John 4:1 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, Jesus made and baptized, etc. - These seem to be quoted as the very words which were brought to the Pharisees; and, from our Lord's conduct after this information, we may take it for granted that they were so irritated that they were determined to seek an occasion to take away his life; in consequence of which, leaving Judea, he withdrew into Galilee.