Read & explore together
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry
These verses mark a clear beginning in Jesus’ Galilean ministry. They show where he went, how Matthew connects that move with Isaiah’s words, what Jesus began to preach, and how Luke briefly summarises his work.
Understanding the passage
Understanding the passage
Matthew says Jesus withdrew into Galilee after hearing that John was delivered up, then left Nazareth and lived in Capernaum by the sea. Matthew links this move with Isaiah’s words. Luke says Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, taught in synagogues, and was well received there.
Matthew 4:12–17; Luke 4:14–15Main takeaway
These verses introduce Jesus’ ministry in Galilee as a time of preaching, teaching, and dawning light.
Explore the teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Jesus moves into GalileeMatthew opens with a change in place. After hearing that John was delivered up, Jesus withdrew into Galilee.
Explanation
Matthew opens with a change in place. After hearing that John was delivered up, Jesus withdrew into Galilee. He left Nazareth and lived in Capernaum. This is a transition summary, showing where Jesus’ ministry now takes shape.
02Matthew links the move with IsaiahCapernaum is described as by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Matthew then says this happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled.
Explanation
Capernaum is described as by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Matthew then says this happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled. The named places prepare for the quotation that follows.
03A great light in dark placesThe quotation speaks of Zebulun, Naphtali, and Galilee of the Gentiles. It says people sitting in darkness saw a great light, and light dawned on those in the region and shadow of death.
Explanation
The quotation speaks of Zebulun, Naphtali, and Galilee of the Gentiles. It says people sitting in darkness saw a great light, and light dawned on those in the region and shadow of death. Matthew uses this language to explain the significance of Jesus being there.
04Jesus’ message beginsMatthew gives a brief summary of Jesus’ preaching: “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Explanation
Matthew gives a brief summary of Jesus’ preaching: “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” He presents this as the message Jesus began to preach from that time. The verse includes both the call and the reason given with it.
05Luke’s summary of Galilean ministryLuke says Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. News about him spread through the surrounding area.
Read the accounts alongside one another
Keep each reading’s setting and wording in view.
Scroll across to compare the readings.
| Book | Included readings | Explore in this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew | Matthew 4:12–17 | Jesus moves into Galilee Matthew links the move with Isaiah A great light in dark places Jesus’ message begins |
| Luke | Luke 4:14–15 | Luke’s summary of Galilean ministry |
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What places does Matthew name as Jesus begins this stage of ministry?
Notice Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum, and the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.
02What image does Matthew’s quotation use for the people in those regions?
Look for the contrast between darkness and the great light that dawned.
03How do Matthew and Luke each summarise Jesus’ ministry here?
Matthew gives Jesus’ preaching message, while Luke mentions the Spirit, teaching in synagogues, and the spread of news.
Read the Bible passages
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Matthew 4:12–17
12Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
13Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
14that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
15“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
16the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”
17From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Luke 4:14–15
14Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area.
15He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.