Matthew 4:12

Verse 12. John was cast into prison. For an account of the imprisonment of John, see Mt 14:1-12. He departed into Galilee. See Mt 2:22. The reasons why Jesus went then into Galilee were, probably, not that he might avoid danger-- for he went directly into the dominions of Herod, and Jesus had nothing in particular to fear from Herod, as he had given him no cause of offence --but, (1,) because the attention of the people had been much excited by John's preaching, and it was more favourable for his own ministry. (2.) It seemed desirable to have some one to second John in the work of reformation. (3.) It was less dangerous for him to commence his labours there than near Jerusalem.