Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 4:1

1. THen was Jesus led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil.

This is mentioned by two of the other Evangelists Mar. 1.12. and Luk. 4.1. Luke saith that being full of the Holy Ghost, he returned from Iordan, and was led by the Spirit, &c. Mark saith immediately the Spirit drove him, Great manifestations of Divine Love, are commonly followed with great Temptations. Others observe, That Temptations usually follow Baptism, the beginnings of spiritual Life, and Covenants made with God. He was led up: Some think he was taken up, Mark useth the word [non-Latin text not transcribed], the Spirit thrust him out, we must not understand an Act of Compulsion, doubtless he went voluntarily of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, that lighted upon him as a Dove into the Wilderness. Mark's saying, Mar. 1.13. That he was there with wild Beasts, lets us know that it was not such a Wilderness as Iohn began to Preach in, ch. 3.1. But an howling Wilderness full of wild Beasts. The end is expressed in the last words [to be Tempted of the Devil] thus his Temptations are distinguished from Divine Temptations, such as Abraham had, Gen. 22.1. and by Tempted here is meant sollicited, or moved to sin, in which Sense God tempteth no Man, Iames 1.13. The general Notion of Tempting, is making a Tryal, God makes a Tryal of his People for the Proof, and Manifestation of their Gracious Habit. Satan by moving to sin, makes a Tryal of Corruption, which was the reason, that altho Christ was Tempted: That he might be able to succour those that are Tempted. Heb. 2.18. and that he might taste all those Evils to which we are exposed, and might overcome the Devil, yet when the Prince of this World came, he could effect nothing against him, because he found nothing in him, to comply with his Motions.