A Commentary on the Book of Matthew

4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” 

Next, Satan brings Jesus to an unidentified but extremely high mountain where He could see the many kingdoms and their glory. Many speculate that this was not on any mountain since there are no mountains high enough to see all of then known civilization, let alone all of the world, but that is what the Greek word ‘oros’^[3] means (can be either a hill or mountain), although the account of the same event in Luke does not mention a mountain at all (see Luke 4:5). Regardless of actual location, Satan is offering Jesus a short cut, instead of suffering and dying, Jesus could fall down and worship Satan and he would give Him all of those kingdoms. Again, Jesus refuses and commands him to be gone, He once again quotes from the Bible, “It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13a, note fear and worship are closely related as one often worships what they fear).

4:11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. 

The devil was told to leave and he did, Jesus was not going to be tempted by Satan. In Luke’s account, the author added that the devil departed from Jesus, “until an opportune time” (see Luke 4:13) where he will try tempting Jesus again. Matthew records that after Satan left, the angels came and ministered to Jesus, the text does not offer any details. 

Considerations 

Introducing Satan^[4] 

This is not an easy subject, as we have to go to several places in the Bible to compile information as to who and what is this entity Scripture calls Satan or the devil. Many people do not believe that he exists, Jesus referred to him by name and that evidence alone should be enough to convince someone of his existence.

We do not know exactly when God created the angels, but we do know that throughout Scripture they are used by God to do a number of tasks, especially around God’s throne. One of the greatest angels created was called Lucifer (a Hebrew name essentially meaning ’shining one’), a Cherub (please do not picture in your mind a cute little angel with a bow and arrow, these Cherubs were mighty in every sense of the word). He led an angelic rebellion against God as well as against all who serve God. A total of one-third of all angels chose to follow Lucifer (see Revelation 12:4-9), who is best known in the Bible as Satan (Hebrew word meaning ‘adversary’ or ‘accuser’). Most scholars believe that Lucifer did not sin, nor cause the rebellion until after God called everything good (see Genesis 1:31). So how did something that started out perfect, spawn an entity that is totally against the ways of God?

The vast percentage of what we know about Satan comes from two prophets that God called to speak the King of Babylon (see Isaiah 14:12-15) and to the King of Tyre (see Ezekiel 28:13-15). It would be accurate to say that the prophets were speaking to the “power behind” these kings, and that would be none other than Satan. We read that Lucifer’s “heart was proud” because of his beauty resulted in the corruption of his mind in favor of his own splendor and brightness (see Ezekiel 28:17). Though a created being himself, he was deluded by his own pride and said in his heart, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:14). He thought that he was a god or could become like God. So he began a campaign against God organizing various ranks and positions of authority of dark angels (Paul called them spiritual forces of evil and cosmic powers, see Ephesians 6:12) to fight God, His angels, and anyone who serves God.

Satan is referred to by many names and titles in the Bible, including: the devil (Greek word ‘diabolos’^[5] meaning an accuser or slanderer); “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44); the wicked or evil one (see Matthew 13:19, 38); a tempter (see Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5); the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31); “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4); “the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9); and several others. The apostle Peter wrote that “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). But he will ultimately be destroyed (see Isaiah 14:15; Matthew 25:41), we also read in the last book of the Bible, “the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10) The Lake of Fire is another name for hell. 

While the Bible shows Satan as a formidable enemy of ours, we need to remember that he is a created being and is as such, is no match for God. Christians often make one of two common errors regarding Satan. The first is thinking that Satan cannot affect a Christian and that he will always obey Christian demands in the name of Jesus. While that is most-often true, it would be recommended that if you consider engaging any dark force, do so only after confirmation from the Holy Spirit. This is a serious issue, the devil and his minions (not the yellow variety) are much more powerful than any human and should be avoided, if possible. Satan is very smart, plus he has had a long time observing humanity, he knows exactly what “buttons to push” in our lives to tempt us. In those cases remember to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8). The second error that is often made is thinking Satan and God are equals, he is not!

Temptation

The Greek noun that is most often translated as ‘temptation’, is ’peirasmos’,^[6] it comes from the Greek verb ‘peirazō’,^[7] which means to try, to test, to prove, or to tempt. The concept of temptation is an often-occurring theme in the Bible. As it is a human weakness, and because it is a weakness, it is also one of Satan’s favorite tools against those that follow God. Some believe that God also tempts His people (see James 1:13), as referred to in the Lord’s Prayer (see Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4). However it may be more accurate, that since the word can also be translated as ’test’, to say that God ‘tests’ His people. Going through trials is often the only way to determine if one has true faith (remember Abraham and his son Isaac, see Genesis 22:1-24). This is not to say that God doesn’t already know the level of one’s faith. The test is not for His enlightenment, it is for the person’s growth. In the book of Romans, Paul referred to the story of Abraham’s faith being counted to him as righteousness (see Romans 4:13-22), concluding, “But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 4:23-5:5) Note the progression, suffering produces endurance (just as a long-distance runner can endure longer runs), endurance produces character (focusing on God, not one self), and character produces hope, a stronger faith. This form of “proof testing” improves our usefulness in the kingdom while we are here on earth and it brings us closer to God.

