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of the fact that this "temptation" or "trial" (apparently ophthalmia, verse 15) had rendered
him despicable and loathsome in appearance, the Galatians had received him as "an angel
of God, even as Christ Jesus". It is beyond belief that, had this "temptation" in the flesh
had any connection with sin, the Galatian Christians would have so received him.
We pass on to the second and only other occurrence in the epistle:
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one
in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6: 1).
Ignoring the chapter division and reading this first verse as a continuation of the
subject of the previous chapter, we shall find that "meekness" is a "fruit of the spirit", and
the "spiritual" brethren of Gal. 6: 1 are exhorted to restore a fallen brother in the "spirit
of meekness". What this spirit involves is made evident by the words, "considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted". It is evident that the "temptation" against which these
brethren are here warned is one of pride and confidence, as they contrast themselves with
the erring brother; not a test of faith, but a temptation to spiritual pride, which is sin.
This, then, is the first passage we have met that uses the word in this sense. But is it the
teaching of Scripture that our Saviour ever needed this warning against spiritual pride?
Surely the words, "God forbid!" arise in most minds at such a thought.
We must next examine I Thessalonians. Paul was solicitous for the believers left at
Thessalonica, and had sent Timothy to comfort them concerning the faith, his object
being "that no man should be moved by these afflictions", for he had himself warned
them that "we are appointed thereunto", and that "we should suffer tribulation". It is in
this context that we meet the only occurrences of peirazo.
"For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by
some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain" (I Thess. 3: 5).
There is no thought here of temptation to commit sin (to steal, to lie, to commit
adultery); it is a temptation relating to The Faith.
Macknight expands the passage as follows:
"For this reason also, no longer bearing my anxiety on your account, I sent Timothy to
know your faith, fearing lest, by the calumnies propagated concerning me, as having no
real affection for you, the devil may have tempted you to think me an impostor, who, in
preaching to you, had my own interest only in view, and so my labours in converting you
have become fruitless."
This idea, together with the reference to being "moved by afflictions" and the
inevitableness of tribulation, show that it was the fear of their yielding under great
external pressure, not to internal lust and desire, that had aroused the Apostle's concern.
The next occurrences are found in the epistles to the Corinthians. They are five in
number and we will cite them together.