Temptation, Trial
Temptation, Trial
Temptation is the Authorized Version translation of in every instance except one (1Pe 4:12); and generally in Revised Version , but not in Act 20:19, Rev 3:10; 1Pe 4:12, where we find trials, trial, and prove. The cognate verb is usually translation tempt, but we also find assay, Act 9:26; Act 16:7 (Authorized Version and Revised Version ) Act 24:6 (Revised Version ); go about, Act 24:6 (Authorized Version ); examine, 2Co 13:5 (Authorized Version ), try (Revised Version ). The compound verb is translation tempt by both Eng. versions (1Co 10:9). The tempter is (1Th 3:5, Authorized Version and Revised Version ). is rendered cannot be tempted (Jam 1:13, Authorized Version and Revised Version ).
Trial in Authorized Version represents (2Co 8:2; Revised Version proof); (1Pe 1:7; Revised Version proof); (Heb 11:38, Authorized Version and Revised Version ). Try represents (1Co 3:13, 1Th 2:4; 2Pe 1:7, 1Jn 4:1; Revised Version prove), which, however, in Revised Version is always and in Authorized Version is more frequently translation prove or approve (for approve see G. L. Craik, The English of Shakespeare, London, 1869, p. 147f.); (Heb 11:17, Rev 2:2; Rev 2:10; Rev 3:10, Authorized Version and Revised Version try); (1Pe 4:12; Revised Version prove). Tried is (Jam 1:12; Revised Version approved), in every other instance translation approve in both Authorized Version and Revised Version .
To tempt does not always mean to seduce to sin. The Gr. word usually so translation may mean merely attempt. St. Paul attempted to join himself to the disciples (Act 9:26). He attempted to go into Bithynia (Act 16:7). He was accused of attempting to profane the Temple (Act 24:6). It may mean to try, examine, in order to ascertain the quality or nature of a thing or person. The hour of trial or temptation is to come to try or tempt them that dwell upon the earth (Rev 3:10). The angel of the church in Ephesus tried or tempted them which called themselves apostles and were not, and found them false (Rev 2:2). Temptations may be circumstances which give a man an opportunity of showing what is in him. Thus St. James exhorts his readers to count it all joy when they fall into manifold temptations (Rev 1:2). The ancient worthies were tempted, and acquitted themselves like the heroes they were (Heb 11:37). St. Paul met with trials which befell him by the plots of the Jews (Act 20:19; cf. Heb 11:36). Sometimes it is clear that the hope is entertained that the person tempted will stand the test. Abraham was tried, and offered up Isaac (Heb 11:17). St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to try themselves, to prove themselves (2Co 13:5). The angel of the church in Smyrna is warned that some of them will be cast into prison that they may be tried (Rev 2:10). St. Peter tells his readers that the fiery trial () among them cometh upon them to tempt or to prove them (1Pe 4:12). St. Paul rejoices that the temptation to the Galatians in his flesh was overcome by them (Gal 4:14). God cannot be tempted with evil (Jam 1:13), but there is a sense in which He may be tempted or tried. Men by their sinful and rebellious conduct may provoke Him to display His righteous indignation against sin, and when they act otherwise than in accordance with His will they may be said to be tempting or trying Him. Thus St. Peter says that Ananias and Sapphira are tempting the Spirit of the Lord by their deceit with regard to their property (Act 5:9). The same Apostle asserts that the brethren are tempting God by wishing to subject the Gentile converts to circumcision (Act 15:10). In the day of temptation in the wilderness the Israelites tempted God (Heb 3:8 f., 1Co 10:9). There are not a few instances in which temptation means seduction to sin or exposure to the danger of falling before it. They that desire to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare (1Ti 6:9). The married amongst the Corinthians are warned to beware lest Satan tempt them because of their incontinency (1Co 7:5). St. Paul is afraid lest the Thessalonians have yielded to the temptation to apostasy (1Th 3:5). He exhorts the Galatians to be considerate towards those who have been overtaken in any trespass, lest they also should be tempted (Gal 6:1). St. James describes the course which temptation when unresisted takes. Each man is tempted, when be is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin (Gal 1:14 f.). In the sense of enticing to evil it is Satan that tempts men. He is the tempter, St. Paul is anxious lest the tempter had tempted the Thessalonians, and his labour should be in vain (1Th 3:5). Satan may tempt the Corinthians (1Co 7:5). Men transgress by the suggestions of the adversary (Clem. Rom. li. 1). In this sense of the word God tempts no man (Jam 1:13). He rather so regulates the temptation that men may be able to resist it. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it (1Co 10:13). He knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation (2Pe 2:9); and this is true also when temptation means distress. The Mighty One hath not forgotten the house of Israel in temptation (in tentatione, 4 Ezr 12:47). Christ, too, succours the tempted. Having been tempted Himself in all points like as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15), having Himself suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted (Heb 2:18).
