FocusFaithful obedience
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the tempter with Scripture, establishing obedience before the public exercise of His ministry.
interpretation Matthew 4:1
KJVThen was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Read it in context
Temptation in the wilderness
Start reading at Matthew 4:1 (Matthew 4:1 to Matthew 4:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus answers the tempter with Scripture, establishing obedience before the public exercise of His ministry.
- 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
- 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
- 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
- 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
- 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
- 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
- 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
- 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
- 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
- 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
- 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 4:1–4:25): Jesus faces the devil's temptations, begins preaching, calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and ministers to crowds. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Temptation in the wilderness. Read Matthew 4:1 through Matthew 4:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus answers the tempter with Scripture, establishing obedience before the public exercise of His ministry. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1 to Matthew 4:11). Start reading at Matthew 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 4:1, Matthew 4:11, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
The temptation of Jesus
Parallel accounts
Matthew and Luke arrange the reported temptations differently; Mark gives a brief account.
Related passages
- was Mark 1:12-15 Rom 8:14
- of the spirit 1 Kgs 18:12 2 Kgs 2:16 Ezek 3:12,14 Ezek 8:3 Ezek 11:1,24 Ezek 40:2 Ezek 43:5 Acts 8:39
- to Gen 3:15 John 14:30 Heb 2:18 Heb 4:15-16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 4
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Ministry begins in Galilee
Matthew 4:12–17FocusLight and the kingdom
Connection to the wholeThe move to Galilee and call to repent introduce the kingdom proclamation that the following teaching develops.
interpretation Disciples and gathering crowds
Matthew 4:18–25FocusCalling, teaching, and healing
Connection to the wholeJesus calls followers and ministers to the multitudes, forming the setting for the discourse beginning in chapter 5.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.