{Then the devil leaveth him} (	ote aphi(8873)in auton ho
diabolos). Note the use of "then" (	ote) again and the
historical present. The movement is swift. "And behold" (kai
idou) as so often in Matthew carries on the life-like picture.
"{Angels came} (aorist tense pros(886c)thon punctiliar action) {and
were ministering} (di(886b)onoun, picturesque imperfect, linear
action) {unto him}."  The victory was won in spite of the fast of
forty days and the repeated onsets of the devil who had tried
every avenue of approach. The angels could cheer him in the
inevitable nervous and spiritual reaction from the strain of
conflict, and probably also with food as in the case of Elijah
( 1Ki 19:6f. ). The issues at stake were of vast import as the
champions of light and darkness grappled for the mastery of men.
 Lu 4:13  adds, that the devil left Jesus only "until a good
opportunity" (achri kairou).