Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 10:16

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, he ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Our Lord having hitherto instructed his twelve Apostles, as to the places whither they were to go, the work they had to do, and the Methods, he would have them observe, now comes to arm them against their Difficulties, and the Temptations they were like to meet with. I send you forth (saith he) as Sheep amongst Wolves. It is most probable, that our Saviour speaks this with reference to what they were like to meet with, when he should be taken from them, for we do not read of any great opposition, which they at present met with. I send you, saith he, as Sheep which are feeble Creatures in themselves, and without any natural Armour to defend themselves, amongst Wolves, which are rapacious Creatures, and have a particular Enmity to Sheep. Amongst Enemies who will have as great an inclination from their Malice to devour you, as Wolves have from their Nature) to devour Sheep. Be you therefore Wise as Serpents. It is said of the Serpent, Gen. 3.1. that he was more subtil than any Beast of the Field. Naturalists observe, yet, a great natural▪ Sagacity in the Serpent, which they note in several particulars: It is hard to say, that Christ aimed at this, or that particular thing, wherein the Sagacity of Serpents appeareth. He only proposeth the Serpent, as a Pattern of Subtilty, and commendeth Prudence to them, so far as it consisteth with Innocency, for it followeth, Innocent as Doves. Amongst the Beasts of the Field, there is none more innocent than a Sheep. Amongst the Birds of the Air, none more innocent than a Dove, to both these, our Lord compareth his Disciples. This Text teacheth us, 1. That Wisdome may dwell with Prudence. 2. That all true Prudence must be attended with Innocency.

Marginal references: Luk. 10.3.; Rom. 16.19.; Or, simple.