I have entitled our message today, “As Sheep Among Wolves.” The title is based on the very first verse of our passage, where Jesus told His followers, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (v. 16). Now, I am going to go ahead and start with an exposition. The word sheep (probaton)(1) comes from a base word (probaino) that means to walk forward and advance.(2) The word wolf (lukos)(3) comes from a base word (leukos) used of brilliant white clothing, that is meant to portray innocence.(4) Of course, wolves are far from being innocent. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus declared, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” His disciples were being sent out among those pretending to be holy; false religious leaders who would turn on them in a blink.
Being called sheep, the disciples might seem to be helpless, but as the base word (probaino) implies, they are able to “move ahead” and “advance” their mission in the face of opposition. Commentator Charles Spurgeon, known as the Prince of Preachers, has this to say about the passage: “Here, you see sheep sent forth among the wolves, as if they were the attacking party, and were bent upon putting down their terrible enemies . . . We see in the natural world that the sheep, though so feeble, by far outnumber the wolves who are so fierce.”(5) In our passage today, we will see that Jesus gives His followers advice on how to respond, and even reply, in the face of persecution. He also assures them that they will be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish their mission.
Both Shrewd and Innocent (v. 16)
16 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Allow me to share an illustration that might help us to understand the behavior Jesus recommends. At my first pastorate, our church financially supported missionaries based in a Muslim country where Christians were persecuted and killed. Two of our church members went there on a short-term mission trip, and the host pastor taught them how they should answer the local police when stopped at a roadblock. He elaborated that when asked, “Are you a Christian?” he would reply with, “What do you think?” They would ask him yet again, and he would respond with a similar question: “Who do you say I am?” This host pastor explained that when he replied in this manner, the guards would grow weary of interrogating them, and let them pass through the roadblock unharmed.
He stated that this technique was used by Jesus. For example, Matthew 27:11 tells us, “Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ So, Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say’.” In other words, “I am whatever you say I am, or think I am.” Whenever confronted by a question intended as a trap, Jesus would reply with a question of His own. We see this technique in Matthew chapter 22, where the Pharisees thought they could trick Jesus. They asked Him a question, and Jesus replied, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” (Matthew 22:42). They were so confused about how to answer, we read that “no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore” (v. 46).
So, let us look at verse 16. Commentators John Gill and Adam Clarke both mention that this was a proverbial saying among Israel. Gill tells us that Rabbi Judah stated concerning Israel, “With me they are harmless as doves; but among the nations of the world, they are subtle as serpents.”(6) In case you are curious, Rabbi Judah was the son of Rabbi Simeon ben Gamaliel,(7) and grandson of Gamaliel the Edler who appears in Acts 5:34.(8) Clarke quotes the Shir HaShririm Rabba, as saying, “The holy blessed God said to the Israelites, ‘Ye shall be towards me as upright as the doves; but, towards the Gentiles, as cunning as serpents’.”(9) The Shir HaShririm Rabba was a seventh-century Midrash, which was an ancient Jewish commentary.(10)
So, what does it mean to be “wise as serpents?” The word “wise” (fronimoi), in verse 16, simply means “prudent.” The serpent is seen as being prudent to excess and full of cunning.(11) Consider for a moment several facts from snake experts. Snakes are professionals at escaping. Their most common form of self-protection is avoidance. A snake’s first line of defense is to escape to safety among rocks or vegetation. This means that snakes must be alert to dangers. They are not aggressive and they do not want to attack people. Snakes will bite only in self-defense; and they would rather just leave people alone.(12)
Commentator John Gill applies the nature of the serpent like this. He says, “The serpent is a very sharp-sighted, cunning creature [that] uses various arts and stratagems for its own preservation, and especially of its head; and is so far, to be imitated by the followers of Christ, as to make use of all proper methods to preserve themselves from the insults and rage of men, and not expose themselves to unnecessary dangers . . . and to avoid all snares and traps that are laid for them.”(13)
In elaborating further on the word “wise,” it means, “To be marked by [an] understanding of people and situations, to have keen and unusual discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment in dealing with people and situations . . . In place of ‘wise,’ other translations use ‘wary’ . . . To ‘be wary’ is to use watchful prudence in detecting and escaping danger.”(14) This self-preserving prudency, recommended by Jesus, is seen further down in the chapter, in Matthew 10:23, where Jesus told His disciples, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another.” In other words, do not become a martyr unless it is absolutely unavoidable! But if you do face martyrdom, stand strong in the faith.
