Matthew 10:16 (WEB)
“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Catechism · 1
“The seed and beginning of the Kingdom are the "little flock" of those whom Jesus came to gather around him, the flock whose shepherd he is.” — Catechism footnote: Lk 12:32; cf. Mt 10:16; 26:31; In 10:1-21.
Fathers and councils · 54
Augustine of Hippo
“If this were lawful or expedient, Christ might have instructed his sheep that they should come clad in wolves’ clothing to the wolves, and by the cheat of this artifice discover them: which He hath not said, no, not when He foretold that He would send them forth in the midst of wolves.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16
Read the whole comment“…which neither if they eat, shall they over-abound, nor if they do not eat, have they any want; and good serpents, not destructive to do hurt, but “wise” to take heed; and exploring only so much of this temporal nature as is sufficient that eternity may be “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are.”” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
Read the whole comment“Fear not those who kill the body,” etc. He gave them fear, He suggested hope, He kindled love.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16, 28.
Read the whole commentChapter XXX.—Of the Section Where It is Recorded, that Being Moved with Compassion for the Multitudes, He Sent His Disciples, Giving Them Power to Work Cures, and Charged Them with Many Instructions, Directing Them…
Read the whole comment“But at a later period heavier and more frequent persecutions arose from the unbelieving Gentiles against the Church of Christ, and day by day was fulfilled that prophetic word which the Lord spake when He said, ‘Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves.’” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16
Read the whole comment“On the words of the Gospel, Matt. x. 16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves,” etc. Delivered on a Festival of Martyrs.” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“The devil again is a serpent, “that old serpent;” are we commanded then to imitate the devil, when our Shepherd told us, “Be ye wise as serpents, and simple as doves”?” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
Read the whole comment“Assuredly, in a special sense, the Lamb; for the disciples were also called lambs: “Behold, I send you as lambs in the midst of wolves.”” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Athanasius of Alexandria
- Athanasius of Alexandria, Against the Arians III.3Discourse III
“And the Saviour to expose Herod said, ‘Tell that fox;’ but, on the other hand, charged His disciples, ‘Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.’” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Tertullian
“For this reason we are branded by them as simple, and as being merely so, without being wise also; as if indeed wisdom were compelled to be wanting in simplicity, whereas the Lord unites them both: “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and simple as doves.”” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
Read the whole comment“And accordingly He says, “Be ye simple as doves.”” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16. Tertullian has rendered ἀκέραιοι (unmixed) by “simplices,” i.e. without fold.
Read the whole comment“…will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles,” etc. Now when He adds, “But the brother will deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and…” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Catena Aurea on Luke
- Ambrose of MilanCatena Aurea on Luke
“Our Lord here teaches us, how cautious we ought to be in our answers to heretics or Jews; as He has said elsewhere, Be ye wise as serpents (Mat.” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment - Ambrose of MilanCatena Aurea on Luke
“Or perhaps, according to the precept, Be ye wise as serpents, (Matt. 10:16.) they are shewn to have a natural prudence, who perceive what is coming, and earnestly desire help, though they still forsake not what is hurtful.” — the author cites it
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Cyril of Jerusalem
“And wouldst thou know that there are rational sheep? the Saviour says to the Apostles, Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 10, 16.
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Gregory the Great
“And the Truth in person admonishes saying, Be ye prudent as serpents, and simple as doves (Matth. x. 16); thus shewing it to be very unprofitable if either prudence should be wanting to simplicity, or simplicity to prudence.” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“Hence the Truth in person admonishes His elect, saying, Be ye wise as serpents, but simple as doves (Matth. x. 16); because, to wit, in the hearts of the elect the wisdom of the serpent ought to sharpen the simplicity of the dove and the simplicity of the dove…” — the author cites it
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Ambrose of Milan
“Wherefore “be ye wise as serpents,” saith the Lord, “and harmless as doves.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. x. 16.
Read the whole comment“So, again, because the simplicity of those who are baptized ought to be not in appearance but in reality, and the Lord says: “Be ye wise as serpents and simple as doves.”” — editor's note: S. Matt. x. 16.
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John Chrysostom
“Thus Christ also made His disciples strong by saying, “Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” ( Matt. x. 16.)” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“If it were not so, it would have been useless to say, “Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” ( Matt. x. 16.)” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“…been said; and let us not deem that ignorance and simplicity will be sufficient to excuse us, for He hath bidden us not merely to be “harmless,” but “wise.” ( Matt. x. 16.)” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“Shepherds indeed do the contrary, for they follow after them; but He to show that He will lead all men to the truth, doeth differently; as also when He sent the sheep, He sent them, not out of the way of wolves, but “in the midst of wolves.” ( Matt. x. 16.)” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment“Matt. X. 16.” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment““There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; nor hid, that shall not be known.”” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
Read the whole comment“Now He had indeed already spoken this very injunction, when He sent them, saying, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles” (for, saith He, “I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves,” and, “ye shall be brought before kings and governors”)but now with more intensity and severity.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 5, 16, 18.
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Catena Aurea on Mark
- JeromeCatena Aurea on Mark
““Bride” in the Patriarchs, “love” in the Prophets, “near of kin” in Joseph and Mary, “beloved” in John the Baptist, “dove” in Christ and His Apostles: to whom it is said, “Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” [Matt. 10:16]” — the author cites it
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Jerome
“Be simple as a dove and lay snares for no man: but be cunning as a serpent and let no man lay snares for you.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Hilary of Poitiers
“It was said unto the apostles of the Lord, Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Gregory of Nyssa
- Gregory of Nyssa, On Virginity On Virginity.16On Virginity
“It is clearly contained in that passage where our Lord says to His disciples, that they are as sheep wandering amongst wolves, yet are not to be as doves only, but are to have something of the serpent too in their disposition; and that means that they should neither carry to excess…” — editor's note: S. Matt. x. 16
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Clement of Alexandria
“Again, when He says, “as suckling calves,” He again alludes figuratively to us; and “as an innocent and gentle dove,” the reference is again to us.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
Read the whole comment“Mixing, then, “the serpent with the dove,” he lives at once perfectly and with a good conscience, mingling faith with hope, in order to the expectation of the future.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Cyprian of Carthage
“In the Gospel according to Matthew: “Be ye prudent as serpents, and simple as doves.”” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Ephrem the Syrian
“Be careful in all thy doings, that thou be not a sport for fools; be upright and prudent, and both simple and wise.” — editor's note: Matt. x. 16.
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Catena Aurea on Matthew
- John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
Having removed all care and anxiety from the Apostles, and armed them with the miraculous powers, He proceeds to foretell the evils which should befal them. First, that they might know his knowledge of the future;…
Read the whole comment - Gregory the GreatCatena Aurea on Matthew
For he who undertakes the office of preacher ought not to do evil, but to suffer it, and by his meekness to mollify the wrath of the angry, and by his wounds to heal the wounds of sinners in their affliction. And…
Read the whole comment - JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
He calls the Scribes and Pharisees who are the clergy of the Jews, “wolves.”
Read the whole comment - Hilary of PoitiersCatena Aurea on Matthew
The wolves indeed are all such as should pursue the Apostles with mad fury.
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
Their consolation under their hardships was the excellent power of Him who sent them; wherefore He puts that before all, “Lo, I send you.” Be not dismayed, though you be sent into the midst of wolves; for I am able…
Read the whole comment - JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
“Wise,” that they might escape snares; “simple,” that they might not do evil to others. The craft of the serpent is set before them as an example, for he hides his head with all the rest of his body, that he may…
Read the whole comment - Rabanus MaurusCatena Aurea on Matthew
The serpent moreover seeks out narrow chinks through which it crawls to draw off its old skin; so the preacher passing through the narrow way lays aside the old man.
Read the whole comment - Remigius of AuxerreCatena Aurea on Matthew
Beautifully the Lord bids the preacher have the wisdom of the serpent; because the first man was beguiled by a serpent; as though He had said, The foe is subtle to deceive, be ye therefore wise to rescue; he…
Read the whole comment - Hilary of PoitiersCatena Aurea on Matthew
He first attempted the softer sex, allured her by hope, and promised a share of immortality. Do you in like manner seize every opportunity, look well into each man’s nature and inclination, use wisdom of speech,…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
But as we ought to have the wisdom of the serpent, that we should not be hurt in any deadly part, so also we should have the simplicity of the dove, not to retaliate when we are hurt, nor to avenge ourselves on those…
Read the whole comment - Remigius of AuxerreCatena Aurea on Matthew
The Lord unites these two thing; because simplicity without wisdom might be easily deceived, and wisdom is dangerous unless it be tempered with simplicity that does no man hurt.
Read the whole comment - JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
The harmlessness of doves is shewn by the assumption of that form by the Holy Spirit; as the Apostle speaks, “In malice be ye children.”
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
What is harder than these commands? It is not enough that we suffer ill, but we must not be angry thereat, as is the dove’s nature, for anger is extinguished not by anger, but by meekness.
Read the whole comment - Rabanus MaurusCatena Aurea on Matthew
That by the wolves above He intended men, He shews when He adds, “Take heed of men.”
Read the whole comment - Glossa OrdinariaCatena Aurea on Matthew
Ye have indeed need to be wise as serpents, for, as they are wont to do, “they will deliver you to councils,” forbidding you to preach in My name; then if ye be not corrected, “they will scourge you,” and at length…
Read the whole comment - Hilary of PoitiersCatena Aurea on Matthew
Who will endeavour to extort from you either to be silent or to temporize.
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
How wonderful that men who had never been beyond the lake in which they fished, did not straighway depart from Him on hearing these things. It was not only of their goodness, but of the wisdom of their Teacher. For…
Read the whole comment - Gregory the GreatCatena Aurea on Matthew
Either that they had presented to the death, or that they had seen and were not changed. For the death of the saints is to the good an aid, to the bad a testimony; that thus the wicked may perish without excuse in…
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Matthew
This was matter of consolation to them, not that they sought the punishment of others, but that they were confident that in all things they had One present with them, and all-knowing.
Read the whole comment - Hilary of PoitiersCatena Aurea on Matthew
And by this their testimony not only was all excuse of ignorance of His divinity taken away from their persecutors, but also to the Gentiles was opened the way of believing on Christ, who was thus devotedly preached…
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Cross-references · 53
Cited together in Catechism §764.
Cited together in Catechism §764.
Cited together in Jerome on Mark 1:9–11 (3) (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Jerome on Mark 1:9–11 (3) (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 3:7–9 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 3:7–9 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Scorpiace Chapter 9.
Cited together in Catechism §764.
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Ambrose of Milan on Luke 20:19–26 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith III.16.
Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith III.16.
Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith III.16.
Cited together in The Book of Pastoral Rule III.12 and 1 other place.
Cited together in On the Mysteries Chapter 4.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith III.16 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith III.16.
Cited together in Sermons on New Testament Lessons Sermon 14.
Cited together in Sermons on New Testament Lessons Sermon 14.
Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 7.
Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 7.
Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 7.
Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 7.
Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 7.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in Epistles, Books I–VIII V.19.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in On the Mysteries Chapter 4.
Cited together in On Virginity On Virginity.16.
Cited together in On Virginity On Virginity.16.
Cited together in On Virginity On Virginity.16.
Cited together in The Stromata, or Miscellanies VII.13.
Cited together in The Stromata, or Miscellanies VII.13.
Cited together in The Book of Pastoral Rule III.12.
Cited together in On Baptism Chapter 7.
Cited together in The Book of Pastoral Rule III.12.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in Exposition of the Christian Faith III.16.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in Three Homilies Homily 2.
Cited together in The Book of Pastoral Rule III.12.
Cited together in The Book of Pastoral Rule III.12.
Cited together in The Book of Pastoral Rule III.12.
Cited together in On the Mysteries Chapter 4.
Cited together in Gregory the Great on Matthew 10:16–18 (Catena Aurea) and 1 other place.
Cited together in Against Lying Chapter 12.