And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus returning to "his own city" (Capernaum) after crossing the sea highlights his deep connection to this place, not just as his home, but as the center where his ministry was known and where he would face both acceptance and rejection. This verse sets the stage for the significant encounter with the paralytic, emphasizing the familiarity and anticipation that likely surrounded Jesus' return.
And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a significant encounter in the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus returns to Capernaum, the town considered His home base. Upon His arrival, people immediately bring a man paralyzed from birth to Him, eager for Jesus' healing touch. This sets the stage for a remarkable demonstration of Jesus' authority not only to heal the body but also to forgive sins.
The journey back home is often a time for reflection. What does it mean for Jesus to return to his 'own city,' and what does this brief moment tell us about his connection to the world he came to save?
After a significant ministry across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus returns to Capernaum, his adopted home and the base for much of his work. The text calls it 'his own city' – not where he was born (Bethlehem), but where he lived and operated. This return signifies a grounding, a connection to the human community he was part of.
It’s a pause before the next wave of ministry. This brief, almost understated arrival sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow. It reminds us that even the Son of God had a place, a community, a 'home base' from which his mission radiated.
His Familiar Territory:
Before Jesus can even settle in, a desperate situation demands his attention. What is it about the faith of those seeking Jesus that is so powerful?
Immediately upon his arrival, Jesus is met not with a crowd seeking autographs, but with a specific need: a paralyzed man brought to him by friends. This encounter is pivotal because it highlights the power of faith – the faith of those who brought him.
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Faith in Action:
Jesus declares sins forgiven, sparking outrage among the religious leaders. How does Jesus prove his authority to do what only God can do?
The most astonishing part of this healing isn't just the physical restoration, but Jesus's declaration: 'Your sins are forgiven you.' This claim immediately triggers accusations of blasphemy from the scribes, who rightly know that only God can forgive sins.
Jesus's Undeniable Proof:
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus leaves Nazareth
After being rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus moves to Capernaum, establishing it as his base of operations for his Galilean ministry.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and calling disciples. Capernaum serves as a central hub for much of this activity.
c. AD 30
Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee
After a significant miracle on the eastern shore (possibly the healing of the Gadarene demoniacs), Jesus crosses back to the western side of the Sea of Galilee.
This passage details the same event, describing Jesus crossing the lake to the country of the Gerasenes, which helps contextualize His return journey to His 'own city' as recorded in Matthew.
Luke 5:17Luke also records this event, focusing on the crowd and the scribes' presence, which adds depth to the setting and highlights the spiritual conflict Jesus faced even in His hometown.
Matthew 4:13This verse establishes Capernaum as Jesus's 'own city' where He settled, providing the crucial context for Matthew 9:1.
John 1:11This verse speaks of Jesus coming to His own people, who did not receive Him, offering a thematic parallel to Jesus returning to His 'own city' where His ministry would face both acceptance and rejection.
bensonMatthew 9:1: "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city."
Matthew 9:1 . He came into his own city — Namely, Capernaum. And they brought him a man sick of the palsy — The history of this miracle is related Mark 2:1-13 , and Luke 5:18-26 , with more circumstances than are here mentioned by Matthew, which passages the reader is therefore desired to consult, for the further elucidation of what is here recorded. And Jesus, seeing their faith — Both that of the paralytic…
calvinMatthew 9:1-8: "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city."
- And entering into a ship, he passed over, and came into his own city. 2. And, lo, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Take courage, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. 3. And, lo, some of the scribes said among themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4. And when Jesus saw their thoughts, he said, Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5. For…
Jesus returning to "his own city" (Capernaum) after crossing the sea highlights his deep connection to this place, not just as his home, but as the center where his ministry was known and where he would face both acceptance and rejection. This verse sets the stage for the significant encounter with the paralytic, emphasizing the familiarity and anticipation that likely surrounded Jesus' return.
After a significant encounter in the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus returns to Capernaum, the town considered His home base. Upon His arrival, people immediately bring a man paralyzed from birth to Him, eager for Jesus' healing touch. This sets the stage for a remarkable demonstration of Jesus' authority not only to heal the body but also to forgive sins.
After a significant encounter in the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus returns to Capernaum, the town considered His home base. Upon His arrival, people immediately bring a man paralyzed from birth to Him, eager for Jesus' healing touch. This sets the stage for a remarkable demonstration of Jesus' authority not only to heal the body but also to forgive sins.
"And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city." — Jesus returning to "his own city" (Capernaum) after crossing the sea highlights his deep connection to this place, not just as his home, but as the center where his ministry was known and where he wo…
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Last reviewed October 2026