Matthew 4:12

Now, when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison ,.... John was cast into prison by Herod; the reason of it may be seen in Matthew 14:3 . The prison into which he was cast, according to Josephus F19 Antiq. l. 18. c. 7. , was the castle of Machaeras: here he continued some time before he was put to death; for from hence he sent two disciples to Jesus, to know if he was the Messiah, Matthew 11:2 . Now when Jesus heard of this his imprisonment,

he departed into Galilee ; not so much on account of safety, or for fear of Herod, but to call his disciples, who lived in that country.