He went away beyond Jordan. Christ passed beyond Jordan, that he might not have to fight continually without any advantage. He has therefore taught us, by his example, that we ought to avail ourselves of opportunities, when they occur. As to the place of his retreat, the reader may consult the observations which I have made at Chapter 1, verse 28. [1]

Footnotes

1 - See [12]page 62 of this volume.

Where John at first baptized - At Bethabara, or Bethany, John 1:28.

Beyond Jordan - Rather, to the side of Jordan, not beyond it. See the note on John 6:22, and Matthew 19:1.
Where John at first baptized - That is, at Bethabara: see John 1:28. Afterwards, John baptized at Aenon: John 3:23.

And went away again beyond Jordan,.... Where he had been before; and whither he went; not merely for the security of his person, much less to indulge himself in ease, but to preach the Gospel, work miracles, and bring many souls to believe on him, as did: and he went
into the place where John at first baptized; that is, Bethabara, where he baptized before he was at Aenon, near Salim, John 1:28, and was the place where Christ himself was baptized, and where John bore such a testimony of him:
and there he abode; how long is not certain, perhaps till he went to Bethany, on account of raising Lazarus from the dead.

went away again beyond Jordan . . . the place where John at first baptized--(See on John 1:28).

And went away again beyond Jordan. He had been nearly three months in Jerusalem, a very stormy ministry. Twice efforts were made to mob him (John 8:59; John 10:31); twice, to arrest him (John 7:32, John 7:45; John 10:39). His time would not come yet for three months, till the next passover, and he retired from the storm for a season. In the other gospels there are recorded a number of the incidents of his ministry beyond the Jordan.

To the desert place where John baptized, and gave so honourable a testimony of him.