Galilee was the northern region of Israel, ringed around its freshwater sea, and looked down upon by the sophisticated south as backward and half-pagan — Galilee of the Gentiles. Yet Isaiah had promised that this shadowed region would see a great light, and Matthew saw the prophecy fulfilled when Jesus made Galilee the base of his ministry.
Most of Jesus' recorded life happened here: he called fishermen from its shores, preached in its synagogues, stilled the storm on its lake, and fed the multitudes on its hills. After the resurrection he told the disciples to meet him in Galilee. The place the proud dismissed became the birthplace of the gospel's spread.
Galilee in Scripture
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.