Was led. So Matthew. Mark says, " The Spirit driveth, [ε κ β α λ λ ε ι] or thrusteth him forth.

By the Spirit [ε ν τ ω π ν ε υ μ α τ ι]. The American Revisers render in the spirit, indicating the sphere rather than the impulse of his action. Into the wilderness. The A. V. has followed the reading eijv, into. The proper reading is ejn, in. He was not only impelled into the wilderness, but guided in the wilderness by the Spirit.

Forty days. This should be joined with the preceding words, indicating the duration of his stay in the wilderness, not of his temptation, as A. V., being forty days tempted. Read as Rev., in the wilderness during forty days. The devil. See on Matthew 4:1.

He did eat nothing. Mark does not mention the fast. Matthew uses the word nhsteusav, having fasted, which, throughout the New Testament, is used of abstinence for religious purposes; a ritual act accompanying seasons of prayer.

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Old Testament