Matthew 4:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 4:12-17

We have here an account of Christ's preaching in the synagogues of Galilee, for he came into the world to be a Preacher; the great salvation which he wrought out, he himself began to publish (Heb. 2:3) to show how much his heart was upon it, and ours should be. Several passages in the other gospels, especially in that of St. John, are supposed, in the order of the story of Christ's life, to intervene between his temptation and his preaching in Galilee. His first appearance after his... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 4:12-17

4:12-17 When Jesus heard that John had been delivered into the hands of the authorities, he withdrew into Galilee. He left Galilee and came and made his home in Capernaum, which is on the lake-side, in the districts of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was done that there might be fulfilled that which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, when he said, "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- the people who sat in darkness have seen a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 4:12-17

Before we leave this passage there are certain other things which we must note. It was to the town of Capernaum that Jesus went. The correct form of the name is Capharnaum. The form Capernaum does not occur at all until the fifth century A.D., but it is so fixed in our minds and memories that it would not be wise to try to change it. There has been much argument about the site of Capernaum. Two places have been suggested. The commonest, and the likeliest. identification is that Capernaum... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 4:12

Now, when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison ,.... John was cast into prison by Herod; the reason of it may be seen in Matthew 14:3 . The prison into which he was cast, according to Josephus F19 Antiq. l. 18. c. 7. , 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 ;... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 4:12

Verse 12 Matthew 4:12.When Jesus had heard. These words appear to be at variance with the narrative of the Evangelist John, who declares, that John and Christ discharged the office of public teachers at the same time. But we have to observe, that our three Evangelists pass over in silence that short space of time, because John’s course was not yet completed, and because that course was intended to be a preparation for receiving the Gospel of Christ. And, in point of fact, though Christ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12

Now when Jesus had heard . If we had the synoptic Gospels alone, we should have supposed that the Baptist was imprisoned immediately after the end of our Lord's temptation (cf. this verse with Luke 4:14 ); but St. John ( John 3:24 ) expressly states that he had not been cast into prison when the events recorded in Jn 1:43-3:23 took place. "For a time Christ and the Baptist worked side by side, preaching ' repentance' ( Mark 1:15 [also Matthew 4:17 ]) and baptizing [ John 3:22 ].... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12

Jesus as John's successor. The events in our Lord's life immediately following upon his temptation are exceedingly difficult to trace. There seems to have been a first ministry in Judaea, but the length of it is much disputed. Then a ministry in Galilee, which seems to have been begun before the news came of John's imprisonment. There is, therefore, a gap between verses 11 and 12 of this chapter. Matthew's general statements can be filled in from the more precise details of the other... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-16

JESUS ' WITHDRAWAL INTO GALILEE . According to some commentators, a new section begins here; but probably these verses are still preliminary. Our Lord's activity does not begin till Matthew 4:17 . But now he withdraws to Galilee, settling in Capernaum, thus fulfilling prophecy. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-17

Light in darkness. The end of John's work was the signal for the commencement of Christ's. Thus our Lord would appear to some as the successor of the Baptist. To a nearer view it seems that the completion of the preparation makes it fitting that the full advent of the kingdom should be manifested. I. CHRIST COMES TO PEOPLE SITTING IN DARKNESS . Here is the prophet's image—a land of gloom, its inhabitants seated disconsolately and helplessly, not having enough light to arise... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-17

Light in darkness. The public work of Christ followed upon his temptation. "No man can be prepared for any deep vital work in the world who has not come through the devil's school" (Dr. Parker). Let no truth-seeker be dispirited by the severity of his temptations. Consider here— I. THE MELANCHOLY CONDITION OF THE CHRISTLESS . 1 . They sit in darkness. 2 . Their darkness is the " shadow of death. " II. THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST AS A SAVIOUR . ... read more

Group of Brands