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Explanation for:
Matthew
4
:
11
Then the devil left him; and behold angels came and ministered to him.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Temptation came first to ensure that triumph would ensue. The angels are present to affirm the honor of the Conqueror."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"How does Luke indicate that the devil has completed all his temptations (Luke 4:13)? It appears to me that by mentioning the principal temptations, he concluded that all are encompassed in these, as all other temptations stem from them. Indeed, the roots of all countless evils lie in three vices: servitude to physical desires, vanity, and an insatiable craving for wealth. Recognizing this, the vile tempter reserved his most potent temptation—the desire for more—for the end. He harbored an intense yearning to unveil this temptation from the outset; however, as this was the mightiest temptation, he held it back until later. Such is the nature of his strategy: to employ what he deems most effective to bring down his adversary. He approached Job in a similar manner, beginning with what he perceived as less significant and weaker before advancing to the most formidable. What, then, is the method for overcoming this? As Christ instructed: we must turn to God, remaining steadfast even in times of hunger, trusting in Him who can nourish us with mere words; and if we experience blessings, rather than testing the Giver, we should find satisfaction in heavenly glory and disregard human accolades, avoiding excess in all things. Truly, nothing exposes us to the devil's influence like the longing for more and greed. This is evident in today's world. Even now, there are those who entice, saying, 'We will give you all this if you bow down and worship us'; while they are merely men, they have become tools of the devil. Thus, he did not confront Christ alone, but enlisted others to aid him, as the evangelist Luke indicates when he states, 'He departed from Him until the time' (Luke 4:13); these words inform us that the devil continued to assail Christ through others. And the angels came and ministered to Him. During the conflict, Christ refrained from allowing angels to make their presence known, lest they drive away the one meant to be captured. However, once He had exposed the devil and made him flee, the angels appeared. From this, we understand that after gaining victories over the devil, angels will welcome you with joy and offer protection in all circumstances. Just as they received Lazarus, who faced trials of poverty and sorrow, and carried him to Abraham's bosom. Christ, as previously noted, demonstrated many things that will also occur to us. Therefore, since all these events have been fulfilled for your benefit, strive to emulate the victory of the Savior. If any of the devil’s ministers or accomplices approaches you, mocking, and challenges you: 'Move the mountain if you are truly a miracle worker!' - do not react with anger or indignation; instead reply humbly, as your Master did: 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' If he presents you with glory, power, and countless riches in exchange for your worship, stand firm once again. The devil did not confront our Lord alone; every day he constructs the same traps for each of His servants, not just in mountains and wilderness, but also in cities, squares, and courts, not only by his own hand but through other people. What then shall we do? We must utterly reject him, close our ears to his temptations, and hate his flattery; the more he promises, the more we must distance ourselves from him. For he led Eve to ruin, subjecting her to great misfortunes by lifting her spirit with false hopes. He is our relentless adversary, waging an unending war against us. It is not merely that we seek our salvation; he seeks our destruction. Therefore, let us turn away from him not just in words but in truth, not only in thought but also in action, ensuring that we do nothing that pleases him. In doing so, we will fulfill all that brings delight to God. The devil makes various promises, not to give but to take from us. He entices with earthly riches, intending to rob us of our kingdom and truth; he offers treasures on earth as bait, seeking to deprive us of heavenly riches; his aim is to make us comfortable here so we will forfeit our eternal wealth. When he fails to rob us of our heavenly inheritance through wealth, he tries another tactic—poverty, as seen with Job. When he realized that wealth did not harm Job, he ensnared him with poverty, hoping to triumph through that means. What greater folly could there be? He who knew how to wisely use his wealth would all the more bravely endure poverty. The man who did not cling to riches when he had them would not seek them when they are gone, just as blessed Job did not; rather, in his poverty, he became even more glorious. Although the wicked adversary could strip Job of his wealth, love for God not only remained intact but grew stronger; by taking everything from him, he was enriched with far greater abundance, leaving the devil perplexed as to his next move. The more the devil attacked him, the more he recognized Job's resilience. Ultimately, when all his strategies failed, the devil resorted to the oldest tactic—turning to Job’s wife, appearing sympathetic as he vividly described his misfortunes, disguising malicious advice as genuine concern. But he could not mislead Job; this remarkable man discerned the devil's ploy and wisely silenced his wife, who had been instigated by the tempter."