Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 12:15

"And Jesus perceiving [it] withdrew from thence: and many followed him; and he healed them all," — Matthew 12:15 (ASV)

Jesus—withdrew himself. He knew the design against his life. He knew that his hour had not yet come, and he therefore sought security. By remaining, his presence would only have provoked them further and endangered his own life. He acted, therefore, with Christian prudence and withdrew. See Barnes on Matthew 10:23.

Mark adds that he withdrew to the sea—that is, to the Sea of Galilee or Tiberias. He also names the places from which the multitude came, an important circumstance as it throws light on the passage from Matthew 13:21: In his name shalt the Gentiles trust.

Pressed by the crowd (Mark 3:9), he went aboard a small vessel, or boat, called by Mark a ship. He did this for the convenience of being separated from them and addressing them more easily. We are to suppose the lake still and calm; the multitudes, most of whom were sick and diseased, standing on the shore and pressing to the water's edge; and Jesus thus healing their diseases and preaching to them the good news of salvation. No scene could be more sublime than this.