The word “world” is “oikoumene”, which refers to the “inhabited world” - not the whole planet or the worldly system identified with the Greek words “ge” and “kosmos.” “Oikoumene” was used to refer to the Roman Empire (i.e., the inhabited world of that time), which indicates Satan controlled the Roman (146 BC- 476 AD) system as he also had controlled the previous five major world empires:
- Egypt (1450-745 BC),
- Assyria (745-612 BC),
- Babylon (612-539 BC),
- Persia (539-330 BC),
- Greece (330-146 BC).
These six empires are likely six of the seven heads on the beast referred to in Revelation 13:1:
“I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.”
According to Paul’s words written to the Corinthians in 56 AD, Satan is the "god of this age.”
(2 Corinthians 4:4)
In today’s text verse above, Satan is offering Jesus an opportunity to begin his reign as Messiah
under Satan’s authority in Satan’s kingdom. Theoretically, Satan pictures Jesus bypassing his mission of salvation in order to begin his Messianic rule of the earth.
Satan’s power and authority in the world is often mentioned in Scripture:
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” - John 12:31
“I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me” - John 14:30
“the prince of this world now stands condemned.” - John 16:11
“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” - 1 John 5:19
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, “ - 2 Corinthians 4:4
“…in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
- Ephesians 2:2
“The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.” – Revelation 13:2
In Luke 4:5-7 Satan claims to have been given the world’s:
- "exousia" - Authority, Control, Mastery, Influence, Jurisdiction, Strength
- "doxa" - Glory, Dignity, Honor, Splendor
The word “worship” is “proskyneses” and literally means “bend the knee to.” To receive what Satan offered, Jesus would have had to submit to him. Adam had already done this when he bent his knee to Satan by listening to Satan’s words instead of God’s. Satan was given the authority and splendor of the world when Adam bowed his knee to him. |
