Matthew 4:12

“Now, when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, etc.] John was cast into prison by Herod; the reason of it may be seen in (<401403>Matthew 14:3,4). The prison into which he was cast, according to Josephus f211, was the castle of Machaeras: here he continued some time before he was put to death; for from hence he sent two disciples to Jesus, to know if he was the Messiah, (<401102>Matthew 11:2). Now when Jesus heard of this his imprisonment, he departed into Galilee; not so much on account of safety, or for fear of Herod, but to call his disciples, who lived in that country.”

“CHRIST BEGINS HIS GALILEAN MINISTRY--CALLING OF PETER AND ANDREW, JAMES AND JOHN--HIS FIRST GALILEAN CIRCUIT. ( = Mar 1:14-20, Mar 1:35-39; Luk 4:14-15). (Mat 4:12-25) Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison--more simply, "was delivered up," as recorded in Mat 14:3-5; Mar 6:17-20; Luk 3:19-20. he departed--rather, "withdrew." into Galilee--as recorded, in its proper place, in Joh 4:1-3.”

“John was cast into prison - For an account of the imprisonment of John see Matthew 14:1-13. He departed into Galilee - See Matthew 2:22. The reasons why Jesus then went into Galilee were probably: Because the attention of the people had been much excited by John’s preaching, and things seemed to be favorable for success in his own ministry. It appeared desirable to have some one to second John in the work of reformation. It was less dangerous for him to commence his labors there than near Jerusalem. Judea was under the dominion of the scribes, and Pharisees, and priests. They would naturally look with envy on any one who set himself up for a public teacher, and who should attract much…”

“He retired into Galilee - This journey was not immediately after his temptation. He first went from Judea into Galilee, Joh 1:43; Joh 2:1. Then into Judea again, and celebrated the passover at Jerusalem, Joh 2:13. He baptized in Judea while John was baptizing at Enon, Joh 3:22-23. All this time John was at liberty, Joh 3:24. But the Pharisees being offended, Joh 4:1; and John put in prison, he then took this journey into Galilee. Mar 1:14. Matthew 4:13”

“4:12–11:1 Having been announced by John and the Father (3:13-17), and having obediently endured the testing in the wilderness (4:1-11), the Messiah was prepared for his ministry. He first confronted the Galilean Israelites with the message of the Kingdom. 4:12 John had been arrested by Herod Antipas (see 14:1-12). Antipas was tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, where John was probably working at the time. • When Jesus heard . . . he left Judea (near Perea, where John was arrested) and returned to Galilee: Jesus withdrew to avoid martyrdom before finishing his work of revealing the Kingdom. As in Joseph’s flight to Nazareth (2:22-23), an escape from danger can also be God’s providential direction…”

“when: Mar 1:14, Mar 6:17; Luk 3:20, Luk 4:14, Luk 4:31; Joh 4:43, Joh 4:54 cast: or, delivered up Matthew 4:13”