Comparison of John"s Gospel and Matthew"s shows that Jesus ministered for about a year before John the Baptist"s arrest. John had criticized Herod Antipas for having an adulterous relationship with his brother Philip"s wife ( Matthew 14:3-4; Mark 1:14; Luke 3:19-20). Jesus ministered first in Galilee ( John 1:19 to John 2:12) and then in Judea ( John 2:13 to John 3:21). Then He returned to Galilee by way of Samaria ( John 3:22 to John 4:42). Why did Matthew begin his account of Jesus" ministry with John"s arrest? John"s arrest by Herod signaled the beginning of a new phase of Jesus" ministry. The forerunner"s work was now complete. It was time for the King to appear publicly. [source][source][source]
"In royal protocol the King does not make His appearance in public until the forerunner has finished his work. Matthew , emphasizing the official and regal character of Jesus, follows this procedure exactly." [1][source]