Matthew 4:17
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
From that time on
This phrase marks a significant transition in the Gospel of Matthew. It indicates the beginning of Jesus' public ministry following His baptism and temptation in the wilderness. The phrase "from that time on" is used by Matthew to denote a pivotal shift in Jesus' life and mission. Historically, this moment is crucial as it sets the stage for the unfolding of Jesus' teachings and miracles. It signifies a new era of divine revelation and the active proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus began to preach
The Greek word for "preach" is "κηρύσσω" (kērussō), which means to proclaim or herald. This is not merely a casual sharing of information but an authoritative declaration. Jesus' preaching was characterized by authority and power, as noted in other parts of the Gospels. His message was not just informative but transformative, calling for a response from His listeners. The act of preaching here is central to Jesus' mission, emphasizing the importance of verbal proclamation in the spread of the Gospel.

and to say
This phrase introduces the content of Jesus' message. It underscores the importance of the spoken word in His ministry. The words that follow are not just teachings but commands that demand attention and action. In the context of the first-century Jewish world, the spoken word was a primary means of communication and carried significant weight. Jesus' words were intended to penetrate the hearts of His listeners and provoke a response.

“Repent
The Greek word for "repent" is "μετανοέω" (metanoeō), which means to change one's mind or to turn around. This is not merely feeling sorry for past actions but involves a complete transformation of one's life and priorities. In the Jewish context, repentance was a well-understood concept, often associated with returning to God and His ways. Jesus' call to repent is a call to radical change, to turn away from sin and towards God. It is the first step in entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

for the kingdom of heaven
The "kingdom of heaven" is a central theme in Matthew's Gospel. It refers to the reign and rule of God, both in the present and in the future. The phrase is synonymous with the "kingdom of God" found in other Gospels. In a historical context, the Jewish people were anticipating a messianic kingdom that would restore Israel. Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom of heaven challenged existing expectations, presenting a kingdom that was spiritual and transformative rather than political. It is a kingdom characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

is near.”
The phrase "is near" comes from the Greek "ἤγγικεν" (ēngiken), meaning to approach or to come near. This indicates the immediacy and urgency of Jesus' message. The kingdom is not a distant future reality but is breaking into the present through Jesus' ministry. This nearness calls for an immediate response of repentance and faith. The historical context of Roman occupation and Jewish expectation of deliverance adds depth to this proclamation, as Jesus offers a different kind of liberation—one that is spiritual and eternal.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is beginning His public ministry. He is the Son of God, the Messiah, who brings the message of repentance and the nearness of God's kingdom.

2. Galilee
The region where Jesus begins His ministry. It is significant as a place of both Jewish and Gentile populations, symbolizing the universal reach of Jesus' message.

3. Repentance
A key theme in Jesus' preaching. The Greek word used here is "metanoe?," which means to change one's mind or purpose, indicating a profound transformation of heart and life.

4. Kingdom of Heaven
A central theme in Jesus' teaching, referring to God's sovereign rule and reign. It is both a present reality and a future hope.

5. John the Baptist
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, John’s earlier call to repentance sets the stage for Jesus’ ministry. John’s message and Jesus’ message are closely linked.
Teaching Points
The Urgency of Repentance
Jesus' message begins with a call to repentance, indicating its foundational importance in the Christian life. Believers are called to continually examine their hearts and turn away from sin.

The Nearness of the Kingdom
The kingdom of heaven is both a present reality and a future hope. Christians are to live in light of this kingdom, embodying its values and priorities in their daily lives.

Transformation of Mind and Heart
Repentance involves a deep, inward change. It is not merely about feeling sorry for sin but about a complete reorientation of one's life towards God.

Continuity of God's Message
The call to repentance is consistent throughout Scripture, from the prophets to John the Baptist, to Jesus, and the apostles. This continuity underscores the unchanging nature of God's call to His people.

Living in Expectation
Believers are to live with an expectation of God's kingdom, actively participating in its advancement through their actions, words, and witness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the term "repent" mean in the context of Matthew 4:17, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

2. How does the concept of the "kingdom of heaven" influence the way we live as Christians today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our repentance is genuine and leads to a transformation of heart and mind?

4. How does the message of repentance in Matthew 4:17 connect with the broader account of Scripture, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles?

5. What practical steps can we take to live in expectation of the kingdom of heaven, and how can this expectation shape our interactions with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 3:2
John the Baptist's call to repentance mirrors Jesus' message, emphasizing continuity in the call to prepare for God's kingdom.

Mark 1:15
This verse parallels Matthew 4:17, highlighting the immediacy and urgency of the kingdom's arrival and the need for repentance.

Acts 2:38
Peter's call to repentance at Pentecost echoes Jesus' message, showing the ongoing importance of repentance in the early church.

