And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
All Commentaries on Matthew 6:13 Go To Matthew 6
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
Serm. in Mont., ii, 9: Some copies read, “Carry us not,” an equivalent word, both being a translation of one Greek word, εισενενχεις.Many in interpreting say, ‘Suffer us not to be led into temptation,’ as being what is implied in the word, “lead.” For God does not of Himself lead a man, but suffer him to be led from whom He has withdrawn His aid.
Epist., 130, 11: When then we say, “Lead us not into temptation,” what we askis, that we may not, deserted by His aid, either consent through the subtle snares, or yield to the forcible might, or any temptation.
De Don. Pers., 5: When the Saints pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” what else do they pray for than that they may persevere in their sanctity. This once granted - and that it is God’s gift this, that of Him we ask it, shows - none of the Saints but holds to the end his abiding holiness; for none ceases tohold on his Christian profession, till he be first overtaken of temptation. Therefore we seek not to be led into temptation that this may not happen to us; and if it does not happen, it is God that does not permit it to happen; for there is nothing done, but what Heeither does, or suffers to be done. He is therefore able to turn our wills from evil to good, to raise the fallen and to direct him into the way that is pleasing to Himself, to whom not in vain we plead, “Lead us not into temptation.”For whoso is not led into temptation of his own evil will, is free of all temptation; for, “each man is tempted of his own lust.” God would have us pray to Him that we may not be led into temptation, though He could have granted it without our prayer, that we might be kept in mind who it is from whom we receive all benefits. Let the Church therefore observe her daily prayers; she prays that the unbelieving may believe, therefore it is God that turns men to the faith; she prays that the believers may persevere; God gives them perseverance even unto the end.
