A.T. Robertson Commentary Mark 3:7

"And Jesus with his disciples withdrew to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and from Judaea," — Mark 3:7 (ASV)

Withdrew to the sea (ανεχωρησεν εις την θαλασσαν). Evidently Jesus knew of the plot to kill him, "perceiving it" (Matthew 12:15). "He and His would be safer by the open beach" (Swete). He has the disciples with him. Vincent notes that on eleven occasions Mark mentions the withdrawals of Jesus to escape his enemies, for prayer, for rest, for private conference with his disciples (1:12; 3:7; 6:31,46; 7:24,31; 9:2; 10:1; 14:34). But, as often, a great multitude (πολυ πληθος) from Galilee followed him.