Matthew 4:12-16

Matthew 4:12-16

[12] Now  had heard  that  John  was cast into prison,  he departed  into  Galilee;  [13] And  leaving  Nazareth,  he came  and dwelt  in  Capernaum,  which  is upon the sea coast,  in  the borders  of Zabulon  and  Nephthalim:  [14] That  it might be fulfilled  which  by  Esaias  the prophet,  saying,  [15] The land  of Zabulon,  and  the land  of Nephthalim,  by the way  of the sea,  beyond  Jordan,  Galilee  of the Gentiles;  [16] The people  which  sat  in  great  light;  and  to them which  sat  in  the region  and  shadow  of death  light  is sprung up. 

What does Matthew 4:12-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

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.
"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]