Matthew 18:17

Translations

Modern

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And if he may fail to hear them, say it to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector.

Latin

Quod si non audierit eos: dic ecclesiæ. Si autem ecclesiam non audierit, sit tibi sicut ethnicus et publicanus.

Original

Greek

English

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Notes

Matthew 18:17

The church is the local Christian community.
An unrepentant person (someone refusing to turn from sin) is to be treated as an outsider, like a lawbreaker. Excluding a person from fellowship (sometimes called excommunication) comes from the belief that God’s people must be holy (Acts 5:1–6; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; Galatians 5:7–12; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15). Sin harms fellowship with both other believers and with God. The goal is not revenge or control, but to restore the sinner to holiness and community (Matthew 18:10–15; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19–20).

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:

humility (18:1–5),
sensitivity (18:6–9),
compassion (18:10–14),
discipline (18:15–18), and
forgiveness (18:21–35).

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

Theme notes and profiles

Dealing with Conflict

Events

Teachings on Humility/Temptation/Reconciliationc. AD 29

Related verses

2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
1 Corinthians 5:9–6:7
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
2 Thessalonians 3:14–15
Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
1 Corinthians 5:3–5
Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
2 John 1:10–11
If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.
Ephesians 5:11–12
Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
3 John 1:9–10
I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
Ephesians 4:17–19
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Romans 16:17–18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
Ezekiel 11:12
Then you will know that I am the LORD. For you have neither followed My statutes nor practiced My ordinances, but you have conformed to the ordinances of the nations around you.”
2 Corinthians 2:6–7
The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him.
2 Corinthians 6:14–17
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

Matthew 18:17

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

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Glossary

Topics