John Gill Commentary Matthew 4:12

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

Now, when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison ,
&c.] John was cast into prison by Herod; the reason of it may be seen in (Matthew 14:3Matthew 14:4) . The prison into which he was cast, according to Josephus ^F19 , was the castle of Machaeras: here he continued some time before he was put to death; for from hence he sent two disciples to Jesus, to know if he was the Messiah, (Matthew 11:2) . Now when Jesus heard of this his imprisonment,

he departed into Galilee ;
not so much on account of safety, or for fear of Herod, but to call his disciples, who lived in that country.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F19: Antiq. l. 18. c. 7.