NET Bible Text
4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, he went into Galilee. 4:13 While in Galilee, he moved from Nazareth to make his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 4:14 so that what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled: 4:15 "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - 4:16 the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, and on those who sit in the region and shadow of death a light has dawned." 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach this message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible®, copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Simple Summary
After John is imprisoned, Jesus goes into Galilee and settles in Capernaum. Matthew says this fulfills Isaiah’s promise that light would dawn in dark Galilee. Then Jesus begins to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
What This Passage Means
Matthew shows a clear change in the story. John has been imprisoned, and Jesus now begins his public ministry. He goes into Galilee, moves from Nazareth to Capernaum by the sea, and Matthew says this fulfills Isaiah’s word.
Isaiah spoke of Zebulun and Naphtali, a land marked by darkness. Matthew says this is where a great light would rise. He means that Jesus brings God’s saving light into a dark place. The people were not only uninformed. They were in spiritual need, distress, and weakness under the shadow of death.
Then Jesus begins to preach his first message in Matthew: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is the same kingdom message John had preached, but now it is tied to Jesus himself. God’s reign is drawing near in him, so people must turn to God.
Important Truths
- Jesus’ move to Galilee was not random. Matthew says it fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
- The places named in the passage matter because Matthew sees God’s plan in real history and real geography.
- The “light” in Isaiah means God’s saving and revealing work coming into darkness.
- “Galilee of the Gentiles” shows a mixed and lowly region, but it does not mean Jesus has left Israel behind.
- Jesus’ preaching continues the kingdom message, but now the light is tied to his own arrival.
- Repentance is the right response because the kingdom of heaven is near.
Warnings, Promises, or Commands
- Do not read Jesus’ move to Galilee as mere fear or simple retreat. Matthew presents it as both a wise move in the face of danger and the fulfillment of Scripture.
- Do not reduce the light imagery to politics alone or to private feelings alone. It points to saving revelation and life breaking into darkness.
- Do not assume “Galilee of the Gentiles” means Jesus has already turned away from Israel.
- Command: Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near.
- Promise: The promised light has dawned in Jesus in the dark place Isaiah spoke about.
How This Fits in God's Plan
Matthew connects Jesus’ ministry to Isaiah 9:1-2. Jesus’ move into Capernaum shows that God’s promised light has come into Galilee. The kingdom message begins in the place Scripture named, showing that God is carrying out his plan in Jesus.
Simple Application
Read your circumstances in light of Scripture. Do not despise lowly places, because God chose Galilee as the place where the light first dawned. When you hear that God’s kingdom is near, repent and turn to God.