11:1–6 Verse 1 of chapter 11 marks the transition to a new section in Matthew’s Gospel. Once again we find the same formula that was used at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (kai egeneto hote etelesen ho Iēsous; cf. 7:28). Up to this point the public ministry of Jesus has met with success. Now the atmosphere changes, and hostility begins to manifest itself. Having finished giving instructions to the Twelve, Jesus departs (apparently alone) to teach and preach in nearby towns. From this point on, healings are less frequent (cf. Matt. 4:23).

Jesus began his ministry in Galilee following the imprisonment of John the Baptist (Matt. 4:12). Josephus records that Herod confined John in the fortress of Machaerus on the east side of the Dead Sea (Ant. 18.116–119). Matthew supplies the details in…