Matthew 4:15-16 NIV

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 4:16

The people which sat in darkness ,.... The inhabitants of Galilee, who sat or "walked", as in Isaiah; that is, continued in spiritual darkness, in ignorance, blindness, error, and infidelity, "saw great light"; Christ himself, who came a light into the world; he conversed with them, preached unto them, and opened the eyes of their understandings to behold his glory, and to know him, and salvation by him. And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death : the same persons who sit... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 4:15

Galilee of the Gentiles - Or of the nations. So called, because it was inhabited by Egyptians, Arabians, and Phoenicians, according to the testimony of Strabo and others. The Hebrew גוים goyim , and the Greek εθνων , signify nations; and, in the Old and New Testaments, mean those people who were not descendants of any of the twelve tribes. The word Gentiles, from gens , a nation, signifies the same. It is worthy of remark, that it was a regular tradition among the ancient Jews, that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 4:16

The people which sat in darkness - This is quoted from Isaiah 9:2 , where, instead of sitting, the prophet used the word walked. The evangelist might on purpose change the term, to point out the increased misery of the state of these persons. Sitting in darkness expresses a greater degree of intellectual blindness, than walking in darkness does. In the time of Christ's appearing, the people were in a much worse state than in the time of the prophet, which was nearly 700 years before; as,... 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

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

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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 4:14-15

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 4:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 4:15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 4:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:12-17

Group of Brands