Summary of Work in Galilee (cf. Mark 1:39; Luke 4:44). Mt. here departs from Mk.'s order; he is about to give an account of the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 4:5-7) before an account of His healings (Matthew 8:1-17). Cf. the ré sumé at Matthew 9:35. The note of good tidings omitted in Matthew 4:17 (Mark 1:15) is here (Matthew 4:23) introduced. The cures are confined to the people, Jews. The legend of king Abgar of Edessa and his correspondence with Jesus is based on the mention of Syria (Matthew 4:24).
Matthew 4:25. Decapolis. Certain Hellenised towns, originally ten in number (hence the name), all, except Scythopolis, lying E. of Jordan. For purposes of trade and to guard against absorption by their Semitic neighbours they formed a league, but were subjugated by Alexander Jannæ us (104- 78 B.C.). Pompey in 64- 63 B.C. gave them municipal freedom and other rights, but brought them into the Roman province of Syria, whence some of them were later transferred to the direct authority of Herod. Cf. p. 33.