When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned
This phrase marks a significant transition in Jesus' ministry. John the Baptist's imprisonment by Herod Antipas (Matthew 14:3-4) signals the end of John's public ministry and the beginning of Jesus' more prominent role. John's arrest fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, where John is the "voice of one calling in the wilderness," preparing the way for the Lord. The imprisonment also highlights the political and religious tensions of the time, as John was arrested for condemning Herod's unlawful marriage. This event underscores the cost of prophetic truth-telling and foreshadows the opposition Jesus Himself will face.

He withdrew to Galilee
Jesus' withdrawal to Galilee is strategic and significant. Galilee, a region in northern Israel, was a fertile and populous area with a mix of Jewish and Gentile populations. This move fulfills Isaiah 9:1-2, which speaks of a great light dawning in Galilee, a region often looked down upon by Judean Jews. By beginning His ministry in Galilee, Jesus aligns with God's plan to bring salvation to all, including the marginalized and those outside the religious epicenter of Jerusalem. This withdrawal is not out of fear but a deliberate step in His divine mission, setting the stage for His public ministry and the calling of His first disciples.

1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who begins His public ministry following this event.

2. John the Baptist
A prophet and forerunner of Christ, who has been imprisoned by Herod Antipas for his bold proclamation of truth.

3. Galilee
A region in northern Israel where Jesus begins His ministry, fulfilling prophecy and establishing His base of operations.God's Timing and Sovereignty
Jesus' withdrawal to Galilee demonstrates God's perfect timing and sovereignty in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. We can trust God's timing in our own lives, even when circumstances seem challenging.

Responding to Opposition
Jesus' response to John's imprisonment was not one of fear but of strategic withdrawal and continuation of His mission. As believers, we should remain steadfast in our calling, even when faced with opposition.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' move to Galilee fulfills Old Testament prophecy, reminding us of the reliability and truth of Scripture. We should study the Bible with confidence that God's promises are sure.

The Importance of Location in Ministry
Galilee, a place of mixed populations and cultures, becomes the starting point for Jesus' ministry, illustrating the importance of reaching diverse groups with the Gospel. We are called to be witnesses in all areas of life, embracing diversity in our ministry efforts.(12) Between the 11th and 12th verses there is a great break, and it is well to remember what passed in the interval: (1) the return to the Baptist, and the call of the six disciples (John 1:29-51); (2) the marriage at Cana, and the visit to Capernaum (John 2:1-12); (3) the cleansing of the Temple; the interview with Nicodemus, and the last testimony of the Baptist (John 2:13 to John 3:36). At this stage comes in the imprisonment of John (mentioned here, but not narrated till 14:3-5) and the consequent journey through Samaria to Galilee (John 4:1-42). The verse now before us may be noted as implying a ministry in Judaea, which for some reason the writer does not narrate.

Verses 12-16. - JESUS' WITHDRAWAL INTO GALILEE. (Parallel passages: Mark 1:14; Luke 4:14, 15.) According to some commentators, a new section begins here; but probably these verses are still preliminary. Our Lord's activity does not begin till ver. 17. But now he withdraws to Galilee, settling in Capernaum, thus fulfilling prophecy. Verse 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 John 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]. The Messiah took up the position of a prophet in Judaea, as afterwards in Galilee" (Bishop Westcott, on John 3:22-24). The events in Galilee related in John 2:1-12 were "preparatory to the manifestation at Jerusalem which was the real commencement of Christ's Messianic work. St. John records the course and issue of this manifestation: the other Evangelists start with the record of the Galilaean ministry, which dates from the imprisonment of the Baptist" (Bishop Westcott, on John 3:24). He adds, on John 4:43, "It seems probable that the earlier part of the synoptic narratives (Mark 1:14 - 2:14, and parallels) must be placed in the interval which extended from John 4:43-5:1." Matthew alone states directly that the news of the Baptist having been taken by Herod was the motive of our Lord's withdrawal into Galilee. He says nothing to show whether our Lord withdrew because he would avoid a like treatment himself, or, as is on the whole more likely, because he did not wish to be mixed up in the tumults to which John's capture appears to have given rise (cf. Matthew 14:5). Was cast into prison; "was delivered up" (Revised Version and Authorized Version margin); παρεδόθη, absolutely (cf. Mark 1:14; Romans 4:25; also infra, Matthew 10:19; 1 Corinthians 13:3). If the more proper meaning of the word may be insisted on, the thought is of the person to whom John was committed rather than of the place; John being delivered up, that is to say, by Herod to his officials. But in usage it appears rather to mean only compulsory removal, loss of liberty. Mark (Mark 6:19, 20) points out the temporary protection that the imprisonment gave to John against the resentment of Herodias. He departed; Revised Version, he withdrew; ἀνεχώρησεν,. A favourite word of St. Matthew's (ten times; Mark and John once each; Acts twice). It always implies some motive for the change of place, and is frequently used of departure directly consequent upon knowledge acquired. Hence it often implies a feeling of danger. Into Galilee; whence he had come (Matthew 3:13). Hence "returned" (Luke). In Galilee he would still be in Herod's dominions; but, as being in his own home, he would not attract so much attention. N.B. - Between vers. 12 and 13 some place the incident of his preaching at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30); but ver. 23 of that passage assumes much previous work at Capernaum, and can therefore hardly be as early as this.

Parallel Commentaries ...


When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] heard
Ἀκούσας (Akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

John
Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

had been imprisoned,
παρεδόθη (paredothē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

He withdrew
ἀνεχώρησεν (anechōrēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 402: From ana and choreo; to retire.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Galilee.
Γαλιλαίαν (Galilaian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1056: Of Hebrew origin; Galiloea, a region of Palestine.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John was (Matt. Mat Mt)