Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. Walked no more openly - Παρῥησιᾳ, He did not go as before through the cities and villages, teaching, preaching, and healing the sick.
Near to the wilderness - Some MSS. add, of Samphourein, or Samphourim, or Sapfurim.
A city called Ephraim - Variously written in the MSS., Ephraim, Ephrem, Ephram, and Ephratha. This was a little village, situated in the neighborhood of Bethel; for the scripture, 2 Chronicles 13:19, and Josephus, War, b. iv. c. 8. s. 9, join them both together. Many believe that this city or village was the same with that mentioned, 1 Maccabees 5:46; 2 Maccabees 12:27. Joshua gave it to the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:9; and Eusebius and Jerome say it was about twenty miles north of Jerusalem.
And there continued - Calmet says, following Toynard, that he stayed there two months, from the 24th of January till the 24th of March.