Matthew 7:15

False prophets (twn pseudoprophtwn). There were false prophets in the time of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus will predict "false Messiahs and false prophets" ( Matthew 24:24 ) who will lead many astray. They came in due time posing as angels of light like Satan, Judaizers ( 2 Corinthians 11:13 ff.) and Gnostics ( 1 John 4:1 ; 1 Timothy 4:1 ). Already false prophets were on hand when Jesus spoke on this occasion (cf. Acts 13:6 ; 2 Peter 2:1 ). In outward appearance they look like sheep in the sheep's clothing which they wear, but within they are "ravening wolves" (lukoi arpage), greedy for power, gain, self. It is a tragedy that such men and women reappear through the ages and always find victims. Wolves are more dangerous than dogs and hogs.