Continuing with our exposition of verse 16, what does it mean to be “harmless as doves?” The word “harmless” (akeraios) can also be translated as, “pure or sincere,”(15) according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Think about the nature of doves for a moment. “Their temperament is calm and their disposition is sweet. Doves do not bite. At most, they might slap you with a wing if they are guarding the nest or do not want to be picked up. Doves really are harmless. [They] are not referred to as the birds of peace for nothing.”(16)
The word “harmless” carries the idea of having “the absence of foreign mixture,” and “discerning what is evil and choosing only what glorifies God.”(17) “To be ‘harmless’ is to lack the capacity to injure, or to be free from inflicting physical or mental damage. Other translations use ‘innocent’ or ‘inoffensive’ instead of ‘harmless’ for this verse. ‘Innocent’ means to be harmless in effect or intention. ‘Inoffensive’ means to [give] no provocation.”(18) Like doves, the disciples should maintain their innocence, being free from malice, striving for meekness and humility in their behavior; and leading inoffensive lives as much as possible.(19) But, let us not forget that the message of the cross will always offend, according to Galatians 5:11; and so, we must not fail to preach it!
Tested to Bring Testimony (vv. 17-18)
17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
When the prophet Jeremiah was just a youth, God informed him that he would preach before nations and kings (Jeremiah 1:10, 18). Allow me to share about someone who testified before the Roman Emperor. “In A.D. 283, young Sebastian [known among Catholics as Saint Sebastian] joined the Roman army . . . to see that other Christians could have what protection he could provide them; and [he] rose in favor with all his commanders, because of his goodness and bravery. However, he kept his Christianity secret from many of his superiors. Despite the [Roman] uniform and his secrecy, Sebastian still saw himself as a minister of the gospel and a representative of Christ. When he found the opportunity, he would share his faith with other solders, many of whom were converted.”(20)
Emperor Diocletian’s new son-in-law convinced the emperor to persecute Christians. “Sebastian forsook his secrecy to visit his brothers and sisters in prison, bring them supplies, and minister to them. It was not long before the Roman captain was found out, informed against, and betrayed to his superiors. However, because of his high rank, no one could have him put to death except the emperor.”(21) When brought before Diocletian, the Emperor said, “I have been informed that you are an enemy to the gods of the empire, because you refuse to sacrifice to them. Is this true? Are you not a faithful Roman?” Sebastian replied, “The proof of my faithfulness is that I pray every day to the one true God for the well-being and prosperity of the emperor and the empire.”(22)
Sebastian was removed from the emperor’s presence and shot to death by arrows. After his execution, his followers came to remove his body and give it a proper burial, only to discover that he will still alive. They took him to one of their homes and nursed him back to health. “As soon as he was able to walk, Sebastian dressed [himself] and went back into Rome. He found the procession leading the emperor to the temple; and just as the emperor approached, Sebastian jumped out into the road in front of him, proclaiming, “Diocletian, what you are doing is an abomination before the true God! You must stop this unlawful persecution of the Christians!” Afterwards, Sebastian was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and his body tossed into the sewer. (23)
So, let us look at verse 17. When Jesus said to “beware of men” (v. 17), He was referring to men in authority, such as the “ecclesiastical and civil governors of the people, the Scribes, Pharisees, elders, and chief priests.”(24) The advice to the disciples was, to take care when they came into their company. The councils that Jesus spoke of, were the three which made up the Sanhedrim. There was the greater council, which consisted of seventy-one persons; the lesser which was made up of twenty-three members; and a third, lower council, which only had a bench of three judges. This lower council was responsible for administering scourging to those who had broken the law. It was carried out by use of a leather whip. One of the judges would read scripture, while the scourging was taking place, and the whipping would not cease until the scripture reading was completed.(25)
In verse 18, Jesus said that they would also be brought before governors and kings. “Governors” were the Roman governors, like the ones that Paul stood before, such as Felix and Festas. The Sanhedrin did not have the power to decide matters related to life and death. They only had authority over lesser issues, and were able only to inflict lesser punishments, like scourging. But “if they sought to take away life, they were [obligated] to bring the cause before the governors of the Roman provinces, who are [intended] here [in verse 18].”(26) The “kings” would be rulers, such as Herod, Agrippa, Nero, and Domitian. The apostles would be brought before them, not as thieves, murderers, or seditious persons, but purely for the sake of Christ, for the profession of their faith in Him.(27)
The beatings they would receive from the councils, and the grueling interrogation they would undergo before the kings, would serve “as a testimony to them” (v. 18); to the councils, to the kings, and to Gentiles alike. Let me point out that we cannot have a testimony until we first endure a test; and nothing speaks louder about what we truly believe than the behavior we demonstrate while in the middle of a test. With the apostles, the testimony they shared was the gospel message. Their testimony was also their demonstration of unshakable resolve in the face of opposition and persecution.
