The Fathers on the third temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4 : 8-11

Abstract

The research focuses on the interpretation of a number of Church Fathers on the text describing the third temptation of Jesus in the wilderness of Judah, according to Matthew's Gospel (4:8-11). The study evaluates the way different Fathers have reflected on the text. The 'Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum' offers a mainly allegorical exegesis of the text, as well as a 'sacramental' reading. The commentary by Hilary of Poitiers reveals the convergence of several theological themes, such as Christian anthropology, soteriology and Christology. Chromatius of Aquileia presents five Old Testament texts and shows how their 'sensus plenior' is revealed in Mt 4:8-11. The practical style of Gregory the Great is demonstrated in his homily on the same text. Some concluding reflections on Augustine and his experience of temptation are highlighted. This study shows that the relevance of the Church Fathers to contemporary life is to be always underlined and appreciated.