Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Luke 4:9

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

For it is of the devil to cast one's self into dangers, and try whether God will rescue us.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Athanasius of Alexandria

The devil entered not into a contest with God, (for he durst not, and therefore said, If thou art the Son of God,) but he contended with man whom once he had power to deceive.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

The whole of this narrative Matthew relates in a similar manner, but not in the same order. It is uncertain therefore which took place first, whether the kingdoms of the earth were first shown unto Him, and He was afterwards taken up to the pinnacle of the temple; or whether this came first, and the other afterwards. It matters little however which, as long as it is clear that they all took place.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Ambrose of Milan

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. …

Commentary on Luke ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

But behold, when it is said that God made man was taken up by the devil into the holy city, the mind recoils, human ears are terrified to hear this. Yet we recognize that these things are not incredible if we consider other things that were done to him. Certainly the devil is the head of all the wicked, and all the wicked are members of this head. What wonder is it then if he allowed himself to be led by him, who also allowed himself to be crucified by his members?

Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 16 ↗