ACC ~ Matthew 4 v7

TEMPTATION OVERCOME BY FORBEARANCE

CHRYSOSTOM: What does Christ then do? He is neither indignant nor provoked but with extreme gentleness reasons with him again from the Scriptures, saying, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God,” [1] teaching us that we must overcome the devil not by miracles but by forbearance and long-suffering and that we should do nothing at all for display and vainglory. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 13.4. [2]

[1] Mt 4:7.

[2] PG 57:211; NPNF 1 10:82*. Theodore of Mopsuestia uses the same words in his Fragment 20; MKGK 102.

LED THAT WE MIGHT NOT FOLLOW

ANONYMOUS: “Then the devil took him into the holy city.” When you hear the words “led by the devil,” do not think of the devil’s power, that he was able to lead Christ. Rather, wonder at the patience of Christ when he allowed himself to be led by the devil. Therefore, in following, the Lord did not show weakness but patience; in leading, the devil did not show strength but pride, because not understanding the willingness of Christ, it was as though he were leading an unwilling person. He was led that we might not follow the devil’s will. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 5. [1]

[1] PG 56:665.