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JOHN 11:54 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
John 11:53John 11:55
“Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.”
Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples — following the Sanhedrin's death-plot decision, Jesus withdraws from public ministry in Judea, retreating to a town in the desert region (likely near the wilderness east of Jerusalem). This withdrawal marks the transition from public ministry toward the passion events. The seclusion with His disciples allows focused preparation for the coming crucifixion.

Church Fathers on John 11:54

After this resolution of the Chief Priests and Pharisees, Jesus was more cautious in strewing Himself among the Jews, and retired to remote parts, and avoided populous places: Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went from there into a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim.

Origen · 3rd century

Not that His power had failed Him; for, had He pleased He might still have walked openly among the Jews, and they done nothing to Him. But He wished to show the disciples, by His own example, that believers did not sin by retiring out of the sight of their persecutors, and hiding themselves from the fury of the wicked, rather than inflame that fury in their presence.

Augustine · 4th century

How must it have troubled the disciples to see Him save Himself by merely human means? While all were rejoicing and keeping the feast, they remained hidden, and in danger. Yet they continued with Him; as we read in Luke, You are they which have continued with Me in My temptations.

Chrysostom · 4th century
Read all 13 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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John 11:54 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy