Knowing The Word in Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus Begins His Ministry

12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. [This move begins a new phase in Jesus’s ministry as he disassociates himself from John, changing from a ministry of baptism to itinerate preaching and healing.] 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum [only Matthew is explicit that this is his new home, which is Matthew’s home as well (see 9:1, 9), a busy lakeside town unlike middle of nowhere Nazareth where Jesus had been rejected] by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” [Isaiah 9:1-2, reworded by Matthew]

[Galilee of the Gentiles was a fuller description in Jesus’ day than in that of Isaiah. Successive movements of people into the area created a predominately Gentile population. The Hasmonaean rulers adopted a deliberate Judaizing policy that resulted in a mixed population. That the Jewish Messiah would come from here had to be justified by scripture, and in Isaiah 9:1-2 and following, Matthew finds plenty of ammunition. Even though we have called Matthew “the Jewish Gospel,” we have seen him here and in the Magi and the women of Jesus’ genealogy demonstrate his interest in the place of “outsiders” in the purposes of God’s unfolding plan of salvation.]

17 From that time [a new section and a new phase, fresh start for Jesus] Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Identical to the (3:2) words of John the Baptist and to what the disciples will proclaim (10:7).]