“…be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

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“…be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

Institute of Biblical Discipleship New Testament Commands of Christ Jesus: Bible study # 73

by Nolan McFadden Α Bible Text: Matthew 10:16-23 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they 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. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.”

In Matthew 10:16 we find a remarkable command of Christ Jesus given to His followers. Jesus commanded His disciples, “…be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” What does it mean to be “wise as serpents” and “harmless as doves?” As disciples of Jesus in the twenty-first century, how do we apply this command to our daily lives? Does this command mean that Christians cannot defend themselves if violently attacked? These are some of the relevant questions that come to mind as we consider this command of Christ. Let’s prayerfully look together at our Bible text of Matthew 10:16-22 asking our LORD to help us correctly understand the context of this command.

I. Within the broader context of the command of Jesus given in Matthew 10:16, we find Christ taught His followers that they should expect persecution from the Devil and his servants in this fallen, sinful world (Matthew 10:17-23).

A. In the verses immediately following verse sixteen Jesus warns, “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils [courts], and they 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…But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another…” Jesus is saying that there will be people in this world who are opposed to Christ, His teachings and His followers. These people are referred to as “…of your [spiritual] father the devil,…” by Jesus in John 8:44. Likewise, the apostle John describes them as “the children of the devil…” and “of that wicked one,…” (1 John 3:10-12) The ungodly will look for any excuse they may find to slander us, harm us and raise persecution against us.

B. Do you remember what Jesus taught His disciples in John 15:18-23? Our Savior warned,

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“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also.”

C. Notice in John 15:20 our Lord Jesus warned, “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;…” Consequently, Jesus is warning His followers that they should expect persecution from ungodly people. It is a normal experience in the Christian life. Paul declared, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) When we are living and proclaiming Christ’s Word, the Devil’s people will oppose us. Why? They despise Jesus, His teachings and His righteous works. They refuse to acknowledge their sin, turn from their sin and submit to God in their lives. They are in rebellion against God and under His eternal “wrath.” John proclaimed, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36) D. In Christ we are called to be overcomers regarding the Devil-inspired persecutions of this world. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) II. What does it mean to be “wise as serpents”?

A. In Matthew 10:16 the word “wise” is translated from the Greek word φρονιμοι. It means to be “prudent, sensible, practically wise.” (1) B. Jesus used the word “serpents” in this Bible text. This word is translated from the Greek word οφεις. In this context it is referring to a non-venomous serpent.

(2) C. What is it specifically that “serpents” do that may be regarded as “wise?” It is noted that “Snakes do not ordinarily prey on humans. Unless startled or injured, most snakes prefer to avoid contact and will not attack humans.” (3) Therefore, snakes generally avoid danger. Jesus used the example of “serpents” in Matthew 10:16 to teach His disciples the importance of using caution (prudence) in avoiding danger in their daily lives.

D. The disciples were commanded to go and “preach” the gospel of Christ (Matthew 10:7, Mark 16:15-16). Yet, Jesus knew that His disciples would encounter people who would not receive them or Christ´s teachings (Matthew 10:14-15). Jesus knew that there would also be people who would actively oppose His disciples and seek to harm them. Subsequently, Jesus further warns in Matthew 10:17, “But beware of men:…” Why are we to beware of men? Because there are evil, dangerous, treacherous, harmful people who will not repent of their sins and believe the message of the gospel. Instead, they oppose and seek

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to harm Christ’s followers (Matthew 10:17-23). In the New Testament these people are known as “antichrists” (having the “spirit of antichrist” – 1 John 2:18; 4:1-6). Thus, the disciples were instructed by Jesus to avoid these dangerous and harmful people. As one missionary friend shared, “If it is God’s will for me to die as a martyr for Christ while sharing the gospel, I’m willing. I just don’t want to die “dumb.”

E. In Proverbs 22:3 we read, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”

F. Another example of God’s prudence is found in Proverbs 14:15. “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”

G. Likewise, in Proverbs 13:16 we read, “Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.”

III. What is the meaning of being “harmless as doves?”

A. The word “harmless” is translated from the Greek word άκέραιοι. It carries the meaning of being innocent of seeking to harm others. (4) B. Doves are non-aggressive. They are not predators. Doves are seed eaters. They do not eat insects. (5) Thus, Jesus used a non-aggressive type of bird found in God’s creation to teach His followers the importance of not becoming aggressive, violent predators.

C. Let us remember the LORD’s perspective regarding people who love violence. “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” (Psalm 11:5) D. In Hebrews 12:14 Christians are instructed to, “Follow [pursue] peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:…”

E. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the meek [gentle]: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Meekness is strength under control.

F. Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) G. Christ Jesus rebuked His disciples for their harsh reaction to others in Luke 9:5556. Our Savior warned, “…Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” (Luke 9:55-56) IV. Does this command of Christ mean that Christians cannot defend themselves if violently attacked?

A. I do not believe that Jesus was prohibiting His disciples from defending themselves if violently attacked in Matthew 10:16. Rather, Christ was teaching His disciples to be peaceful, gentle people (Matthew 5:5). Conflicts are to be resolved in a peaceful manner by Christians (Mathew 5:9; 5:24). Jesus was instructing His followers to be non-aggressive, non-violent, kind people.

B. This command is not to be regarded as a license to permit antichrists to prey on or target Christians. Moreover, it is not to be understood as a prohibition of the righteous action of defending Christians against tyrants, mass-murderers,

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murderers, rapists and thieves. Likewise, this command was not a voiding of God’s justice to be carried out against the evil deeds of evil people (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

The LORD makes it very clear that He hates, “…the shedding of innocent blood.”

See Deuteronomy 19:12; 21:9, Proverbs 6:17, Isaiah 59:7-8, Jeremiah 7:6; 22:3-17 and Joel 3:19.

C. In the first century it was the will of God our Father that His Son Christ Jesus die as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. John introduced Jesus as, “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Therefore, Jesus did not “resist” the evil and that was done to Him by His enemies when He was assaulted, tortured and crucified.

In fact, when the unlawful arrest of Jesus was occurring in John 18:10-11 we read, “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Whereas, at His second coming, Jesus will return as the conquering King of nations defeating the antichrist and his satanically deceived followers at the battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 14, Revelation 19). According to the Scriptures, Jesus will return to defend and deliver Israel from the overwhelming attack of the antichrist and his global army advancing in an attack against Jerusalem (Ezekiel 38-39). Consequently, knowing in advance the dangers and persecutions which they would face, in Luke 22:36-38 Jesus instructed His disciples saying, “…But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.”

D. Whether in defending Christians from violent attack and physical harm or in praying for the conversion of their enemies, the law of Christ’s love must guide our actions. Let us remember the counsel of our Savior. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44) E. Let’s consider one of the false teachings of our day which is resulting in persecution against true Christians who refute it. In recent years we hear much about the teachings of “sustainable development.” This false ideology is based on a model of naturalistic evolution and nihilism. It is a “doctrine of devils” based on the lie (inspired by the Devil – John 8:43-44) that the earth is overpopulated with humans. One aspect of this false doctrine is the alleged need for “stabilization” of human population on planet earth. But what is population stabilization? This is a bureaucratic term for bringing the world’s human population to a supposed “balance with nature” by means of population reduction. The means to this Luciferinspired agenda includes: abortion, birth control methods, euthanasia, physicianassisted “suicides,” deliberately created lethal diseases and deliberately created wars. This is a satanic and lethal false philosophy traced back to the false theories

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of Professor Thomas Malthus (1766-1834). Yet, the idea of population control of humans is not new. It is clear disobedience to God’s command in Genesis 1:28. It is the scheme of arrogant people who exalt themselves and their false theories above the knowledge and will of God revealed in the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

An excellent example of “population control” being formulated by evil people is found in Exodus 1:15-22. The pagan, idolatrous leader of Egypt regarded the Hebrews as a possible threat. Subsequently, he decreed that all newborn Hebrew males were to die by being thrown into the river. This is nothing less than mass murder (similar to abortion in our day). Thankfully, the text mentions, “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.” (Exodus 1:17) Thus, the Scriptures clearly indicate that there is a point in which the LORD’s people must act to defend the lives of the innocent from mass-murderers and tyrants.

F. In the time of Queen Esther Jehovah permitted the Jews to arm themselves and defend themselves against those who were planning a genocide against them (Esther 8-9). God blessed this action of self-defense. It was an answer to the prayers of God’s people.

G. In the days of Nehemiah when the enemies of the Jews were conspiring to violently attack them, they prayed to the LORD God of Israel and prepared to defend themselves with arms. After the Jews prayed and armed themselves to defend their families from the planned attack of their enemies, they were not attacked. In this case, prayer and the arming of the citizens to defend themselves against a violent attack served to prevent violence against the LORD’s people. Much can be said in defense of the prudence of this strategy in contemporary times as well. We read, “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them…Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.” (Nehemiah 4:9, 13-15) V. As Christians, how do we pursue peace with others and at the same time defend the lives of the innocent?

