PrevMatthew 18:15Next

Matthew 18

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

What does Matthew 18:15 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:15 provides guidance on how to approach and resolve personal disputes within the Christian community.

The verse suggests a private, one-on-one conversation as the first step in seeking reconciliation when someone has been wronged.

The goal of this approach is to resolve the issue discreetly and lovingly, thereby preserving the relationship and maintaining unity within the community.

The deeper meaning behind this teaching emphasizes accountability, communication, and forgiveness.

It encourages individuals to address conflicts directly, rather than gossiping or harboring resentment, and seeks to restore broken relationships through understanding and compassion.

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus, often referred to as the "Community Discourse" or "Discourse on the Church", found in Matthew 18.

The historical context is set in the first-century Jewish culture, with Jesus instructing his disciples on how to deal with various issues within the early Christian communities.

During this time, the early Church was grappling with its identity and looking for ways to live out the teachings of Jesus in practical, day-to-day matters.

The directive given by Jesus reflects a practice that would have been culturally appropriate, emphasizing privacy and personal responsibility in resolving disagreements.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may emphasize various aspects of Matthew 18:15.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, the verse is seen as a command by Jesus for Christians to lovingly confront those who have sinned against them in the hopes of reconciliation.

Some theologians highlight how this process reflects God's own approach to humanity, which is to call individuals to repentance while offering forgiveness. Liberation theology may focus on the empowerment of the wronged individual to seek justice through peaceful confrontation.

Practical Applications

The teaching in Matthew 18:15 has several practical applications in everyday life:

Conflict Resolution: This verse provides a model for handling personal conflicts by promoting honest and direct communication.
Community: It encourages maintaining the integrity and unity of any community, whether it be a church, workplace, or family.
Personal Growth: Encourages personal responsibility to address and resolve issues, rather than avoiding them.
Empathy: Pushes for an understanding and compassionate approach when discussing grievances with others.

Cross-References

Leviticus 19:17: "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him."
Galatians 6:1: "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
James 5:19-20: "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words are significant for a deeper understanding of the verse:

"Trespass" (ἁμαρτίαν - hamartian): Refers to sin or a wrongdoing.
"Tell" (ἔλεγξον - elegxon): Reprove, convince, or correct.
"Fault" (παράπτωμα - paraptoma): Fall aside, slip, or transgression.
"Gained" (ἐκέρδησας - ekerdesas): Have won over or have benefitted.

Examining these words sheds light on the gravity of addressing the wrongdoing and the positive outcome of winning back the erring brother.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Jewish law also had provisions for handling disputes and grievances, which is reflected in Leviticus 19:17 as mentioned earlier. Other ancient cultures valued honor and would similarly advocate for private resolution to avoid public shame.

In contrast, some cultures might have sought more public or even violent means of addressing grievances, highlighting the countercultural nature of Jesus's teaching here.

Scientific Perspectives

Science, and particularly psychology, offers insights into conflict resolution and the benefits of the approach prescribed in Matthew 18:15.

Studies on effective communication and interpersonal relationships validate the principle of addressing issues directly with those involved as a means of fostering understanding, reducing aggression, and promoting psychological well-being.

The verse's implication that resolved conflict strengthens relationships has been supported by research into social bonds and community cohesion.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide a range of interpretations and applications:

John Calvin viewed this verse as instructing the faithful to seek a remedy for offenses in a way that aims to help the offender improve.
William Barclay highlighted the importance of privacy to give the wrongdoer a chance to rectify their mistake without unnecessary public exposure.
**Craig S.

Keener** emphasizes the role of community in the reconciliation process that follows the private confrontation, supporting the goal of restoring a member to the community.

**R.T.

France** notes the practicality of this teaching as it relates to maintaining harmony within the body of believers.

Matthew 18

Matthew 18

What does Matthew 18:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 18:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?