Luke 4:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’

NIV: For it is written: ''He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;

NASB: for it is written: ‘HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS ORDERS CONCERNING YOU, TO PROTECT YOU,’

CSB: For it is written:He will give his angels orders concerning you,to protect you,

NLT: For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.

KJV: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

NKJV: For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’

Jesus and Satan are at the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 4:9). This was likely 30 stories, or about 90 meters, above the surrounding ground. The Devil (Luke 4:1–8) suggests Jesus should deliberately jump, which would force God to provide a supernatural rescue. This would immediately reveal Jesus as Christ to the entire world. It would also short-cut God's plan to redeem mankind through the cross.

In other moments, Jesus responded to temptation with references to the book of Deuteronomy. Satan is also able to quote Scripture. This statement, continued in the next verse (Luke 4:11) comes from Psalm 91:11–12. Taken out of context, this seems to suggest God is obligated to protect Jesus from all physical harm, no matter what He does. As with His other tests, Jesus properly responds by rejecting sin and choosing to trust in God's timing (Luke 4:12). Christ doesn't suggest that God would abandon Him—only that it would be wrong to challenge God, as if daring Him to break His promises.

Luke 4:1–13 describes Jesus' temptation by Satan. During forty days of fasting, the Devil entices Him using offers of comfort, power, and prestige. In each case, Jesus responds with Scripture and a commitment to God's will. This series of events is also recorded in Matthew 4:1–11 and Mark 1:12–13. While Matthew's account implies an explicit order for these temptations, Luke's does not.

Jesus is taken into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. While fasting there, He is tempted by Satan. These temptations share an element of ignoring God in favor of what seems easier or quicker. Jesus resists all of these, citing Scripture as He does. When Jesus returns, He preaches and heals to great publicity in Judea and Galilee. While His hometown responds with stubborn skepticism, others are eager to hear His teaching and experience His miraculous power.

Chapter 3 explained how John the Baptist preached to prepare others to receive Jesus Christ. Luke then provided Jesus' earthly ancestry. Chapter 4 begins with Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. He returns to preach and perform healing miracles in Judea and Galilee. Chapter 5 shows Him calling disciples and demonstrating further proofs of His authority.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 5/2/2024 12:05:47 PM