John 10:16 Explained: The Catholic Interpretation of “Other Sheep” and the Unity of Christ’s Church

Introduction

One of the most discussed verses about the unity of the Church is John 10:16, where Jesus says:

“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16)

Many Christians interpret this verse differently. Some claim the “other sheep” refers to future denominations, separate churches, or even specific modern religious groups.

However, the Catholic Church, supported by Scripture and the early Christian tradition, teaches that this passage refers primarily to the inclusion of the Gentiles into the one Church of Christ, resulting in one united flock under one shepherd—Jesus Christ.

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1. The Immediate Context of John 10

In John 10, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep.

The “fold” mentioned in the passage refers to the people of Israel, the original covenant people of God. Jesus initially ministered primarily to the Jews, fulfilling the promises made to them.

But God's plan was never limited to Israel alone.

The Old Testament repeatedly foretold that the nations (Gentiles) would eventually be gathered into God’s people.

For example:

• Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be “a light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6).

• Ezekiel foretold one shepherd over God’s people (Ezekiel 34:23).

Therefore, when Jesus says “other sheep I have that are not of this fold,” He is referring to the Gentiles who would later enter the Church.

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2. Catholic Interpretation: Jews and Gentiles United in One Church

According to Catholic teaching, John 10:16 refers to the future unity of Jews and Gentiles within one Church founded by Christ.

The Catechism teaches that Christ established one visible Church.

“The Church is one because of her source… her founder… and her soul.”¹

The mission of the Church is to gather all people into one flock under Christ.

This unity began visibly after Christ’s resurrection, especially through the missionary work of the apostles who preached to the Gentiles.

For example:

• Peter opened the Church to the Gentiles in Acts 10 (Cornelius).

• Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13).

Thus, John 10:16 is fulfilled when Jews and Gentiles become one people of God in the Church.

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3. “One Flock, One Shepherd” – A Powerful Argument Against Denominationalism

A key phrase in the verse is:

“There will be one flock, one shepherd.”

Notice that Jesus did not say:

• many flocks

• many shepherds

• many competing churches

Instead, Christ clearly teaches unity.

This verse directly challenges the idea that Christianity should be divided into thousands of denominations with different doctrines.

The Catholic Church teaches that Christ intended one visible and unified Church, not a fragmented collection of independent communities.

The Catechism states:

“Christ the Lord founded one Church and one Church only.”²

Therefore, John 10:16 supports the Catholic belief that Christ established one universal Church meant to gather all nations.

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4. Interpretation of the Early Church Fathers

The interpretation that the “other sheep” refers to Gentiles being united with Jewish believers in the Church was already the consensus among early Christian writers.

St. Augustine (4th–5th century)

St. Augustine explained that the “other sheep” refers to the Gentiles who would later join the Church.

“The sheepfold was the people of Israel… the other sheep were the Gentiles, who were to believe in Christ and be joined in one flock.”³

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St. Cyril of Alexandria (5th century)

Cyril also taught that the prophecy refers to the future unity of believers from all nations.

“Christ calls the Gentiles ‘other sheep,’ for they were outside the Jewish fold but destined to be gathered into one Church.”⁴

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St. John Chrysostom (4th century)

Chrysostom emphasized that Christ's mission was to unite humanity.

“By saying ‘one flock,’ He shows that there will be no separation between Jew and Gentile.”⁵

These Fathers confirm that the earliest Christians did not interpret this verse as referring to separate religious groups, but rather to the universal Church composed of all nations.

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5. John 10:16 and the Catholic Understanding of the Church

The Catholic Church sees this verse as a foundational statement about the universality and unity of the Church.

The word “Catholic” itself means “universal.”

Christ's Church is meant for:

• Jews

• Gentiles

• every nation

• every culture

All gathered into one flock.

The Catechism explains:

“All men are called to this catholic unity of the People of God… and to it belong or are ordered the Catholic faithful, others who believe in Christ, and indeed the whole of mankind.”⁶

Thus, John 10:16 expresses God’s plan of salvation for the entire world.

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6. A Prophecy Fulfilled in the Early Church

The fulfillment of John 10:16 can be seen clearly in the Book of Acts.

Examples include:

• Acts 10 – Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit

• Acts 11 – the Church recognizes Gentile converts

• Acts 15 – the Council of Jerusalem welcomes Gentiles

By the end of the apostolic age, Christianity had already spread to:

• Asia Minor

• Greece

• Rome

• North Africa

The Church was no longer limited to Israel but had become a global flock under Christ.

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Conclusion

John 10:16 is a powerful declaration of Christ’s plan for one united Church composed of all nations.

According to the Catholic interpretation:

• The “fold” refers to Israel.

• The “other sheep” refers to the Gentiles.

• Christ gathers both into one flock.

This teaching was consistently upheld by the Early Church Fathers, the apostolic mission, and the Catholic Church today.

Rather than supporting the idea of multiple competing churches, this verse reveals Christ’s desire for visible unity under one shepherd.

In the end, the message of John 10:16 is clear:

Christ did not establish many flocks—but one flock under one shepherd.

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Footnotes

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, §813.

2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, §816.

3. Augustine of Hippo, Tractates on the Gospel of John, 45.

4. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Book 7.

5. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of John, Homily 59.

6. Catechism of the Catholic Church, §836.

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