ACC ~ Luke 4 v9 - 12

SATAN USES SCRIPTURE SELECTIVELY BY CONVENIENCE

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: [Satan] set [Jesus] up on the pinnacle of the temple. Satan wanted him to suppose that he who was a man could become God, by means of the godly house, just as Satan had once made Adam suppose that he could become God by means of that tree. [1] He brought him up to the mountain, [2] as though he were in need. “To you will I give the kingdoms, if you will adore me.” [3] When he changed his mode of cunning, he did not change the true One with it. In the beginning God made him, and, when complete, he was in need and a worshiper. [4] But Satan became blind in the arrogance of his worship, because of all that he had acquired, and for this reason he was punished even more. Because Satan did not recognize the One who knew him intimately, our Lord addressed him by his name, Satan. [5] But he did not know how he should address our Lord.

Therefore he said to him, “Fall down from here, for it is written, ‘They will guard you lest you stumble.’” Tempter, if it is concerning him that the psalm is fulfilled, is it not also written there, “With his wings, that he may deliver you”? [6] It is not possible for a bird to fall, for the air beneath its wings is like the earth. Is it not also written, “You will tread on the serpent and the lion”? [7] Satan studied only those passages from Scriptures that were convenient to him and omitted those which were harmful to him. The heretics are like this too. They appropriate from Scripture those passages that suit their erroneous teaching and omit those that refute their errors, thereby demonstrating that they are disciples of this master. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 4.8B-C. [8]

[1] Gen 3:5.

[2] Mt 4:8.

[3] Mt 4:9.

[4] Heb 1:6.

[5] Mt 4:10.

[6] Ps 91:12.

[7] Ps 91:13.

[8] ECTD 87-88**.

EVE ENTICED BY THE DESIRE TO WORSHIP ANOTHER

AMBROSE: You see, ancient errors are undone in Christ’s footprints, and the snares, first of the stomach, second of sexual sin, and third of ambition, are loosed. For Adam was enticed by food. Because he willingly transgressed in the matter of the forbidden tree, he also was charged with heedless ambition, for he desired to be like the Godhead. [1] Therefore the Lord first remitted the debt of the ancient wrong, in order that, having shaken off the yoke of captivity, we may learn to overcome our faults with the help of the Scriptures. … The devil shakes the whole world with cunning deceit, in order to corrupt people, and fights with all the enticements of this age. You must beware of his flattery all the more. Food had not persuaded Eve, nor had the forgetfulness of the commands deprived her. If she had been willing to worship the Lord alone, she would not have sought what was not due to her. So a remedy is given, which blunts the dart of ambition, so that we serve the Lord alone. Pious devotion lacks ambition. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 4.33-34. [2]

[1] Gen 3:5.

[2] EHG 126-27**; CSEL 32 4:155-56.

JESUS DID NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANGELS

ORIGEN: Therefore let us see what the devil says to the Lord from the Scriptures. “Scripture says, ‘He gave his angels a command concerning you that they should raise you up in their hands, lest perhaps you strike your foot against a stone.’” See how crafty he is, even in the texts he quotes. For he wishes to diminish the Savior’s glory, as if the Savior needed the help of angels. It is as if he would strike his foot unless he were supported by their hands. The devil takes his verse from Scripture and applies it to Christ. Yet it is written not of Christ but about the saints in general. Freely and in total confidence I contradict the devil. This passage cannot be applied to the person of Christ, for Christ does not need the help of angels. He is greater than the angels and obtained a better name than they by inheritance. “God never said to any of the angels, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you.’” [1] HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 31.4. [2]

THE PINNACLE OF THE TEMPLE IS CHRIST

PRUDENTIUS:

Still the pinnacle stands, outlasting the temple’s destruction,

For the corner raised up from that stone which the builders rejected [3]

Will remain throughout all ages forever and ever.

Now it is head of the temple and holds the new stones together.

SCENES FROM SACRED HISTORY 31. [4]

[1] Ps 2:7; Heb 1:5.

[2] FC 94:127*.

[3] Lk 20:17.

[4] FC 52:189.