How does Acts 20:29 connect with Jesus' warnings in Matthew 7:15? The Words of Jesus: Beware the Wolves “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) • Jesus pictures false teachers as predators disguised as part of the flock. • His warning comes in the Sermon on the Mount—foundational teaching meant for every disciple. • The image stresses danger from within, not merely outside persecution. Paul’s Echo: Wolves Will Come “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.” (Acts 20:29) • Paul gives this charge to the Ephesian elders at Miletus. • He speaks with certainty (“I know”), revealing Spirit-given foresight (cf. Acts 20:23). • The threat is immediate and inevitable—“after my departure.” Shared Imagery: Wolves and the Flock • Both passages use the same animal metaphor. • “Ravenous” (Matthew) and “savage” (Acts) point to vicious intent. • “Sheep’s clothing” (Matthew) parallels “among you” (Acts); the predator mingles undetected. • Jesus and Paul unite Old Covenant shepherd language (Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 11) with New Covenant urgency. Why Wolves Attack • To distort the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). • To draw disciples after themselves (Acts 20:30). • To merchandise the flock for gain (2 Peter 2:1-3). • To satisfy fleshly appetites—pride, power, pleasure (Jude 10-13). Marks of the Wolves • Unsound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3-4). • Immoral lifestyle masked by pious language (Titus 1:16). • Division-making and flattery (Romans 16:17-18). • Denial of the Master who bought them (2 Peter 2:1). Guarding Doctrine and Life • Know the Scriptures—“the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). • Appoint qualified elders who “hold firmly to the faithful word” (Titus 1:9). • Watch your life and doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4:16). • Cultivate discernment through constant practice (Hebrews 5:14). Living the Connection Today • Jesus’ initial warning sets the standard; Paul reinforces it for church leadership. • The consistency shows Scripture’s unified voice: truth matters, shepherds must protect. • Every believer shares the call—stay alert, stay anchored, stay together in the Word. |
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