“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.”– Matthew 18:17 (KJV)
“If he still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.”– Matthew 18:17 (NLT)
“If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch and isolate him from the community.”– Matthew 18:17 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 18:17 Mean?
In Matthew 18:17, Jesus provides guidance on how to deal with someone who has sinned against us. This verse forms a part of His teaching on community relationships and reconciliation. We often struggle with conflict in our relationships, and this scripture offers us a step-by-step process for addressing issues Biblically. Jesus asks us to approach the person privately first. If they do not listen, we are to take a few others with us. If they still refuse to heed the counsel, the final step is to bring it before the church. This process emphasizes the need for community involvement in our conflicts and the importance of addressing sin within our relationships.
We can see in this passage how important it is for us to maintain healthy relationships within our communities. The guidance provided is practical and ensures that the issue is dealt with carefully and respectfully. Facing conflict is never easy, but we must remember that the goal is not punishment. Instead, it is reconciliation and restoration of the individual, which mirrors Christ’s love and grace.
Matthew 18:17 Explanation and Commentary
When we examine Matthew 18:17 closely, we find that it presents a clear order of operations for conflict resolution. Jesus teaches us the critical importance of bringing things into the light rather than letting misunderstandings fester. The first instruction is to go to the person privately. This step not only protects their dignity but also allows for the opportunity for direct communication. Often, when misunderstandings arise, they stem from a lack of communication. By approaching someone personally, we give them a chance to clarify their side, and it opens the floor for dialogue.
If this initial approach fails because the person refuses to listen, the next step is to bring a few witnesses with us. This acts as a safeguard against any accusations being one-sided. Witnesses can help ensure that all perspectives are considered and can corroborate what was discussed. It’s crucial to choose individuals wise in their faith and with a good sense of resolving conflicts gently.
Should this approach also fail, bringing the matter before the church isn’t presented as an act of public shaming but rather as a necessary next step for communal care. It is a reminder that as members of one body, we bear the responsibility to restore one another in love and grace. In this, we find the heart of the issue, which is about helping the individual find the right path, not simply calling out their faults.
Finally, Jesus implies that if all efforts fail, we should treat that individual as someone outside the faith community. The intent here isn’t to cast judgment but to demonstrate the seriousness of their unwillingness to reconcile and their separation from the community’s values. It can be an essential point for growth, pushing them to reflect on their choices and hopefully prompt a return to the faith.
Context of Matthew 18:17
In understanding Matthew 18:17, we have to explore the broader context of Matthew 18. Jesus is teaching His disciples about humility, accountability, and the importance of community. Earlier in this chapter, He values little children, indicating that we must approach our relationships with humility. The subsequent verses urge the disciples to avoid leading others astray and encourage forgiveness—not just for minor transgressions but even for major ones.
This specific verse fits firmly within a section that instructs on how to live harmoniously as a community of believers. Jesus emphasizes that dealing with conflicts is not simply a personal responsibility but one that the entire community shares. When a brother or sister goes astray, it is a community issue, and we must take it seriously.
Furthermore, this passage comes right after His parables about the lost sheep, illustrating God’s heart for seeking those who are lost. The call to care for one another, especially in the scope of correction, stems from God’s desire to see us restored, not merely condemned. It compels us to remember that through gentle and loving correction, we reflect the heart of Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 18:17
Each part of Matthew 18:17 holds significant meaning. To begin with, “If he shall neglect to hear them” shows us that we must be attentive to the concerns of others. Ignoring the advice or correction we receive can lead to much bigger issues later on. It emphasizes personal accountability, teaching that we are expected to listen and reflect on the input given to us.
The phrase “tell it unto the church” introduces the notion of community accountability. The church plays a vital role in the healing process as it embodies both the support system and the authority to address issues of serious sin. When an individual refuses to listen, the community serves as a means of bearing one another’s burdens, ensuring that correction comes from a place of love and sincerity.
Finally, the command “let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican” signifies the serious approach needed for someone unrepentant. It calls us to recognize the gravity of someone choosing to evade accountability. It presses upon us the significance of maintaining the community’s standards and values, while also remembering that alienation is not the goal — redemption is. Through this separation, the hope is to stir within that person a desire to return to the fold, knowing that they are missed and loved.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 18:17
Matthew 18:17 teaches us several valuable lessons. First, interpersonal conflicts should be approached with humility and love. It is easy to point fingers and blame others, but we must remember that we often have our shortcomings as well. We all have been on both sides of conflict, and it’s vital to engage from a position of respect and grace.
The second lesson is the importance of relationships within our faith community. Our relationships with one another matter to God. He calls us to uphold a standard of righteousness while simultaneously holding space for grace. It creates a culture where we are free to be real about our struggles without fear of condemnation. This encourages accountability that is done in love, fostering an environment that nurtures spiritual growth and healing.
Another lesson we learn is that true conflict resolution often requires patience. This scripture shows us that it may take several attempts to reach reconciliation. We should remain steadfast, driven by love rather than frustration. Our focus should always remain on restoration and bringing others back into fellowship rather than merely seeking punishment. That’s the heart of God reflected in each of our interactions.
Finally, the intention behind these actions is to bring about healing, not punishment. Jesus does not offer us a pathway to exclusion for the sake of exclusion, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and return. We must always seek to restore those who have gone astray.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 18:17 holds profound insights that can transform how we interact with others in our communities. It reminds us of the importance of resolving conflicts directly and compassionately. Each step Jesus outlines is ultimately about love – love for each other and love for God’s standards. Each of us can play a part in pursuing peace within our relationships.
When we face conflict or see a brother or sister struggling, we are invited to approach the situation with gentleness, seeking understanding and restoration. We have the opportunity to become instruments of grace, helping others grow as they move through difficult moments in life. Let us be diligent in our pursuit of unity and compassion within our community.
If you have enjoyed exploring Matthew 18:17, there are many more areas of scripture to discover that can deepen our understanding of God’s word. For instance, reading Matthew 11 may provide further insights into living in Christ’s love. We encourage you to keep exploring God’s teachings, such as those found in [Genesis 18](https://biblerepository.com/genesis-181) or reflect on the significance of true faith in [Genesis 17](https://biblerepository.com/genesis-171). Each passage offers invaluable lessons that can guide us in our daily lives and empower us to be better representatives of Christ’s love to those around us.