“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits.”  (Matthew 7:15-16).

The wolf in sheep’s clothing is an ancient picture of deceit.  Aesop (c. 620-564 B.C.) told the fable: The wolf in sheep’s clothing.  In that fable, the wolf’s disguise leads to its demise (death).

Jesus is warning that some people are not what they appear to be.  They appear to be sheep (followers of Jesus).  In reality, they are wolves (dangers to the sheep).  Jesus is speaking of intentional deception (cf. 1 Timothy 6:5; Titus 1:10-11; 2 Peter 2:3; Jude 16-19).

Jesus’ sheep need to remain alert.  There are deceptive people.  There are false prophets.

There is a need to examine the fruit of these prophets.  What does this mean?  (1) Does it refer to behavior / deeds?  Fruit is used this way (e.g. Matthew 3:8).  (2) Does it refer to words / doctrine or teaching?  Fruit is also used this way (e.g. Matthew 12:23-24, 33-35).  (3) Does it refer to a combination of the two?  It is possible.  However, the warning is of false prophets.  Therefore, the second meaning is probably the idea (cf. 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Deuteronomy 18:20-22; 13:1-4).

Lessons for us: (1) We should not be gullible (easily deceived).  (2) Those who claim to be proclaiming God’s word should be subject to fruit inspection (cf. Acts 17:11).  (3) External appearance, a pleasing personality, an eloquent voice, flattering words are not the tests for determining truth.  Error can be presented in an attractive package. 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Jesus is addressing the twelve apostles (cf. Matthew 10:1-ff).  He is warning them of violent men.  Wolves, in this passage, refer to persecutors (consider the context, Matthew 10:16-39), and not to false prophets, as in the previous passage (context determines the intended meaning). 

A wolf is a serious danger to a sheep. The description of persecutors as wolves fitting. (1) Wolves often hunt in packs. The persecutors, in the book of Acts, often find strength in the group or mob (Acts 6:8-12; 13:50; 14:1-2; 14:19; 17:5-9; 17:13-14; 21:27-30; 23:13-14). (2) Wolves sometimes chase their prey over long distances, attempting to wear down their prey. The persecutors, in the book of Acts, sometimes pursue over long distances (Acts 9:1-2; 14:19; 24:1)

Facing such opposition how should the apostles to conduct themselves?  (1) They are to be wise as serpents.  Serpents have a strong sense of self-preservation.  They are cautious. They are watchful. They know how to flee and hide from danger. They know how to retreat into brush, rocks, and crevices (cf. Matthew 10:23).  (2) They are to be harmless (or innocent NASB, ESV) as doves.  Doves are harmless.  They do not seek revenge.  A dove is a symbol of peace.  The idea seems to be that the apostles are to be known as peaceful men (Romans 12:18).  They are to do nothing to bring reproach on the mission (1 Peter 2:21-23; Romans 12:17). 

Lesson for us: (1) There are evil men in this world.  (2) We should be wise.  There is a time to flee (cf. Matthew 10:23).  (3) We should seek to live a life which leads others to God (1 Peter 2:11-12, 21-23).