Given the Words to Speak (vv. 19-20)
19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
When Ignatius [of Lyola, known among Catholics as Saint Ignatius] was brought before Emperor Trajan, the Roman Emperor said, “Who are you, wicked wretch, who defies and ignores our commands, persuading others to do the same . . . You claim God in your heart, but you do not see then that we have the gods in our minds, whose help we have enjoyed in defeating our enemies.” Ignatius, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, replied, “You are mistaken if you would call the demons of the nations ‘gods.’ There is only one God, the maker of heaven and earth, and the seas, and all that is in them. He is the one, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, whose kingdom I desire to enjoy.”(28)
Trajan mockingly retorted, “You mean the one who was crucified under Pontius Pilate?” Still being guided by the Holy Spirit, Ignatius declared, “I mean, the one who was crucified for my sin . . . and who has condemned and emasculated all the deceit and malice of the devil under the feet of those who carry Him in their hearts.” The emperor commanded that Trajan be bound by the soldiers and carried off to Rome, where he would be devoured by fierce animals in the arena for the gratification of the people.(29)
So, let us look at verse 19. Jesus said, “Do not worry about how or what you should speak.” This meant, do not “be anxiously concerned, neither as to the matter, or manner of what [the opposition] should say in their [accusations]. The [apostles] should [take no time], as orators do, to take pains and rack their thoughts, to prepare a studied, elaborate oration, dressed with all the flowers of rhetoric, filled with the most moving and powerful arguments, and clothed with diction of the strictest propriety and elegance.”(30) The reason why, is because it would be given to them in that very hour what they should speak (v. 19). Given by whom? “The Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (v. 20).
In Luke 24:49, Jesus said, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” “The Promise of My Father” is the Holy Spirit, and in the book of John, the Holy Spirit is called “the Helper” (John 14:16, 16:7), because He empowers believers for evangelism. When we share our faith, He reminds us of the words of Christ (John 14:26). In Matthew 10:19, we learn how the Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them. The Holy Spirit is also the one who does the convicting of hearts (John 16:8). In the Holy Spirit, we have all we need to face the challenges that arise when we bear witness to Jesus Christ.
Time of Reflection
When we go forth as evangelists and face hostile situations, we need to heed Jesus’ instructions. We must be smart and strategic. “We must be wise (avoiding the snares set for us), and we must be innocent (serving the Lord blamelessly).”(31) We must be “harmless” and “above reproach,” while seeking God’s justice in everything we do. We must detect and avoid danger, while giving no provocation or offense. When taken together, these instructions are a wonderful balance of prudence and purity.(32) In Romans 16:19, in the New International Version, Paul summarized this concept by saying, “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
Let me remind you of the message they were commanded to proclaim as they went forth. In Matthew 10:7, Jesus said, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’.” The disciples were to announce the arrival of the one true King; Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He “has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). According to the Bible, we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), separated (Isaiah 59:2) and lost to God. But Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that He might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). If you wish to know His salvation, the Bible says that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
NOTES
(1) Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4263/kjv/tr/0-1/ (Accessed May 27, 2025).
(2) Ibid., https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4260/kjv/tr/0-1/ (Accessed May 27, 2025).
(3) Ibid., https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3074/kjv/tr/0-1/ (Accessed May 27, 2025).
(4) Ibid., https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3022/kjv/tr/0-1/ (Accessed May 27, 2025).
(5) David Guzik, “Study Guide for Matthew 10,” David Guzik Study Guides, Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/matthew/matthew-10.cfm (Accessed May 27, 2025).
(6) John Gill, “John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible,” Bible Study Tools: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-16.html (Accessed May 8, 2025).
(7) Nissan Mindel, “Rabbi Judah the Prince,” https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/112279/jewish/Rabbi-Judah-the-Prince.htm (Accessed May 7, 2025).
(8) “Gamaliel,” Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel (Accessed May 7, 2025).
(9) Adam Clarke, “Matthew to the Acts,” Clarke’s Commentary, vol. 5 (Nashville: Abingdon), p. 120.
(10) Specifically, a commentary on the Song of Solomon.
(11) Clarke, p. 120.
(12) John McClain, “What Do You Mean: Wise and Harmless?” United Church of God: www.ucg.org/christian-living/what-do-you-mean-wise-and-harmless/ (Accessed July 3, 2014).
(13) Gill, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-16.html (Accessed May 8, 2025).
(14) McClain.
(15) Blue Letter Bible.
(16) McClain.
(17) Blue Letter Bible.
(18) McClain.
(19) Gill, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-16.html (Accessed May 8, 2025).
(20) DC Talk, Jesus Freaks II (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2002), p. 216.
(21) Ibid., p. 216.
(22) Ibid., p. 216.
(23) Ibid., pp. 216-217.
(24) Gill, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-17.html (Accessed May 19, 2025).
(25) Ibid., https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-17.html (Accessed May 19, 2025).
(26) Ibid., https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-18.html (Accessed May 19, 2025).
(27) Ibid., https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-18.html (Accessed May 19, 2025).
(28) DC Talk, pp. 116-117.
(29) Ibid., p. 117.
(30) Gill, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-10-19.html (Accessed May 19, 2025).
(31) “What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)?” GotQuestions: https://www.gotquestions.org/wise-serpents-harmless-doves.html (Accessed May 8, 2025).
(32) McClain.