A. We must start in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We must have the power, presence, protection, provision and help of the LORD God of Israel every day. We need to ask Jehovah to go before us and direct us. He can do much more than we can. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 the LORD said, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

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B. In Proverbs 21:31 we read, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” C. King David proclaimed, “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (Psalm 34:7) D. In Proverbs 9:10 we are instructed, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

VI. What is the meaning of the teaching of Jesus to, “resist not evil?” Does this teaching imply that Christians are to be pacifists? (Matthew 5:39) A. This command of Jesus does not mean that Christians are not to oppose evil. In fact, Jesus opposed Devil-inspired evil and hypocrisy during his earthly ministry (Matthew 4:1-11; 23:1-39, 21:12-13). Furthermore, the apostle John declared, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) B. In Matthew 5:39 Christ Jesus taught His disciples to be peaceful, non-violent people. Christ is not teaching His followers to not defend themselves against tyrants, mass-murderers, murderers, rapists and thieves. Otherwise, the command to “…beware of men” of Matthew 10:17 would be meaningless. Notice that in Matthew 5:39-40 Jesus instructed His followers concerning a non-violent response to a person hitting them on the “right cheek” and not retaliating in like manner to a lawsuit to take away your “coat.” Jesus, however, did not refer to a non-violent response to a person attempting to kill a Christian in this text. Likewise, Christ did not mention a non-violent response to evil people planning or carrying out a massacre or genocide against Christ’s followers. This indicates that the practice of non-violence in response to the violence of evil people has a limit. There are some circumstances in which lethal self-defense by Christians is just and necessary in order to defend the innocent. A time of war is an example.

C. Moreover, in the context of the instruction in Matthew 5:39 we find that Jesus is refuting the false interpretations of the law by the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20-48).

D. Therefore, we may accurately conclude from our text that Jesus is advocating the view that non-violent resistance to evil people carrying out evil actions is to be preferred over a violent response to evil people and evil actions. Lethal response in self-defense is to be a last resort option in the pursuit of peace with those carrying out acts of violence against Christians. The prophet Ezekiel proclaimed, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11) VII. It is God’s desire that His people be known as a peace-loving people who follow the path of His inner “peace” in their daily lives.

A. In Romans 3:9-18, 23 the apostle Paul summed up the entire history of humanity when he said, “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have

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before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes…for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;…”

B. In Psalm 25:8-9 King David observed, “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he [the LORD] guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

C. To His followers Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) D. Regarding our calling to be overcomers in Christ, our Savior declared, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) E. The apostle Paul instructed, “Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) F. In Colossians 3:15-16 Paul exhorted, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

In conclusion, according to the Scriptures, peace on earth will be fully realized only when Jesus Christ returns at His second coming to establish His millennial kingdom of peace, righteousness and justice on earth (Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:1-12, Zechariah 14:1-9, Revelation 20:6). If we choose to receive and follow Jesus, He promises that He will give us the peace that transcends all of the injustices and discouragements of this life (John 14:27; 16:33, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:15-16). You can have this true inner “peace” that Jesus promised if you will respond to this Bible study in the way that God desires (Matthew 11:28-30).

The good news is that Jesus Christ loves you (John 3:16-18, Romans 5:8). He died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for you. Do you believe this good news message in your heart? Yes / No In prayer, have you repented of your sins, chosen to believe the gospel and personally invited Jesus Christ to come live in your heart as your Lord and Savior (John 1:12-13)?

Have you committed your life to Jesus to become His follower? Yes / No If not, why not make the eternal decision to be saved now (Romans 10:9-13)? If you

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believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and desire to give your heart and life to Jesus, pray this prayer of faith out loud to the Lord: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died to for my sins, was buried and rose again from the dead for me. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, please have mercy on me a sinner. Please forgive my sins and come live in my heart forever. Please save my soul and make me a child of God by your Holy Spirit. Help me become a follower of Jesus and His teachings. Thank you my Lord Jesus for the gift of eternal life. Amen.

Write the date that you made this decision of salvation in your Bible. Please let us know if you have personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today so that we may rejoice with you. Confess Jesus before others. Be baptized by immersion, worship, attend and serve with other Christians in a church where the Bible is the final authority. Ω

End Notes: 1. W. E. Vine, VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT WORDS, (Iowa Falls, Iowa, RIVERSIDE BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE), p. 1245 2. Ibid., VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT WORDS, pp. 1028-1029 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake 4. Ibid., VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT WORDS, p. 536 5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_turtle_dove

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