John Calvin 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)

But beware of false prophets: these words were intended to teach that the Church would be exposed to various deceptions, and that consequently many would be in danger of falling from the faith if they were not carefully on their guard.

We know what a strong propensity people have to falsehood, so that they not only have a natural desire to be deceived, but each individual appears to be ingenious in deceiving himself. Satan, who is a wonderful deviser of delusions, is constantly laying snares to entrap ignorant and unwary people.

It was a general expectation among the Jews that, under the reign of Christ, their condition would be delightful and free from all conflict or distress. He therefore warns His disciples that, if they desire to persevere, they must prepare themselves to avoid the snares of Satan.

It is the will of the Lord (as has already been said) that His Church shall be engaged in uninterrupted war in this world. For us to continue to be His disciples to the end, it is not enough that we are merely submissive and allow ourselves to be governed by His Word. Our faith, which is constantly attacked by Satan, must be prepared to resist.

It is of the greatest consequence, undoubtedly, that we should allow ourselves to be directed by good and faithful ministers of Christ; but as false teachers, on the other hand, appear, if we do not carefully watch, and if we are not fortified by perseverance, we shall be easily carried away from the flock. To this purpose also is that saying of Christ:

“The sheep hear the voice of the shepherd; and a stranger
they do not follow, but flee from him,” (John 10:3, 5)

From this we also infer that there is no reason why believers should be discouraged or alarmed when wolves creep into the fold of Christ, when false prophets endeavor to corrupt the purity of the faith by false doctrines. They ought rather to be aroused to keep watch, for it is not without reason that Christ instructs them to be on their guard.

Provided that we are not led astray through our own sluggishness, we shall be able to avoid all kinds of snares; indeed, without this confidence, we would not have the courage necessary for being on our guard.

Now that we know that the Lord will not fail to perform His promises, whatever the attacks of Satan may be, let us go boldly to the Lord, asking from Him the Spirit of wisdom. By His influence, He not only seals on our hearts the belief of His truth but also exposes the tricks and deceptions of Satan, so that we may not be deceived by them.

When Christ says that they come to us in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves, His meaning is that they are not without a very plausible pretext if prudence is not exercised in subjecting them to a thorough examination.