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Matthew Henry

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 4:14-15

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken ,.... Christ's dwelling in Capernaum accomplished a prophecy of the prophet Isaiah 9:1 and he went and dwelt there, that it might be fulfilled which he had spoken: the meaning of which prophecy is F24 See my treatise upon the "Prophecies of the Messiah", &c.; p. 147, &c.; , that as those parts of the land of Israel, there mentioned, had suffered much by Tiglathpileser, who had carried them captive, 2 Kings 15:29 and is "the... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-22

Call of the fishermen. I. THE OCCASION OF THE CALL . Driven from Nazareth, our Lord repaired to the busy western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Through this district ran the great caravan-roads; and several important towns gathered all kinds of tradesmen. Herod the tetrarch had his court in Tiberias. The valuable fishings in the lake gave employment to many. Courtiers, soldiers, tax-gatherers, watching the caravans and fisheries, fishermen, women reputable and disreputable, filled... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-25

The beginning of our Lord's ministry. I. HE REMOVES TO CAPERNAUM . 1 . John was cast into prison. His ministry was ended; the Lord's begins. God continues his'servants' work; when one passes away, another takes his place; when the voice of one prophet is silenced, a greater follows, Each must work in faith while time is given; the work is not man's, but God's. He will fulfil it. His servants may seem to be laid aside and to be forgotten; he will carry on their work. He does not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 4:14-16

That it might be fulfilled ... - This place is recorded in Isaiah 9:1-2. Matthew has given the sense, but not the very words of the prophet. For the meaning of the passage as employed by Isaiah, see the notes at Isaiah 9:1-2.By the way of the sea - Which is near to the sea, or in the vicinity of the sea.Beyond Jordan - This does not mean to the east of Jordan, as the phrase sometimes denotes, but rather in the vicinity of the Jordan, or perhaps in the vicinity of the sources of the Jordan. See... read more

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