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1
A Supernatural Fast
Commentators agree Jesus' 40-day fast was a complete, miraculous abstention from all food, not just a ceremonial ritual. Like Moses and Elijah before him, he was supernaturally sustained. Scholars note that the text says he became hungry only after the fast ended, highlighting a period of intense spiritual communion with the Father that suspended physical needs.
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Matthew
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Commentaries
9
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 4:2
18th Century
Theologian
Had fasted. He abstained from food.
Forty days and forty nights. It has been questioned by some whether Christ abstained c…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 4:2
Had fasted (νηστευσας). No perfunctory ceremonial fast, but of communion with the Father in complete abstention from food as in th…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 4:2
19th Century
Preacher
Throughout the long fast, He was miraculously sustained, but at its end, hunger began to test Him. We are more in danger when our labor or sufferin…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 4:2
The parallels with historic Israel continue. Jesus’ fast of forty days and nights reflected Israel’s forty-year wandering (). Both Israel’s and Jes…
John Gill
On Matthew 4:2
17th Century
Pastor
And when he had fasted forty days .
&c.] As Moses did, when he was about to deliver the law to the Israelites, ([Refe…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 4:1–11
17th Century
Minister
Concerning Christ's temptation, observe that immediately after He was declared to be the Son of God and the Savior of the world, He was tempted. Gr…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 4:1–11
13th Century
Philosopher
It was shown above that Christ prepared Himself for teaching by receiving baptism; now, however, He prepares Himself by overcoming temptation. Abou…