Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 4:12

"Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;" — Matthew 4:12 (ASV)

John was cast into prison. For an account of the imprisonment of John, see Matthew 14:1-12.

He departed into Galilee. See Matthew 2:22. The reasons why Jesus then went into Galilee were probably not that he might avoid danger—for he went directly into Herod's territories, and Jesus had nothing in particular to fear from Herod, as he had given him no cause of offence—but for these reasons:

1. Because the attention of the people had been greatly stirred by John's preaching, and it was more favourable for his own ministry.
2. It seemed desirable to have someone to support John in the work of reformation.
3. It was less dangerous for him to begin his work there than near Jerusalem. Judea was under the authority of the scribes, and Pharisees, and priests. They would naturally look with envy on anyone who presented himself as a public teacher and who attracted 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.