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"On the mountaintop, the Lord trampled the desires of the tempter and sent them into the abyss, ensuring that the nations oppressed by these desires would be liberated. In their stead, He has bestowed upon everyone a full measure of grace, enabling that which was once subdued to now reign over all (Rom. 5:17). Just as Pharaoh was submerged in the very waters where he had drowned Jewish infants, so too did David sever Goliath’s head with the sword that had claimed many lives; by the mystery of the cross, Moses trusted in the sea and parted it, while David, through the mystery of the rock (Acts 4:11), struck down Goliath. When the Lord faced temptation from Satan, His words condemned the accuser. Pharaoh was engulfed in the waters he used for his cruelty, Goliath fell by the sword that had brought death, and Satan was vanquished and revealed as a false god by the very flesh he sought to destroy. \\n\\nYet Christ remained unperturbed by any of these challenges: when the devil tempted Him with luxury, He felt no joy; when fear was instilled within Him, He did not falter, for He steadfastly followed the path of His Father's will. Thus, the numerous temptations that Satan presented to the Source of Life did not cause Him distress. Our sorrows through Christ yield us comfort, and in His sufferings, we discover our rest. What is there for Christ to fear, knowing He is beyond harm? Fear often dwells within us because we are acutely aware that we may face danger. \\n\\nThe angels came and offered Him their service, illustrating for us that after baptism, we are to be tempted and that following temptation, we may enter the kingdom of heaven."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Evangelist did not declare: “And coming down, the angels of God ministered unto Him,” to indicate that angels consistently abide on earth to serve Him. Instead, they departed at God's command to allow the adversary to challenge Christ, ensuring that the devil would not hesitate to approach Him, even with angels in His presence. This conveys a hidden truth applicable to every believer. There are always two angels watching over humanity—the benevolent and the malevolent. While the good angel remains with us, the evil angel cannot entice us into sin. However, at God's will, the good angel may withdraw slightly—not in absence, but in concealment—keeping himself hidden from the devil, for he remains invisible to the evil one when he chooses. Thus, the good angel yields space for temptation, watching from afar to observe the outcome of this trial."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"It is noteworthy to observe that once the devil left, the angels came to serve Him. This occurrence reveals the dual natures within one individual—He is the human who faced temptation from the devil and simultaneously the divine being to whom the angels render their service. Thus, we should acknowledge our humanity reflected in Him; had the devil not perceived Him as a man, he would not have sought to tempt Him. Additionally, we must revere His divinity, for if He were not the Almighty, the angels would not attend to Him."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Lord triumphed over three major temptations: excess, pride, and the desire for riches. Among these, the pursuit of wealth is considered the most significant. Consequently, having defeated these temptations, it becomes simpler to conquer the others. This is why Luke notes, “and having ended all temptation” (Luke 4:13), despite the Lord having vanquished primarily the principal ones. As a result, the angels ministered to Him, indicating that they too will assist us following our triumph, for Christ performs and exemplifies these acts for our benefit. However, as God, He is perpetually attended to by the angels."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Luke records that after the temptation concluded, the adversary withdrew from Him for a season (Luke 4:13). It is apparent that the three temptations mentioned are the most significant, as they serve as the source for all subsequent temptations; thus, one who conquers these desires will triumph over all others. The phrase \\"until the time\\" indicates a period corresponding to the schemes of the Jews, for He faced conflict once more, not alone, but through the agency of the Jews, as if through various instruments. The three temptations the Lord faced involved indulgence, pride, and greed. These serve as the cornerstones of all sinful passions; by overcoming them, one is better equipped to defeat the rest. Therefore, Luke asserts that He has completed all temptations (Luke 4:13). The promise that He is aided by angels demonstrates that angels will likewise support us following our victories. Christ performs and reveals all things for our benefit, as He, being divine, is perpetually attended by angels. During the duration of the conflict, He refrained from allowing the angels to appear, to avoid jeopardizing the one He sought to ensnare. However, once He vanquished the foe with all His strength and compelled him to retreat, then they appeared, so that you might understand that angels will also embrace and encircle you when you emerge victorious, just as He did."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The adversary was taken aback by the Lord’s words and quickly retreated in disgrace: THEN THE DEVIL LEFT HIM, and lo, the ANGELS CAME AND MINISTERED TO HIM. St. John Chrysostom remarks, ‘As long as the conflict persisted, Christ refrained from allowing the angels to appear, fearing that their presence might drive away the one destined to be ensnared. But after He triumphed and forced him to flee, then the angels made their appearance. The Gospel does not specify what assistance the angels provided to the Lord in the wilderness; perhaps they brought Him sustenance to alleviate His hunger in a miraculous manner beyond His conscious desire. All this was achieved for you, O Christian, so be zealous and emulate the triumph of the Savior. If a servant of the enemy approaches you, mocking, and urges: 'Move the mountain if you are a miracle worker and a great man,' do not allow indignation to arise but respond humbly, just as the Lord Christ did: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ The devil did not tempt the Lord in isolation; he sets the same traps against each of His servants, not only through his own efforts but also by employing our fellow human beings. What should our response be? We must thoroughly disbelieve him, detest him; the more promises he makes, the more we should turn away from him. He is engaged in a relentless struggle against us: our salvation is not his primary concern, but rather our downfall. Let us counter him with the victorious weapon of God’s word: with this very weapon, our Leader, the Lord Jesus, achieved a significant and exemplary victory over the ruler of evil. Through this spiritual sword, the enemy was pierced three times and left the battlefield defeated. Equip yourself likewise, O Christian, with the word of God, safeguarding it in your heart and mind, and no evil shall prove insurmountable. And after our victory over it, we will be joyfully received by angels, who will guard us in all our paths."