ACC ~ Matthew 4 v8

THE ECONOMY OF GOD EXPRESSED EVEN IN TEMPTATION

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: The statement that the devil “led him away” has to be understood with reference to God’s plan, [1] since Christ, who had foretold and sought that he should do this, had prearranged for the clear defeat of the one who should try in vain to tempt him. For in the case of Job too it says that “the devil said to the Lord.” [2] But who is so simpleminded as to suppose that the devil discusses things with God? But what he had intended, God allowed him to do, in order to demonstrate Job’s indomitability. So too in the present instance, to the devil is applied whatever purpose God had wished to happen in providentially arranging all things. But as to the phrase “he showed him,” it is clear that he did not show him this in substance and reality, since it is impossible to find a mountain so high that from it someone who wishes can see the whole world. Rather it was through an imaginary image, in keeping with the demon’s usual custom, the clear identifying mark of which is the attempt to delude people of sound understanding by representing to them things that are not there as though they were there and things that have not happened as though they had happened. FRAGMENT 22. [3]

[1] Economy, oikonomia.

[2] Job 1:7; 2:2.

[3] MKGK 104.

Mt