Keraia
Matthew 18

Matthew 18:16

A Brother Who Sins · Matthew 18:15–18
Read Matthew 18

Translations

Modern
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Traditional
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.
Literal
But if he may not hear, take with you one or two more, so that ‘every word may be stood upon the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Latin
Si autem te non audierit, adhibe tecum adhuc unum, vel duos, ut in ore duorum, vel trium testium stet omne verbum.

Original

Greek
English
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

Notes

Matthew 18:16

By requiring one or two others to be present, Jesus stopped slander and false accusations among the congregation (see John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28).

Matthew 18:15–20

Resolving issues should be private at first and only made public if absolutely necessary.

Matthew 18:15–35

The community of believers should stay united and avoid conflicts. Members should seek reconciliation (Matthew 18:15–20) and be ready to forgive (18:21–35). Sometimes, strict discipline might be necessary (18:17).

Matthew 18:1–35

This fourth major teaching in Matthew (see study note on Matthew 5:1–7:29) focuses on how people responded to the Messiah. The disciples accepted him, while the Jewish leaders and most people did not. As this division increased, Jesus taught his disciples about community life.

To follow the standards of Jesus, a community should live with:

Like the other teachings, a closing statement (19:1–2) connects to the next section.

Theme notes and profiles

Dealing with Conflict

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 19:15–21

Glossary

Brother Discipline Gospel of Matthew Judge Letter to Philemon Witness

Topics

Apologizing Being Offended Being Wronged Biblical Confrontation Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Conformity Confronting Others Correction Court: Ecclesiastical Disagreement Evidence: Laws Concerning Fraternity: General Scriptures Concerning Going to Court Going to your Brother Jesus, the Christ: Reproves the Ambition of his Disciples (At Capernaum) Leaving a Church Offending Someone Preventing Conflict Problems Rebuking Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning Resolving Conflict Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Suing Someone Suing your Brother Tattletales Tax Collectors Trespass of a Brother Witness: Two Necessary to Establish a Fact