Matthew Poole Commentary - Matthew 10:16 - 10:16

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Matthew Poole Commentary - Matthew 10:16 - 10:16


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:





Our Lord having hitherto instructed his twelve apostles as to the places whither they were to go, the work they had to do, and the methods he would have them observe, now comes to arm them against their difficulties, and the temptations they were like to meet with.



I send you forth (saith he)



as sheep in the midst of wolves. It is most probable that our Saviour speaks this with reference to what they were like to meet with when he should be taken from them, for we do not read of any great opposition which they at present met with.



I send you, ( saith he),



as sheep, which are feeble creatures in themselves, and without any natural armour to defend themselves,



in the midst of wolves, which are rapacious creatures, and have a particular enmity to sheep: amongst enemies who will have as great an inclination from their malice to devour you, as wolves have from their nature to devour sheep.



Be ye therefore wise as serpents. It is said of the serpent, Gen_3:1, that he was more subtle than any beast of the field. Naturalists observe, yet, a great natural sagacity in the serpent, which they note in several particulars. It is hard to say that Christ aimed at this or that particular thing wherein the sagacity of serpents appeareth; he only proposes the serpent as a pattern of subtlety, and commendeth prudence to them so far as it consisteth with innocency, for it followeth,



harmless as doves. Amongst the beasts of the field there is none more innocent than a sheep; amongst the birds of the air none more innocent than a dove; to both these our Lord compares his disciples.



This text teacheth us:



1. That wisdom may dwell with prudence.



2. That all true prudence must be attended with innocency.