Matthew 4:12

cast into prison = delivered up. There is no Greek for "into" or "prison". No disciples had yet been called (verses: Matthew 4:18-22 ); therefore John could not yet have been in prison; for, after the calling of disciples (John 2:2 , John 2:11 ) John was "not yet cast into prison"(John 3:24 , eis ten phulaken). There is no "inaccuracy"or "confusion". Paradidomi is rendered "cast (or put) in prison" only here and Mark 1:14 , out of 122 occurrences. It means "to deliver up", and is so rendered ten times, and "deliver" fifty-three times. Compare Matthew 5:25 ; Matthew 10:17 , Matthew 10:19 , Matthew 10:21 ; Matthew 24:9 , &c. The "not yet" of John 3:24 (Greek. oupo. App-105 .) implies that previous attempts and perhaps official inquiries had been made, following probably on the unofficial inquiry of John 1:19-27 . John's being "delivered up" may have led to this departure of Jesus from Judea. Christ's ministry is commenced at Matthew 4:12 .Mark 1:14 .Luke 4:14; Luke 4:14 and John 1:35 , before the call of any disciples.

departed = withdrew.