Matthew 4:12-17

Verse 12
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He went to Galilee.

Verse 13
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Verse 14
This fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

Verse 15
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

Verse 16
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”

Verse 17
From that time on, Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Vocabulary

1. Prison – A place where people are kept when they are being punished or held by the authorities.
2. Fulfill – To complete or bring something to reality, especially a prophecy or promise.
3. Gentiles – People who are not Jewish.
4. Darkness – A symbol for ignorance, sin, or life without God.
5. Repent – To turn away from sin and change one’s ways to follow God.

Grammar & Examples

1. Present Perfect Tense (has come near)

   • The kingdom of heaven has come near.
   • She has just finished her work.

2. Passive Voice (was spoken, have been put in prison)

   • This fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah.
   • John had been put in prison before Jesus started His ministry.

3. Direct Speech

   • Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
   • She asked, “What should I do?”