John was cast into prison - For an account of the imprisonment of John see Matthew 14:1-13.
He departed into Galilee - See Matthew 2:22. The reasons why Jesus then went into Galilee were probably:
- Because the attention of the people had been much excited by John’s preaching, and things seemed to be favorable for success in his own ministry.
- It appeared desirable to have some one to second John in the work of reformation.
- It was less dangerous for him to commence his labors there than near Jerusalem. Judea was under the dominion of the scribes, and Pharisees, and priests. They would naturally look with envy on any one who set himself up for a public teacher, and who should attract much attention there. It was important, therefore, that the work of Jesus should begin in Galilee, and become somewhat established and known before he went to Jerusalem.