It continues the narrative about Jesus' ministry in Galilee and recounts the circumstances leading to the death of John the Baptist.

[1] Dale Allison notes the multiple parallels between the Passion of Jesus and the account of John the Baptist in this section.

[5] Eating together was a symbol of unity and Jesus was acting as the host of a large family gathering, welcoming the crowd into a new community.

[6] Looked up to heaven, blessed, broke, and gave indicate a 'communal, liturgical context' which is found in the early church; the same actions are to be seen in the Last Supper in Matthew 26:26.

[6] When they were back in Herod's territory, Jesus' popularity was shown again in his healing ministry, which was more extensive than so far recorded.