Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;
Now when it came to his ears that John had been put in prison, he went away to Galilee;
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee.
Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;
John was cast into prison - For an account of the imprisonment of John see Matthew 14:1-13.
He departed into Galilee - See Matthew 2:22. The reasons why Jesus then went into Galilee were probably:
1. Because the attention of the people had been much excited by John's preaching, and things seemed to be favorable for success in his own ministry.
2. It appeared desirable to have some one to second John in the work of reformation.
3. It was less dangerous for him to commence his labors there than near Jerusalem. Judea was under the dominion of the scribes, and Pharisees, and priests. They would naturally look with envy on any one who set himself up for a public teacher, and who should attract much attention there. It was important, therefore, that the work of Jesus should begin in Galilee, and become somewhat established and known before he went to Jerusalem.
4:12 He retired into Galilee - This journey was not immediately after his temptation. He first went from Judea into Galilee, 1:43 ; 2:1. Then into Judea again, and celebrated thepassover at Jerusalem, 2:13 . He baptized in Judea while John was baptizing at Enon, 3:22 ,23. All this time John was at liberty, 3:24 . But the Pharisees being offended, 4:1 ; and John put in prison, he then took this journey into Galilee. 1:14 .