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The adversary abandoned Him at His directive. The angels then arrived; during the conflict, Christ chose not to allow their presence to avoid disrupting the struggle against the foe He aimed to defeat. However, once He had fully revealed his schemes and caused him to retreat, the angels manifested."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The founder of New Testament humanity dealt the initial blow to the first adversary of mankind, demonstrating that his dominion was over and that God’s grace was about to prevail on earth. Although the enemy later sought to tempt Christ, he was compelled to depart for a period; ‘and behold, the angels came and ministered unto Him.’"},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Evangelist Luke states that the devil had completed all his temptations (Lk. 4:13). St. John Chrysostom comments that the Evangelist addressed the chief temptations, implying that they encompass all others, as their root lies in three sources of countless evils: the desires of the flesh, pride, and an excessive love for wealth. Additionally, when he notes that the devil departed from Christ until the appointed time, the same holy Father elucidates that the devil continued to assail Christ indirectly through his followers, though he no longer confronted Him directly, mindful of his earlier defeat. The angels only came to serve Him afterwards since He chose not to allow their presence during the conflict to avoid displacing the enemy whom they should have subdued. This spiritual warfare waged by our Redeemer against the adversary of our souls mirrors the temptation that our ancestors succumbed to. The ancient serpent, known as the devil and Satan (Rev. 12:9; 20:2), initially tempted humanity with pride, saying that they would be like gods (Gen. 3:5) and also enticed them with bodily desires and visual allure: noting the woman as desirable for food and pleasant to behold (Gen. 3:6). This resulted in a bitter conquest, casting humanity into a profound enslavement to sin and the devil (Rom. 6:20). However, the promised Seed of the woman from paradise (Gen. 3:15)—our Lord Jesus Christ—conquered the ancient tempter. Therefore, through one transgression, condemnation spread to all people; similarly, through one act of righteousness, life-affirming justification was extended to all (Rom. 5:18)."},{"author-name":"Bogoslovski M.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889e63432c6dd413681d2_Bogoslovski%20M.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Following three failed attempts to lead Jesus Christ into temptation, the devil retreated from Him. St. Matthew succinctly describes this departure, noting that the devil left Him when the Lord issued a decisive command, ‘Follow me, Satan.’ In contrast, St. Luke provides a more detailed account of this event, stating that after concluding with all the devil’s temptations, he departed from Him until a future time. The phrase \\"having finished all the temptation\\" clarifies that these three trials constituted a comprehensive attempt by the devil, exhausting all his strategies and power against Christ. Despite his relentless efforts, the devil achieved no success and faced defeat each time, ultimately left with no choice but to withdraw. However, as the Evangelist mentions, this withdrawal was only until a more opportune moment arose. Such a moment can be inferred from the Lord's own words just before His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane: “this is your hour and the power of darkness,” He said to the religious leaders (Lk. 22:53), and similarly, He spoke to His disciples about the approaching prince of this world who would find nothing in Him (Jn. 14:30). During this moment, the devil attempted once again to overwhelm the Lord with the dread of His impending crucifixion, yet this effort proved just as futile as the initial temptations. \\n\\nInterestingly, in the Garden of Gethsemane, after enduring the intense assaults of the devil, an angel appeared to strengthen the Lord's weary physical form (Lk. 22:43). A comparable event occurred in the desert: as soon as the tempter departed, St. Matthew notes that angels came and ministered to Him. This ministry of angels, as referenced in Mark's Gospel, should also be placed at this specific moment rather than at any other. Until then, they had remained as silent observers of their Lord's significant and arduous struggle against the devil, akin to royal guards watching their king duel with an adversary, hesitant to participate out of fear that it might detract from their king’s honor in His victory. However, upon witnessing the triumph, they approached Him to serve, providing whatever was necessary to restore and invigorate His body, exhausted from fasting and the prolonged conflict with the devil. The Greek term διακονεω—meaning to serve—aptly describes this assistance to the Lord. Simultaneously, they undoubtedly honored Him as the conqueror over the gates of hell, celebrating this initial victory over the devil, a promise of our eventual salvation and eternal joy."}]}
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