And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
Ver. 40. And went again beyond Jordan] The farther from Jerusalem the safer. Jerusalem was then as Rome is now, the saints' slaughterhouse. Roma radix omnium malorum. Rome is the root of all evils.
Into the place where John first baptized] As well for his own comfort (for there he had heard at first from heaven, "This is my beloved Son," &c.) as for the people's conversion and confirmation, who there called to mind John's testimony of Jesus, and believed.