Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 10:16

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." — Matthew 10:16 (ASV)

Jesus pictured his disciples, defenseless in themselves, located in a dangerous environment. This is where he was sending them. The shepherd in this metaphor sends his sheep into the wolf pack (cf. 7:15; Acts 20:29). Therefore they must be “shrewd” (GK 5861; i.e., prudent) as serpents. But prudence can easily degenerate into cheap cunning unless it goes with simplicity. The disciples must therefore be innocent as well, toward both God and outsiders.

In this light the dove image becomes clear. Doves are retiring but not astute; they are easily ensnared by the fowler. So Jesus’ disciples, in their mission as sheep among wolves, must be “shrewd,” avoiding conflicts and attacks where possible; but they must also be “innocent,” i.e., not so cautious, suspicious, and cunning that circumspection degenerates into fear or elusiveness. The balance is difficult, but not a little of Jesus’ teaching combines such poles of meaning .