Romans 12:2
The transformation of mind and life aligns with the concept of repentance, emphasizing a continual renewal in the believer's life.
RepentAdam Littleton, D. D.Matthew 4:17
RepentanceC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 4:17
RepentanceE. Thompsom, M. A.Matthew 4:17
RepentanceJohn Bradford., William Beveridge, D. D.Matthew 4:17
Repentance and the Kingdom of GodA. Jones.Matthew 4:17
The Common Message of John and JesusR. Tuck Matthew 4:17
The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the KingAlexander MaclarenMatthew 4:17
The Kingdom of Heaven is At HandAdam Littleton, D. D.Matthew 4:17
The Scientific Art of PreachingS. H. Tyng.Matthew 4:17
The Summons - to Repent!P.C. Barker Matthew 4:17
Light in DarknessW.F. Adeney Matthew 4:12-17
Light in DarknessJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 4:12-17
Call of the FishermenMarcus Dods Matthew 4:12-22
People
Andrew, Isaiah, James, Jesus, John, Naphtali, Nephthalim, Peter, Simon, Zabdi, Zabulon, Zebedee, Zebulun
Places
Capernaum, Decapolis, Galilee, High Mountain, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Syria, Wilderness of Judea
Topics
Close, Drawn, Hearts, Heaven, Heavens, Kingdom, Nigh, Preach, Preaching, Proclaim, Reform, Reign, Repent, Saying, Sin
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 4:17

     1445   revelation, responses
     2345   Christ, kingdom of
     2354   Christ, mission
     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching
     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     4909   beginning
     5052   responsibility, to God
     5335   herald
     5369   kingship, divine
     6040   sinners
     6734   repentance, importance
     7756   preaching, content
     7950   mission, of Christ
     8425   evangelism, nature of
     8438   giving, of time
     8489   urgency

Library
Temptation
Eversley, 1872. Chester Cathedral, 1872. St Matt. iv. 3. "And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." Let me say a few words to-day about a solemn subject, namely, Temptation. I do not mean the temptations of the flesh--the temptations which all men have to yield to the low animal nature in them, and behave like brutes. I mean those deeper and more terrible temptations, which our Lord conquered in that great struggle with
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

The victory of the King
'Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. 3. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5. Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Springing of the Great Light
'Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee; 13. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15. The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16. The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King
'From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 18. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. 21. And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The Bible is not to be Interpreted Like any Other Book. --God, (Not Man,) the Real Author of the Bible.
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. IT is impossible to preserve exact method in Sermons like these, uncertain in number, and delivered at irregular intervals. It shall only be stated that, having already spoken at considerable length, of the Inspiration of Holy Scripture;--not, one part more, one part less, but every part equally inspired throughout; not general, (whatever the exact notion may be of a book generally inspired,)
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

July the Thirteenth Plain Glass
"They were fishers." --MATTHEW iv. 12-22. And so our Lord went first to the fishing-boats and not to the schools. Learning is apt to be proud and aggressive, and hostile to the simplicities of the Spirit. There is nothing like plain glass for letting in the light! And our Lord wanted transparent media, and so He went to the simple fishermen on the beach. "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world." And by choosing labouring men our Master glorified labour. He Himself had worn the workman's
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Light for those who Sit in Darkness
From the text it appears that some are in greater darkness than others; and that, secondly, for such there is a hope of light; but that, thirdly, the light which will come to them lies all in Christ; and, fourthly (joyful news!) that light is already sprung up all around them: they have but to open their eyes to delight in it. I. SOME SOULS ARE IN GREATER DARKNESS THAN OTHERS. It appears from the text that it was so in Christ's days, and certainly it is so now. Divine sovereignty runs through all
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

How to Become Fishers of Men
Note, next, that we are not made all that we shall be, nor all that we ought to desire to be, when we are ourselves fished for and caught. This is what the grace of God does for us at first; but it is not all. We are like the fishes, making sin to be our element; and the good Lord comes, and with the gospel net he takes us, and he delivers us from the life and love of sin. But he has not wrought for us all that he can do, nor all that we should wish him to do, when he has done this; for it is another
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Christ's First and Last Subject
IT SEEMS from these two texts that repentance was the first subject upon which the Redeemer dwelt, and that it was the last, which, with his departing breath, he commended to the earnestness of his disciples. He begins his mission crying, "Repent," he ends it by saying to his successors the apostles, "Preach repentance and remission of sins among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." This seems to me to be a very interesting fact, and not simply interesting, but instructive. Jesus Christ opens his
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

Twenty-Fourth Day. Firmness in Temptation.
"Jesus saith unto him, Get thee hence, Satan."--Matt. iv. 10. There is an awful intensity of meaning in the words, as applied to Jesus, "He suffered, being tempted!" Though incapable of sin, there was, in the refined sensibilities of His holy nature, that which made temptation unspeakably fearful. What must it have been to confront the Arch-traitor?--to stand face to face with the foe of His throne, and His universe? But the "prince of this world" came, and found "nothing in Him." Billow after
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Eighth Day. Submission to God's Word.
"Jesus said unto him, It is written."--Matt. iv. 7. We can not fail to be struck, in the course of the Saviour's public teaching, with His constant appeal to the word of God. While, at times, He utters, in His own name, the authoritative behest, "Verily, verily, I say unto you," He as often thus introduces some mighty work, or gives intimation of some impending event in His own momentous life, "These things must come to pass, that the Scriptures be fulfilled, which saith." He commands His people
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
John Knox, the great Scottish reformer, was born at Giffordgate, four miles from Haddington, Scotland, in 1505. He first made his appearance as a preacher in Edinburgh, where he thundered against popery, but was imprisoned and sent to the galleys in 1546. In 1547 Edward VI secured his release and made him a royal chaplain, when he acquired the friendship of Cranmer and other reformers. On the accession of Mary (1553) he took refuge on the Continent. In 1556 he accepted the charge of a church in Geneva,
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

