Matthew 10:16

as sheep in the midst of wolves Clemens Rom., who quotes these words, adds to them: "Then Peter answered and said, If then the wolves rend the sheep? but Jesus said to Peter, Let not the sheep fear the wolves after death."

wise as serpents, and harmless as doves The qualities required for the safety of the unarmed traveller. Prudence and harmlessness are the defence of the weak. Wise= "prudent," full of precaution, possessing such "practical wisdom" as Paul had when he claimed the rights of Roman citizenship at Philippi. The wisdom of a serpent is to escape notice.

The expression in Romans 16:19, which this passage recalls, is not quite parallel. St Paul is there speaking of the Christian character; our Lord is giving instructions for a special occasion. The word translated wisein Romans is not the same Greek word which is here rendered wise.