We also read in the epistle written by James where he opens with the pronouncement, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4) Using the same Greek noun (‘peirasmos’) that is translated here in his epistle as ‘trials’, James recognized the value in growing spiritually through trials. Temptation, trials, and tests are indeed valuable, but they can also be disastrous. When experiencing any temptation, going through any trial, or find yourself being tested, always keep your eyes on Jesus! Again, also remember that James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8a)

No Denials

It is interesting to note that during this time of temptation, Jesus never denied the truth of anything Satan was saying. When the devil tempted Jesus with the offer of giving Him the kingdoms on earth, Jesus didn’t rebuke him. While it is true that God is in control over all things and people, the Bible tells us that due to sin, the world is under the rulership of Satan. In John 12:31, referring to Satan, Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out,” (see also John 14:30). His casting out has not happened yet, as the apostle Paul noted, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4). But we must remember that Satan’s claim is only temporary, as the book of Revelation reports, “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

Jesus Begins to Preach

[Verse 12 parallels Mark 1:14a and Luke 4:14a; verse 17 parallels Mark 1:14b-15 and Luke 4:14b-15.]

4:12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” 

Upon hearing that John the Baptist had been arrested by Herod the tetrarch (the son of Herod the Great, also known as Antipas,^[8] see also Luke 3:19-20), Jesus headed back north to the Galilee region, first to Nazareth and then to Capernaum. Many question was Jesus afraid of Herod? No, besides, at that time the region of Galilee was also under Herod’s rule. The timing corresponded with the news of John being arrested, nothing more should be interpreted or implied. God’s timing is always perfect, there will be events in the gospels that will seemingly affect Jesus’ timing and decisions, but we need to remember that He, being God is omniscient. For example, later in the book of John we read about Jesus learning that the Pharisees had heard that He was making and baptizing disciples, and that He had to go through Samaria as He traveled north (considered the same event as recorded here in Matthew). We need to understand that Jesus wasn’t avoiding a conflict, He had an ‘appointment’ with a Samaritan woman (see John 4:1-45). God is not limited in any way, those events that seem to influence Jesus’ decisions are all part of His plan and therefore perfect in timing. Matthew then connects the prophecy written in Isaiah 9 to this story, as he quotes the first two verses.

Matthew notes that having Jesus begin His ministry in the Galilee region that it fulfilled prophecy that stated a great light will dawn in Zebulon and Naphtali for those Gentiles dwelling in darkness (see below). This is the first appearance of the Greek word ‘ethnōn’^[9] (plural of ‘ethnos’) in the New Testament. It is translated here as ‘Gentiles’, it can also be translated as ‘nations’, many English versions use these words interchangeably, based on context. The word refers to any people group belonging or living together, the word is generally used to designate any non-Jewish people or nation (the Hebrew equivalent of ‘gōy’ or ‘gōyim’,^[10] which also can be translated as either Gentiles or nations). 

4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

Matthew records that Jesus’ ministry essentially picked up where John the Baptist’s ministry left off, preaching the same message. Calling for people to repent as the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (see Matthew 3:2). 

Considerations 

Prophetic Text Overview No. 7

Matthew quotes a portion of Isaiah 9:1-2 from the Septuagint, which reads a little different than the Hebrew texts: “Do this first; do it quickly, O country of Zaboulon, the land of Nephthalim, and the rest who inhabit the seashore and beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations, the parts of Judea. O you people who walk in darkness, see a great light! O you who live in the country and in the shadow of death, light will shine on you!”^[11] (NETS)

Even though the nation of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) was experiencing a dark period in their history during the reign of Ahaz, Isaiah presented several prophecies concerning the Messiah. In chapter nine, Isaiah is offering new hope for the people of Israel. At the time it was written the old territories identified as that belonging to the tribes Zebulon and Naphtali were under pagan influence and control (part of the corrupt Northern Kingdom), Isaiah writes that they will see a great light which will shine on them. In verse six Isaiah begins to describe this great light, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) These well-known verses clearly describe who and what Jesus is, while verses 1-2 identify the location where He will begin His ministry and now fulfillment of those verses is confirmed by Matthew.

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

[Text parallels Mark 1:16-20]

4:18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

We were first introduced to the Sea of Galilee in verse 15,^[12] this lake has a rich history and is known in the Bible under several different names, such as the Sea of Cinnereth (see Numbers 34:11; Joshua 12:3; 13:27); the Lake of Gennesaret (see Luke 5:1); the Sea of Tiberius (see John 6:1; 21:1); or just simply, “the Sea” as seen in verse 15. The Jordan flows in from the north side of the lake and flows out the south side. It is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. Much of Jesus’ ministry was near this body of water.