Temptation, whether arising from trying circumstances or from incitement to sin, if successfully encountered, leads to progress in the moral life and to blessedness. Among the Agrapha is the saying, A man is unproved () if he be untempted (, Didase. Syr. ii. 8). Tertullian reports one to the effect that neminem intentatum regna clestia consecuturum (de Bapt. 20). Faith tested results in patience (Jam 1:2 f.). Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved (), he shall receive the crown of life (Jam 1:12). Those whose faith withstands manifold temptations shall receive praise and glory and honour (1Pe 1:6 f.).
We have seen that the Gr. words usually rendered temptation and tempt sometimes have the meaning of trying or testing. But words used more frequently with these meanings are and its cognates, and in the rest of this article it is with these words that we shall deal. Men and things are tried in order to find out their true nature. Gold is tried with fire (1Pe 1:7). Before partaking of the Lords Supper a man must try himself (1Co 11:28). Men must try themselves whether they are in the faith (2Co 13:5). Each man must try his own work (Gal 6:4). Test all things; hold fast that which is good (1Th 5:21). Deacons must be proved before they are allowed to serve (1Ti 3:10). Fire tests the work of men (1Co 3:13). God tests or examines mens hearts (1Th 2:4). Prove the spirits, whether they are of God (1Jn 4:1). Sometimes it is evident that it is hoped that the testing will have a favourable result, and it may be pointed out that Satan is never said to test men. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that he might know the proof of them, whether they were obedient in all things (2Co 2:9). He proves through the earnestness of others the sincerity of their love (2Co 8:8). Frequently it appears to be taken for granted that the object tested will be or has been found worthy. The Jew approveth the things that are excellent (? Rom 2:18). It is hoped that the Philippians will do the same (Rom 1:10). Men may approve what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom 12:2). St. Paul has been approved of God (1Th 2:4). The Ephesians are exhorted to approve what is well-pleasing unto the Lord (1Th 5:10). Occasionally the word seems to mean to pass a verdict of worthiness upon. Whomsoever ye shall approve by letters, them will I send (1Co 16:3). Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth (Rom 14:22).
One who conducts himself nobly under trial has advanced a step beyond patience (Rom 5:4). He has attained a trustworthy character (Php 2:22; cf. 2Co 8:22). He is approved (). If the result of the testing is unsatisfactory, he is reprobate (). He who serves Christ in the Kingdom of God is approved of men (Rom 14:18). Apelles is the approved in Christ (Rom 16:10). One who refused to countenance divisions () in the Church is approved (1Co 11:19). Approval means not self-commendation, but the commendation of the Lord (2Co 10:18). A workman needing not to be ashamed is approved unto God (2Ti 2:15). Doing that which is honourable brings a person real, as distinguished from seeming, approval (2Co 13:7).
Literature.-Encyclopaedia Biblica , article Trial, Trying, Hasting’s Dictionary of the Bible (5 vols) , article Tempt, Temptation, Dict. of Christ and the Gospels , article Temptation; Hastings Single-vol. Dictionary of the Bible , article Temptation; Handkommentar zum Neuen Testament2, Freiburg, 1892, s.v. Versuchung in Indexes; H. Ewald, Old and New Testament Theology, Eng. translation , Edinburgh, 1888, p. 263 ff.; F. W. Robertson, Sermons, 1st ser., London, 1875, serm. vii.; John Foster, Lectures, do., 1853, i. 42ff.
William Watson.
TEN
See Numbers.