Chapter 13—Jesus at Capernaum After the work of healing that Jesus had performed upon the Sabbath at the Pool of Bethesda, the malice of the leading Jews was so kindled against him that they plotted against his life, and it was no longer safe for him to remain in Jerusalem. Therefore he repaired to Galilee, making Capernaum the scene of his labors. At this place he taught; and upon the Sabbaths, multitudes gathered to listen to his doctrine. Here his way seemed to be unobstructed, although spies were upon his track, watching for something whereof they might accuse him. {2SP 173.1}

Efter at Jesus havde helbredt den lamme ved Bethesdas dam på Sabbaten, optændes de ledende jøders ondskab mod ham, så at de søgte at dræbe ham, og det var ikke længere rådeligt for ham at opholde sig i Jerusalem. Derfor drog han til Galilæa og valgte Kapernaum til sin arbejdsmark. Her lærte han folket, og store skarer samledes på sabbaten for at lytte til hans ord. Her syntes ikke at være nogen hindring i vejen, selv om der var spioner omkring ham, som ventede på at høre eller se noget, som de kunne anklage ham for.