Luke 4:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 4:13
13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
Chapter Context
Luke 4 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, truth, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 4:13
13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
Analysis
And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. Luke's summary indicates Satan's withdrawal is temporary, not permanent. The phrase syntelesas panta peirasmon (συντελέσας πάντα πειρασμόν, having completed every temptation) suggests a comprehensive assault—Satan exhausted his arsenal. The verb apestē (ἀπέστη, he departed) indicates Satan's retreat, but the qualifier for a season (achri kairou, ἄχρι καιροῦ, until an opportune time) warns of his return. Satan would return at Gethsemane (Luke 22:53) and Golgotha, continuing his assault on Christ.
This verse teaches that spiritual victory doesn't eliminate future conflict. Even Christ, after defeating temptation, faced ongoing Satanic opposition throughout His ministry. The devil's temporary withdrawal after exhausting temptations parallels the experience of believers—seasons of intense spiritual warfare alternate with periods of relative peace. Yet Satan remains the 'adversary' (1 Peter 5:8) who 'walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.' Victory in one battle doesn't end the war. Vigilance remains essential throughout the Christian life.
Historical Context
Luke's emphasis on Satan's temporary withdrawal (unique to his Gospel) prepares readers for Satan's return at crucial moments: entering Judas (Luke 22:3), demanding to sift Peter (Luke 22:31), and the 'power of darkness' at Jesus' arrest (Luke 22:53). This pattern reflects first-century Jewish understanding of spiritual warfare as ongoing conflict between God's kingdom and Satan's. The wilderness temptations represented Satan's initial assault on Jesus' messianic mission; subsequent attacks would continue until the cross delivered the decisive blow to Satan's power (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14). Early Christians understood they lived in the 'already-not yet' period between Christ's victory and Satan's final defeat.
Reflection
- How does Satan's departure 'for a season' challenge the expectation that one spiritual victory eliminates future temptation?
- What does this teach about the need for ongoing vigilance in the Christian life even after significant spiritual victories?
- How should believers prepare for Satan's return during vulnerable 'opportune times' in their lives?
Cross-References
- Evil: Matthew 4:11, James 4:7
- Parallel theme: John 14:30, Hebrews 4:15