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Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Verse Takeaways
1
Sheep Among Wolves
Jesus sends his followers into a hostile world, not as powerful fighters, but as vulnerable sheep among wolves. Commentators stress that this isn't a suicide mission. The disciples' safety and ultimate victory lie in the authority of the Shepherd who sends them. As one scholar notes, though wolves are fierce, sheep have always outlasted and outnumbered them under the Shepherd's care.
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Book Overview
Matthew
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14
18th Century
Presbyterian
As sheep in the midst of wolves. That is, I send you, inoffensive and harmless, into a cold, unfriendly, and cruel world. Your innocence w…
As sheep in the midst of wolves (ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων). The presence of wolves on every hand was a fact then and now. Some of …
19th Century
Anglican
I send you forth — The nominative pronoun is emphatic: “It is I who send.” This is not so much an assurance of protection but, as …
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Baptist
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:
Behold, I send you forth. What power there is in the word of the…
Jesus pictured his disciples, defenseless in themselves, located in a dangerous environment. This is where he was sending them. The shepherd in thi…
16th Century
Protestant
The injunctions which Matthew has until now related had no further reference than to that former expedition or commission, which was to be terminat…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Behold, I send you forth, as sheep among wolves This, and the following verses, chiefly respect the troubles, afflic…
Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. They were to avoid all things which gave an advantage to their enemies, all meddling with…
13th Century
Catholic
The Lord instructed the Apostles concerning their office and their necessary means of livelihood; but now He instructs them concerning their immine…
