Matthew 4:13

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 4:13

And leaving Nazareth ,.... Where he was educated, and had lived many years together; and where he preached first to the good liking of the people, who wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth : though afterwards they were so much displeased with him, that they thrust him out of their city; and intended to have destroyed him, by casting him down headlong from the brow of an hill; and which seems to be the reason of his leaving this city; see Luke 4:16 he came... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 4:13

And leaving Nazareth - Or, entirely leaving Nazareth, και καταλιπων την Ναζαρετ , from κατα , intensive, and Δειπω , I leave. It seems that, from this time, our blessed Lord made Capernaum his ordinary place of residence; and utterly forsook Nazareth, because they had wholly rejected his word, and even attempted to take away his life. See Luke 4:29 . Galilee was bounded by mount Lebanon on the north, by the river Jordan and the sea of Galilee on the east, by Chison on the south,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 4:13

Verse 13 13.And having left Nazareth I have thought it proper to introduce this passage of Matthew, immediately after Luke’s narrative, which we have just examined; because we may gather from the context that, as Christ had hitherto been wont to frequent the town of Nazareth, so, in order to avoid danger, he now bade a final adieu to it, and dwelt in Capernaum and the neighboring towns. There would be no difficulty in this history, were it not that there is some appearance, as if Matthew had... 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

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