And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Verse 5. A stranger, &c. This was literally true of a flock. Accustomed to the voice and presence of a kind shepherd, they would not regard the command of a stranger. It is also true spiritually. Jesus by this indicates that the true people of God will not follow false teachers-- those who are proud, haughty, and self-seeking, as were the Pharisees.
The Pharisees claimed to be the church's true pastors and treated Christ as an intruder with no commission from them. But His doubled amen, Amen, amen, stamps this teaching with absolute weight: whoever does not enter by the gate but climbs another way is a thief and robber, bent on mischief and damage to the flock.
AI summary
Commenting on John 10:1-18
And a stranger will they not follow,.... One that knows not Christ, is not sent by him, and who does not preach him: but will flee from him; shun him and his ministry, as not only disagreeable, but dangerous: for they know not the voice of strangers: they do not approve of their doctrine, nor take any delight in it, or receive any profit from it.