What does Matthew 4:24 mean?
As Jesus traveled around Galilee with His disciples, He proclaimed the good news that the kingdom of heaven was near. As the promised Messiah, He demonstrated the truthfulness of His teaching by miraculously healing every kind of disease and affliction. In doing so, he was giving the people a glimpse into the kingdom of heaven itself, in which there is no disease or affliction (1 Corinthians 15:42–43; Revelation 21:4).Not surprisingly, Jesus' ability to heal in this way began to make Him famous beyond the region of Galilee. Matthew shows here that He also became famous in Syria, to the north of Galilee. People traveled great distances from the north to bring to Jesus those who needed healing.
Those seeking Jesus' help included the sick, the diseased, and those in great pain, as well as people oppressed by demons, afflicted by seizures, and paralyzed. In the first century, there were unsolvable, or nearly unsolvable, health problems. Yet Jesus was able and willing to heal them all. In doing so, He revealed not only His power as Messiah, but His compassion, as well.
Matthew 4:23–25 describes Jesus' ministry all around the region of Galilee. He and disciples travel from place to place. Jesus teaches in the synagogues and proclaims the good news to all that the kingdom of heaven is near. He also displays the power of the kingdom by healing people with every kind of affliction, including diseases, demon possession, and paralysis. Jesus quickly becomes famous, drawing huge crowds of followers from every direction.
Matthew 3 ended with the Holy Spirit coming to rest on Jesus following His baptism. Now the Spirit leads Him into the wilderness to endure tempting by the devil after 40 days of fasting. Jesus demonstrates His sinlessness by resisting all temptations. He begins His ministry in the region of Galilee, settling in Capernaum and calling some disciples to follow Him. Jesus' work in Galilee includes traveling from place to place, proclaiming the good news that the kingdom of heaven is near and healing every kind of affliction. He soon becomes famous, drawing huge crowds from great distances.