Albert Barnes Commentary John 11:54

"Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples." — John 11:54 (ASV)

No more openly. No more publicly, in the cities and towns. Jesus never exposed his life unnecessarily to hazard. Although the time of his death was determined in the counsel of God, yet this did not prevent him from using proper means to preserve his life.

The wilderness. See Barnes on Matthew 3:1.

A city called Ephraim. This was probably a small town in the tribe of Ephraim, about five miles west of Jericho.