Matthew 7:15

False prophets. Compare Matt. 24:5, 11, 24; Mark 13:22. A true prophet is one who speaks for God. Accordingly, a false prophet is one who pretends to be speaking for God when in reality he speaks only the perverted thoughts of his own perverse heart (cf. Isa. 30:10; Jer. 14:13-15; 23:16, 17, 21, 25, 30-32, 38; 29:8, 9; Eze. 13:2,3, 10, 11). Compare Jeremiah’s experiences with the false prophets of his day (Jer. 27-29).

The false prophets are those who profess that it is possible for men to enter in by the broad gate and the broad way. They are the “thieves,” whose only purpose is to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:7-10). For apostolic warnings against false prophets see Acts 20:28-31; 2 Thess. 2:3, 7; 2 Peter 2; 1 John 2:18, 19.

In sheep’s clothing. The likeness of the “wolves” to the “sheep” was only external. There had been no change of heart, but only of appearance, the purpose being, of course, to deceive the sheep and lull them into a false sense of security in order to devour them with greater ease. God’s people are often pictured as sheep, and God as their Shepherd (Ps. 23:1, 2; 78:52; 80:1; 100:3; Isa. 40:11; Isa. 53:6; Eze. 34:10-19; John 10:1-16; etc.).

Ravening. Gr. harpax, “rapacious.” These “wolves” are not only wicked at heart, but opposed to truth and to those who adhere to it. It is their purpose to bring harm to the sheep in order to bring benefit to themselves. Greedy for gain and for power, they are more dangerous than the “dogs” or the “swine” of v. 6. See on Micah 3:5-11.

Wolves. Compare Zeph. 3:3; Matt. 10:16; John 10:12.