Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Matthew 4:1
The Temptation, and Christ's Ministry in Galilee
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4: Jesus in the Wilderness. The Tempter. The
Temptation to Convert Stones into Bread. The Temptation to Cast
Himself from the Temple. The Offer of Worldly Power and Glory.
Ministering Angels. The Galilean Ministry. Disciples Called.
Preaching and Healing. The Fame of Christ.
Then was Jesus led of the Spirit. Mark says he was "driven" by
the Spirit, a phrase that indicates a sudden and forcible impulsion.
See Mark 1:12.
Into the wilderness. Tradition has placed the scene of Christ's
temptation in that part of the wilderness of Judea which lies between
Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, and particularly in the mountain called
Quarantania, from this forty days' fast.
To be tempted. Christ must be tempted (1) Because it was
impossible that one who came to overthrow the kingdom of Satan should
not be attacked by the great adversary at the very threshold. (2) It
was to test him. (3) It was to prepare him, by being tempted like as
we are, and yet gaining the victory, to "succor them that are tempted"
(Hebrews 2:18). (4) It was to set an example for us when we are
tempted. The three great temptations mentioned by Matthew are the
three great classes of temptations to which men are now exposed.
Of the devil. Here the existence and personality of Satan are
placed before us in the most distinct language. The devil is (1) A
person (Ephesians 2:2 6:12 Heb 2:14 Jude 1:6); (2) A fallen angel
(John 8:44 2Pe 2:4 Jude 1:6). The word "devil" means false accuser.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Matthew 4:1
Mark 1:13
Luke 4:1-13
James 4:7
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