Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
All Commentaries on Matthew 4:12 Go To Matthew 4
John Chrysostom
AD 407
1. Wherefore does He depart? Again instructing us not to go to meet temptations, but to give place and withdraw ourselves. For it is no reproach, the not casting one's self into danger, but the failing to stand manfully when fallen into it. To teach us this accordingly, and to soothe the envy of the Jews, He retires to Capernaum; at once fulfilling the prophecy, and making haste to catch the teachers of the world: for they, as you know, were abiding there, following their craft.
