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MATTHEW 7:20 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Matt 7:19Matt 7:21
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. The repetition of the fruit-recognition principle from verse 16 frames the diseased-tree teaching as a unit. The thus-you-will-recognize-them is the confident assertion that the diagnostic works: false prophets will be identifiable to those who pay attention over time. The Sermon's ethic of fruit-examination applies first to the disciple's own life (log-and-speck) and then to the evaluation of teachers and leaders (sheep's clothing and ravenous wolves). Both applications require sustained attention and the courage to act on what the examination reveals.

Church Fathers on Matthew 7:20

The Lord had before commanded His Apostles, that they should not do their alms, prayers, and fastings before men, as the hypocrites; and that they might know that all these things may be done in hypocrisy, He speaks saying, 'Take heed of false prophets.'

Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

When the Lord had said that there were few that find the strait gate and narrow way, that heretics, who often commend themselves because of the smallness of their numbers, might not here intrude themselves, He straightway subjoins, 'Take heed of false prophets.'

Augustine · 4th century · Serm. in Mont., ii, 23

Having taught that the gate is strait, because there are many that pervert the way that leads to it, He proceeds, 'Take heed of false prophets.' In the which that they might be the more careful, He reminds them of the things that were done among their fathers, calling them 'false prophets;' for even in that day the like things fell out.

Chrysostom · 4th century
Read all 21 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Matthew 7:20 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy