Matthew 10:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, having liberated them from concerns about basic needs, equipped them with signs, fortified them with resolute strength, detached them from worldly pursuits, and alleviated their temporal anxieties, the Lord then spoke of the tribulations that awaited them—not only those expected shortly but also those which would occur far in the future. He prepared them in advance for their spiritual battle against the adversary. This served several purposes: first, the apostles recognized His divine omniscience; second, no one could presume that these hardships indicated the Master’s impotence; third, those destined for such trials would not be taken aback by what lay ahead; and fourth, upon hearing this, the apostles would remain composed when the time of the Cross approached, unlike when He had previously admonished them, saying: “These things I have spoken unto you, I have filled your hearts with sorrow, and no one from you shall ask me, ‘Which way are you going?’” (John 16:6, 5). Yet, at that moment, He refrained from mentioning His own sufferings—His bindings, tortures, and death—so as not to distress their hearts; instead, He merely foretold of their own experiences.

To further help them grasp the new manner of spiritual engagement before them, He sent them out with minimal possessions—just one garment, without shoes or a staff—commanding them to rely on the hospitality of those who accepted them. Yet, acknowledging the unfolding of His extraordinary might, He instructed: "This is how you must go to preach: embody the meekness of sheep even when confronting wolves, and not only embodying sheep-like humility but also the gentleness of doves." He proclaimed that His strength would shine in such a way that the sheep would overcome the wolves, and though situated among them and subjected to countless adversities, they wouldn’t be destroyed but would instead transform their oppressors. It’s far more impressive and significant to change hearts and alter wills than simply to bring death, particularly since they numbered merely twelve while the world was filled with wolves. Therefore, let us not falter in obedience to Christ's command, retaliating against our foes in a wolf-like manner. As long as we assume the role of sheep, victory will be ours; even amid a multitude of wolves, we will prevail. Conversely, if we embody the nature of wolves, defeat is assured, for the Shepherd's aid will withdraw from us—He does not shepherd wolves, but sheep—leaving us to fend for ourselves, as we would not allow His sovereign power to be made manifest.

When we exhibit meekness during trials, the entirety of victory belongs to Him; however, when we take matters into our own hands and attempt to fight back, we compromise the triumph. Consider who is entrusted with such challenging and burdensome directives: men of fear and simplicity, uneducated and unrefined, lacking nobility, far from skilled in worldly law, fishermen and tax collectors burdened with countless faults. If these relatively unassuming individuals could confound the wise and the mighty, certainly they could also terrify those who lacked competence and had never aspired to anything esteemed. Yet they did not bring despair upon themselves. Some might argue that their empowerment to heal the sick and cast out demons mitigated their suffering. Yet, that very power should have heightened their confusion, given that they were expected to while facing dire tribulations such as court trials, imprisonment, universal scorn, and dire challenges despite their miraculous abilities. What was their comfort in the face of adversity? It was the authority of the One who sent them. Thus, He began with, “Behold, I send you.” This reassurance remains sufficient for encouragement and instills courage, enabling them to disregard their opponents. “Can you see the might? Can you perceive the power? Can you recognize the overwhelming strength?” His message was essentially this: do not be overwhelmed that I send you forth as sheep among wolves, and command you to act like doves. I could have chosen another course: I could have shielded you from harm or made you fiercer than lions. However, it is far more glorious this way; it magnifies My power.

As He stated to Paul, “My grace doth compel you; for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This is My will for you. Therefore, when the Lord professed, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep,” He intended to convey, “Do not be disheartened; I am fully aware that despite your vulnerability, acting in this manner, you shall not falter.” Additionally, to ensure they contributed something to the work of grace, and that they might not presume they earned their rewards without effort, He instructed them to “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” But one might ask how such wisdom could afford them safety in perilous times? And how can we exhibit wisdom when beset by countless threats? Regardless of how clever a sheep might be, how could it survive among wolves in such numbers? Similarly, what can an unassuming dove do amidst an onslaught of predatory hawks? For the voiceless, there may seem no advantage, yet for you, there is the utmost benefit. Consider what wisdom is truly required here: wisdom like that of a serpent. Just as a serpent forgoes everything to preserve its head, so too should you relinquish all worldly concerns— your possessions, your body, your very life—except for faith. Faith stands as the head and foundation; if you preserve it, you can lose everything but regain it all with greater glory.

Thus, the Lord instructed them to be neither merely simple nor only wise, but to integrate both qualities, creating virtue from both: He required serpent-like wisdom to guard against grievous failures, while embodying the harmlessness of doves to refrain from vengeance for wrongs committed, acknowledging that wisdom is futile without accompanying gentleness. How stern are these commands! It is inadequate merely to endure hardships; He emphasizes: “I do not permit you to even harbor anger for these experiences,” which is what it means to act like a dove. This instruction resembles commanding a stick thrown into a fire not only to avoid burning but to extinguish the flames. Yet, we must not be dismayed: these commands have been realized, fulfilled, and accomplished through action. Individuals of the same nature as us demonstrated both serpent-like wisdom and dove-like innocence. Hence, let no one believe that these instructions are impossible to observe. The Lord knows all too well the essence of things; He understands that boldness is vanquished by meekness. If you wish to observe this in practice, peruse the Acts of the Apostles, and you will notice that whenever the Jewish authorities confronted them with hostility, the apostles followed the dove’s example, responding with utmost gentleness, quelling their fury and calming their wrath.

Whenever the Jews demanded, “Is it not forbidden for you to speak in this name?” (Acts 5:28), the apostles, possessing the power to perform an abundance of miracles, refrained from any rude remarks, instead defending themselves with all meekness by saying, “If it is right to listen to you more than to God, judge for yourselves” (Acts 4:19). Do you observe the dove's gentleness? Here lies the serpent's wisdom: “We cannot help but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Consider the strength required in all encounters, so that you do not become weak in tribulations nor flustered by anger.

Additionally, He wishes for His followers to be discerning. When they hear that they are likened to sheep, they should not infer that Christians are to be weak-witted. Instead, they ought to be shrewd, adept at navigating a world rife with adversaries. Just as a serpent may expose its body to attacks while safeguarding its head, so too must a Christian offer themselves willingly to those who strike them, preserving their spirit and faith in Christ as the true safeguard. Just as a serpent sheds its skin while slithering through tight spaces, we too must cast off our old selves as we journey down the narrow path.

Moreover, despite the serpent's engaging in harm, the Lord instructs us to be innocent, devoid of malice—like doves, who, even when deprived of their young and persecuted, return to their caretakers. Thus, be wise as serpents so that you are not mocked in your lives, ensuring that all you do is blameless. In terms of how you treat others, embody the purity and simplicity of doves, refraining from any vindictiveness.

We too must choose our demeanor, the appropriate setting, and the right moment, arranging our ‘words ... in judgment’ (Ps. 111:13) for the purpose of rejecting sin and yielding to God. In the face of trials, we must endure to the end, as it is written (Matthew 24:13).

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‘Be wise as a serpent’ (cf. Matthew 10:16) can convey that the serpent cleverly and wisely discards its old age. When it is time to shed its skin, it seeks a constricted space where its body is compressed on all sides, thus enabling the shedding of its old skin. This suggests that we, too, are called to walk through a narrow and difficult path, removing the old self and embracing the new, so that ‘our youth may be renewed like the eagle's’ (cf. Psalm 102:5).

As it is written: “Things which the eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard, and they have not entered into the heart of man, which God has prepared for those who love Him.” This truth must perpetually be brought to mind, heart, and memory, allowing us to engage in a wise struggle against temptations and external hardships without succumbing to wrath. It is essential to remind ourselves of the profound words spoken by our Redeemer to the Father: “Forgive them this sin, for they do not know what they do.”

The wisdom of the serpent, as articulated by the interpreters, illustrates that when threatened, it prioritizes the protection of its head, just as Christians must uphold their faith in the face of trials. Furthermore, just as a serpent must navigate through a narrow opening to shed its old skin, believers must traverse a similar narrow path to shed their former selves in alignment with the Gospel's teachings. The purity of the dove embodies kindness and the capacity to forgive offenses and hardships.

Because through this approach, you have a greater chance to transform wolves into sheep. My power completes all things, and your humility will subdue the fierceness and brutality of the unfaithful. It is not through arrogance that arrogance is often subdued, but through gentleness. A healer of the insane must bear their wrongs with patience, focusing solely on their restoration from madness. Similarly, unless we embody the gentleness of sheep in the face of the malice of our adversaries, we will not receive aid from our Shepherd, who tends to sheep and not to wolves. I send you forth as sheep among wolves, to exemplify the gentleness of sheep before the wicked, while simultaneously preserving your purity and innocence; thus, when faced with offense and persecution, you will continue to do good to those who harm you. To align both qualities with virtue, the wisdom of the serpent must be accompanied by the simplicity of the dove in forgiving offenses. This adherence should last not merely for a few years, but until our final breath, as encapsulated in the phrase, But he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22). By serpents, and similarly in the context of an unjust ruler, understand the importance of prudence and discernment of the good. He desires for the Apostles to act wisely, meaning to avoid ultimate defeat without becoming malicious or vengeful. The serpent demonstrates wisdom by ignoring the rest of its body when attacked, focusing solely on protecting its head, recognizing that only a blow to the head brings about death. Thus, the Savior instructs us to embrace the serpent's wisdom by disregarding bodily and soul-related concerns, prioritizing the preservation of faith, which is the true essence. Likewise, since doves, upon losing their young, do not retaliate against those who take them but instead approach them again, despite repeated wrongs, we are called to emulate their purity by refraining from vengeance and extending love even to those who offend us. It is important to note that He did not command us to replicate the wisdom of serpents alone or the innocence of doves independently, but to combine both qualities into a singular virtue; wisdom devoid of gentleness lacks true value. We must also strive to imitate the other kind of wisdom exhibited by the serpent. As it ages, it navigates through tight spaces, shedding its outer layer to become rejuvenated—thus, we, who have grown weary from the burdens of our passions, must willingly walk a constricted path of life, stripping off the faded garb of the soul to emerge stronger. In this context, the Savior presents serpents and doves as positive examples, even while negative connotations are found elsewhere in Scripture. The Jews are reproached as serpents, offspring of vipers, while Ephraim is denounced as a foolish dove, lacking discernment (Hos. 7:11). Scripture often employs various representations from the same creature, illustrating both its commendable and contemptible traits. For instance, Christ is depicted as a lion, symbolic of His majesty and conquerability: you lay down as a lion, and as a lion's whelp; who will rouse him? (Gen. 49:9); the righteous are likened to a lion for their bravery: the righteous are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1); finally, the devil is also termed a lion for his unyielding and predatory nature: he prowls as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8).

We can also learn from its cleverness for our own edification: it led us into sin through deceit, so we too should communicate matters of faith to our neighbors. Jesus Christ, during His voluntary suffering, refrained from responding to His tormentors, despite the heavenly hosts attending to Him. The Apostle Paul, in mirroring Him, demonstrated patience when he endured forty lashes from the Jews, showcasing our endurance before God. Whoever shares in the divine life is free from wrath, for every complete act of goodness originates from God. God is rightly described as patient, being far removed from anger. External philosophies reflect this truth: Socrates, when subjected to beatings, chose not to seek revenge. Antisthenes, after being harmed by a blasphemer, remained silent, instead inscribing the aggressor's name on his face, ensuring onlookers would not misinterpret his situation. Epictetus suffered a broken leg at the hands of a brutal master, yet many philosophers have adopted the principle of silence during hardship, embodying wisdom in action. We must not be diminished by insults. Rather, let us emulate our Creator in all circumstances: if an unruly person strikes us, we can respond with the words from Scripture, ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify to my wrong; but if I spoke rightly, why do you strike me?’ Through this approach, the aggressor may feel as if pierced by the arrow of patience, and by dismissing the provocation of their words and actions, we can find gratitude in all situations. The one engaging in this restraint will learn not to act impulsively or demand excessive recompense but will temper their expectations. Do not our efforts achieve fullness when supported by the understanding that ‘the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,’ as expressed by the great Apostle, who endured many trials for the sake of Christ while possessing everything in the present?

Wisdom harmonized with simplicity represents a divine gift and can be deemed the pinnacle of virtue. However, when either is detached from the other, wisdom can lead to deceit, and simplicity can result in foolishness; the former is capable of malice, while the latter is prone to deception. Thus, the Divine Word presents this teaching not within a single image, as instinctive creatures lack the combination of wisdom and simplicity, leaning instead towards either deceit or naivety. The instruction to “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” does not imply that we should emulate serpents in their venomous nature or cunning ways, as that would equate to an identity rather than an example. Instead, we are to emulate the serpent’s ability to shed the old self, i.e., sin, while steadfastly holding onto the faith, akin to the serpent's head—while minimizing focus on the body and disregarding other serpent traits. Alongside this, we should adopt the purity and innocence of the dove, though not its naivety, as Ephraim is lamented for being like a foolish dove, lacking discernment (Hosea 7:11).

To clarify further, consider the varied representations of a lion in Scripture; Christ is referred to a lion due to His regal authority and power, as He is portrayed to "lie down and sleep like a lion" (Genesis 49:9). The righteous man is likened to a lion because of his courage, trusting in the Lord, just as “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). In contrast, the devil is called a lion due to his ferocity, as one who prowls around seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Thus, when Scripture employs different forms associated with a single creature, we should assign appropriate meanings without conflating them.

Apostle Paul cleverly utilized the image of a lion, not to undermine the dignity of liberty, which he upholds, but to exemplify the profound humility and obedience a righteous individual ought to possess towards God, countering those who challenge the purity and transcending nature of true knowledge.

The likenesses presented are not meant to be taken in their entirety; otherwise, they would lose their illustrative purpose and simply become identities. If the Saviour implores us to imitate the steadfastness and integrity of the dove, we must also shun its weaknesses and avoid those who would seek to ensnare us. It is unwise to cause harm to others, and we should resist significant harm ourselves by seeking refuge with those who offer true deliverance. The Prophet insightfully declares, "Ephraim is like a silly dove, without sense" (Hosea 7:11). The context reveals this folly: Ephraim sought aid from Egypt and turned to Assyria, thus callously pursuing help from nations rife with self-interest, animosity, and greed—yet who could be more foolish than Ephraim for seeking rescue from those who covet his subjugation?

Consider that there are merely twelve sheep, yet they inhabit a world overflowing with wolves! And I am sending you!” (Jn. 20:21). This assurance is enough to comfort and uplift you, so that you need not fear any adversaries. I could easily have made you mightier than lions. Yet it is preferable this way, as it brings more honor to you and reflects My power, for My strength is perfected in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). St. Chrysostom further encourages, “Let us be ashamed when we confront our foes like wolves. As long as we remain sheep, we are destined for victory, despite the multitude of wolves surrounding us. Conversely, if we act like wolves, we face defeat, for the Shepherd's assistance will abandon us. This should have been a greater concern for them, knowing they bore the power to resurrect the dead yet were forced to endure such dire straits. What solace was there amidst these trials? It was the authority of the One who sent them: thus, I also send you. Yet He cautioned that they should not presume their rewards came without effort, stating, ‘So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’

The apostles might have wondered, “How can our wisdom protect us from such dangers? Is it even possible to possess wisdom while we’re buffeted by such turmoil? No matter how clever a sheep may be, it is vulnerable among wolves; similarly, what can a seemingly harmless dove do when beset by so many hawks?” However, while wisdom may seem futile for the meek, it is vastly beneficial for you. What intelligence is called for here? It is the cleverness of the serpent! Just as the serpent loses everything but its head when its body is harmed, you too must relinquish everything—your possessions, body, and very soul—except for your faith. Faith is your head and foundation; if you hold tightly to it, even if you lose everything else, you will recover all with greater glory.

In the same way, Blessed Theophylact notes, the serpent sheds its old skin by contracting into a narrow space and moving through it, illustrating that we must shed our old selves by walking in a tight path. However, since the serpent can be harmful and wicked, Christ instructs us to be innocent, that is, simple and unthreatening like doves. The virtue of wisdom serves no purpose if it is not accompanied by genuineness. The wisdom of the serpent is commanded to us, as expressed by the Venerable Syncliticia, so that we may not be deceived by the devil’s schemes, which are easily recognized by their own kind. Moreover, the gentleness of the dove purifies our actions.

Christ the Savior inspired the apostles not to harm their enemies with the cunning of the serpent but to avoid unnecessary jeopardy because their lives were essential for the salvation of others. The apostles adhered to this principle. While St. Paul longed to depart and be with Christ, he recognized his life was vital for the believers, and on multiple occasions, he effectively shielded himself from peril. This wisdom was also essential for engaging with the sagacious of this age; an example being the Apostle Paul's discourse with the Athenians. Therefore, St. Chrysostom urges, “Do not view these commands as burdensome to fulfill. The Lord understands the essence of circumstances better than anyone; He knows that arrogance isn’t subdued by arrogance, but through meekness. Examine the Acts of the Holy Apostles and observe how many times, when the Jews, filled with rage, rose against them, they, emulating the dove, responded gently, thus calming their fury. When the Jews questioned them, ‘Have we not strictly commanded you not to teach in this name?’ (Acts 5:28), the apostles, with the power to perform countless miracles, neither retorted nor acted impolitely, but defended themselves with utmost humility, saying, ‘Judge whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God’ (Acts 4:19). Observe the gentle demeanor of the dove. And behold the wisdom of the serpent: we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard (Acts 4:20). See, then, how steadfastness is required in every situation, so that we may remain strong amid adversity and not succumb to wrath.