The Temptation in the Wilderness.
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Christ, the Great Teacher
Scripture references: Matthew 4:23; 5:1,2; 7:29; 13:54; 26:55; 28:19,20; Mark 1:21,22; 4:1,2; 6:6; Luke 5:3; 11:1; 19:47; John 6:59; 7:14; 8:28. THE FOUNDER OF CHRISTIANITY The heart of the Christian religion is found in Jesus Christ. If we desire to know what Christianity is and of what elements it is composed we must look to Him and His teachings. He is the great source of our knowledge of what God, man, sin, righteousness, duty and salvation are. Our interest in the books of the Old Testament
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision A. Reasons for Retiring to Galilee. ^A Matt. IV. 12; ^B Mark I. 14; ^C Luke III. 19, 20; ^D John IV. 1-4. ^c 19 but Herod the tetrarch [son of Herod the Great, and tetrarch, or governor, of Galilee], being reproved by him [that is, by John the Baptist] for Herodias his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done [A full account of the sin of Herod and persecution of John will be found at Matt. xiv. 1-12 and Mark vi. 14-29. John had spoken the truth to Herod as fearlessly
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

General Account of Jesus' Teaching.
^A Matt. IV. 17; ^B Mark I. 14, 15; ^C Luke IV. 14, 15. ^a 17 From that time Jesus began to preach [The time here indicated is that of John the Baptist's imprisonment and Jesus' return to Galilee. This time marked a new period in the public ministry of Jesus. Hitherto he had taught, but he now began to preach. When the voice of his messenger, John, was silenced, the King became his own herald. Paul quoted the Greeks as saying that preaching was "foolishness," but following the example here set by
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
^A Matt. IV. 1-11; ^B Mark I. 12, 13; ^C Luke IV. 1-13. ^c 1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, ^b 12 And straightway the Spirit driveth him forth ^c and ^a 1 Then [Just after his baptism, with the glow of the descended Spirit still upon him, and the commending voice of the Father still ringing in his ears, Jesus is rushed into the suffering of temptation. Thus abrupt and violent are the changes of life. The spiritually exalted may expect these sharp contrasts. After being
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Temporary Residence at Capernaum.
^A Matt. IV. 13-16. ^a 13 And leaving Nazareth [This expression means that Jesus now ceased to make Nazareth his home. For description of Nazareth, see page 60], he came and dwelt in Capernaum [See page 119. Capernaum means city of Nahum, or village of consolation. Its modern name, "Tel-Hum," means hill of Nahum. The word "dwelt" means that Jesus made this town his headquarters. He owned no house there (Matt. viii. 20). He may have dwelt with some of his disciples--for instance, Simon Peter--Matt.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee.
^A Matt. IV. 23-25; ^B Mark I. 35-39; ^C Luke IV. 42-44. ^b 35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up went out [i. e., from the house of Simon Peter], and departed into a desert place, and there prayed. [Though Palestine was densely populated, its people were all gathered into towns, so that it was usually easy to find solitude outside the city limits. A ravine near Capernaum, called the Vale of Doves, would afford such solitude. Jesus taught (Matt. vi. 6) and practiced solitary
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Second visit to Cana - Cure of the Nobleman's' Son at Capernaum.
THE brief harvest in Samaria was, as Jesus had indicated to His disciples, in another sense also the beginning of sowing-time, or at least that when the green blade first appeared above ground. It formed the introduction to that Galilean ministry, when the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did at Jerusalem at the Feast.' [2013] Nay, in some respects, it was the real beginning of His Work also, which, viewed as separate and distinct, commenced when the Baptist was cast into
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
A DAY and an evening such as of that Sabbath of healing in Capernaum must, with reverence be it written, have been followed by what opens the next section. [2299] To the thoughtful observer there is such unbroken harmony in the Life of Jesus, such accord of the inward and outward, as to carry instinctive conviction of the truth of its record. It was, so to speak, an inward necessity that the God-Man, when brought into contact with disease and misery, whether from physical or supernatural causes,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Temptation of Jesus
The proclamation and inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven' at such a time, and under such circumstances, was one of the great antitheses of history. With reverence be it said, it is only God Who would thus begin His Kingdom. A similar, even greater antithesis, was the commencement of the Ministry of Christ. From the Jordan to the wilderness with its wild Beasts; from the devout acknowledgment of the Baptist, the consecration and filial prayer of Jesus, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the heard
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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