea, where Herod had John arrested. Jesus then went back to Galilee. Jesus left to avoid death before he could finish his mission of revealing God's Kingdom. Like Joseph's escape to Nazareth (Matthew 2:22–23), avoiding danger can also be part of God's plan and fulfill prophecy (4:14–16).

Matthew 4:12–11:1

John the Baptist and the Father announced Jesus as the Messiah (3:13–17). He then endured testing in the wilderness with obedience (4:1–11). After this, the Messiah was ready to begin his work. He first preached the message of the kingdom of God to the people of Galilee.

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 9:1–7 Mark 1:14–15 Luke 4:14–15

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus

Places

Galilee: Region in northern Israel; key location in Jesus' ministry

Glossary

Christ Gospel of Matthew

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Returns to Galilee John: Reproves Herod Antipas on Account of his Incest; Herod Imprisons Him, and Beheads Him Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Ministry Commencing in Galilee: Fulfilled