Matthew 4:1

"Matthew."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 4:1, when Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, the term "Matthew" likely refers to the author of the Gospel, who is traditionally named as Matthew or Levi. This opening sets the stage for a narrative that emphasizes divine guidance and preparation for ministry, reflecting Matthew's perspective as a tax collector turned disciple under divine direction.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

MATTHEW CHAPTER 4 Verse 1. The wilderness. See Barnes "Mt 3:1". The Spirit. Luke says, (Lu 4:1,) that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. It was by his influence, therefore, that Christ went into the desert. To be tempted. The word to tempt, in the original, means to try, to endeavour, to attempt to do a thing; then, to try the nature of a thing, as metals by fire; then, to test moral qualities by trying them, to see how they will endure; then, to endeavour to draw men away from virtue by suggesting motives to evil. This is the meaning here, and this is now the established meaning of the word in the English language. The devil.

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