Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 7:15

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep`s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves." — Matthew 7:15 (ASV)

Beware of false prophets—The sequence here is subtle. How was the narrow way to be found? Who would act as a guide? Many would offer their help, only to lead people to the very destruction they sought to escape. Such teachers, claiming authority as inspired, had existed in the days of Isaiah and Jeremiah, and they would appear again. The true gift of prophecy is always followed by its counterfeit. Even at the time when our Lord was speaking, the influence of men like Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:37), Theudas, and other popular leaders was still fresh in people’s memories.

Which come to you in sheep’s clothing—This illustration implies a wolf disguising himself as a sheep to gain entrance into the fold. In this way, a special feature is added to the general allegory of John 10:12 and Acts 20:29. It is possible, though not, I think, probable, that there may be some allusion to the “rough garments”—the sheep-skins and goat-skins of Hebrews 11:37—worn by false prophets of the hermit or ascetic type.