The coasts of Judea, beyond Jordan— Properly speaking, no part of Judea was on the further side of Jordan; for though, after the Jews returned from the captivity, the whole of their land was called Judea, especially by foreigners who happened to mention their affairs, it is certain, that in the Gospels, Judea is always spoken of as a particular division of the country: we may therefore reasonably suppose that St. Matthew's expression is elliptical, and may supply it from St. Mark 10:1 thus: And came into the coasts of Judea, δια του περαν του Ιορδανου,— through the country beyond Jordan. See John 10:40. In this journey our Lord passed through the country beyond Jordan, that the Jews living there might enjoy the benefit of his doctrine and miracles; and great multitudes followed him, namely, from Galilee into Perea. Our Saviour's fame was become exceedingly great, insomuch that every where he was resorted to and followed;—by the sick, who wished to be healed; by their friends, who attended them; by those whose curiosity prompted them to see and examine things so wonderful; by well-disposed persons, who found themselves greatly profited and pleased with his sermons; by enemies, who watched all his words and actions, with a design to expose him as a deceiver; and, lastly, by those who expected that he would set up the kingdom immediately. Besides, at this time the multitude might have been greater than ordinary, because, as the passover was at hand, many going thither might have chosen to travel in our Lord's train, expecting to see new miracles. See Macknight and Lamy. The version of 1729 renders the latter part of the 1st verse, And came into the confines of Judea on the other side Jordan.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 19:1
Matthew 19:1-2
1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.