Matthew 17:22

‘And while they gathered in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of man will be delivered up into the hands of men,” '

This is the first specific indication that they are back in Galilee. At the opening of this section Jesus was in His home town (probably Nazareth although Matthew does not say so) and left it because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:53). Now He will return to His home town (Capernaum - Matthew 17:24 compare Matthew 4:13) where they still do not recognise Him. Matthew centres the salvation history around Galilee. He depicts Jesus' ministry only from when it commences in Galilee (Matthew 4:12), as continually returning to Galilee, and as finalising in Galilee in the resurrection appearance on the mountain (Matthew 28:16), after the interlude in Jerusalem. This may be seen as confirming that he is a Galilean.

‘While they were gathered.' Mark has ‘passing through'. This may suggest that the wider group of disciples were gathering ready for the trip to Jerusalem for Passover, so that prior to travelling to Jerusalem Jesus wants them all to be aware of what lies ahead. As the Son of Man He will be delivered by God into the hands of men. There may here be a wordplay on ‘Man' and ‘men'. The One Who has come representing man, and as born of woman, will be delivered into men's hands for them to do their will with Him. Men will show once and for all what they will do with a man who dares to be too much like God.

Others see the verb as meaning ‘gathered around Him, moved around together', indicating that He was teaching them as they moved around.

As we have seen the chiasmus indicates that this must be taken together with the previous passages. Here therefore Jesus' words are a demonstration of true faith. He is ready for His Father's will, and is voluntarily following the path that will lead to it.

It is possible that ‘handed over' has in mind Judas Iscariot. This might be Jesus' first attempt to win Judas from the path he has chosen to tread.