Here Jesus was walking near or on the shore of the Sea of Galilee when He saw two brothers named Simon (Matthew knew Simon’s name would be changed later to Peter,^[13] see Matthew 16:13-20) and Andrew as they were casting a net into the water (Greek ‘amphíblēstron’,^[14] a casting net with weights, designed for one person to cast). Again, remember there is nothing in the gospels that happen “by chance.” Jesus approaches them and tells them to follow Him and that He will make them “fishers of men.” Both of them drop what they are doing and followed Jesus.

Jesus used an unusual phrase, “fishers of men.” Did Simon and Andrew know what Jesus meant? If they were students of Scripture (which would consist of only the Old Testament at that time), yes, they would have been familiar with the prophecy of Jeremiah 16 regarding the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. In verse 16 we read, “I’m going to send for many fishermen,” declares the LORD, “and they will catch the people of Israel.” (Jeremiah 16:16a, GW) Some believe this section of Jeremiah has a double fulfillment^[15] with the second fulfillment pertaining to the coming Messiah. 

Their deliverance out of captivity shall be a type and figure of this great salvation to be wrought out by the Messiah, who shall gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. And this is that which so far outshines the deliverance out of Egypt as even to eclipse the lustre of it, and make it even to be forgotten. To this some apply that of the many fishers and hunters, the preachers of the gospel, who were fishers of men, to enclose souls with the gospel net, to find them out in every mountain and hill, and secure them for Christ. Then the Gentiles came to God, some from the ends of the earth, and turned to the worship of him from the service of dumb idols.^[16]

If the two brothers also considered those verses as being a reference to the Messiah, it could explain their interest and immediate response to follow Jesus.

4:21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. 

Jesus then saw two other brothers, James^[17] and John with their father Zebedee, as they were mending their nets on a boat. Jesus called them and they did as Simon and Andrew has just done, they immediately followed Him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

All four men immediately dropped everything and followed Jesus, leaving their careers as fishermen.

Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds

[Text parallels Mark 1:35-39 and Luke 4:42-44]

4:23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. 

Matthew summarizes Jesus’ early ministry in the Galilee region. He taught in synagogues (see Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:16-37) and offered healing (see Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:38-41; John 4:46-54). Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom. This is the first use of the Greek word ‘euangelion’^[18] in the New Testament, referring to the bringing of good news (see Introduction) regarding the Kingdom of God. As one would expect, the news of someone healing people would gather a lot of attention. People from throughout Syria to the north, from all around Galilee, from the Decapolis^[19] (east), from Jerusalem and Judea from the south and from beyond the Jordan River (east side). Jesus was healing those oppressed by demons,^[20] having seizures, those paralyzed, and those suffering from any other disease or pain. 

Considerations

What is the gospel of the Kingdom of God?

To answer the question as to what the “gospel of the Kingdom” is (or any variant of similar phrasing),^[21] it is the true gospel message, or one could briefly state it just like the apostle Paul did in his first epistle to the church in Corinth, “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3b-4). However, to fully appreciate and understand the gospel message, all four gospel accounts should be read.^[22] 

Synagogues

The exact origin and history of Jewish synagogues is often debated, however, most scholars agree that they began as the result of the destruction of the Kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C. With the Temple destroyed and most of their people exiled into Babylon, the Jews were cut off from their traditional methods of seeking God’s assistance or forgiveness (through sacrifices, etc.) Plus, they had no way to continue celebrating their God-ordained festivals. 

During the years of exile, it appears likely that groups of Israelites periodically gathered together for mutual support and consolation and to maintain their connection with fellow Jews and the God of Israel. In the Land of Israel, it had been customary to visit the prophet on Sabbaths and days of the New Moon (2 Kings 4:23). Consequently, in Babylonia gatherings would take place on these days with a local leader, such as the prophet Ezekiel (who was also a Kohen). The prophet would probably read to the people from the forewarnings of the approaching disaster, as well as offer some words of comfort or hope. Torah portions dealing with the Exodus from Egypt would also be appropriate, to assure the people that the God who redeemed their ancestors would also redeem them if they proved worthy. There probably was recitation of the psalms that the Levites used to sing in the Temple on the day of the week corresponding to that of the gathering. Special prayers might be composed for the occasion, including confessions of sins to obtain divine mercy and redemption.

The Jews of Babylonia attended these informal meetings with increasing frequency, because they filled the religious void created by the destruction of the Temple. In time, these informal meetings became routine religious functions of the community. “Public prayer progressively became regarded as an official religious ritual, and the gatherings at the prayer houses were seen as religious requirements … In later years, when the Jews returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple, many of them continued to attend the prayer meetings.” Eventually, the prayers became organized into a synagogue liturgy.^[23]

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