Matthew 18:16 - But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Deuteronomy 19:15
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What does "Matthew 18:16" mean?
Matthew 18:16 is part of a larger section (Matthew 18:15-17) dealing with how to handle conflict within a Christian community. Let's break down the meaning of the verse in context:
Context: Addressing Sin Within the Community
Jesus is giving instructions on how to deal with a brother or sister in Christ who has sinned. The process is designed to be restorative and aimed at reconciliation:
1. Private Confrontation: (Matthew 18:15) First, you should go to the person privately and point out their fault. The goal is that they repent and the issue is resolved quietly.
2. Adding Witnesses: (Matthew 18:16) If the person doesn't listen to you in private, then you take one or two other believers with you. This is the verse we're examining.
3. Informing the Church: (Matthew 18:17) If the person still refuses to listen, the matter is brought before the church community.
4. Final Action: (Matthew 18:17) If the person refuses to listen to the church, they are to be treated as an outsider – "as you would a pagan or a tax collector." This doesn't necessarily mean excommunication, but rather a change in the relationship.
Explanation of Matthew 18:16
"But if he doesn’t listen..." This follows the failure of the first attempt at reconciliation. The person who sinned has refused to acknowledge or repent of their wrong.
"...take one or two more with you..." This is a critical step. Why bring others?
Objectivity and Impartiality: Having witnesses helps ensure objectivity. It moves beyond a "he said, she said" situation. The witnesses can observe the interaction and provide a more balanced account.
Confirmation: The witnesses can confirm the nature of the sin and the attempts at reconciliation.
Persuasion: The presence of others might encourage the person to take the situation more seriously and be more willing to listen. It adds weight to the accusation and appeal.
Accountability: The presence of witnesses holds both parties accountable. The person accused knows they are being observed, and the accuser knows they need to present a valid case.
"...that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." This is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 19:15. The verse in Deuteronomy establishes a legal principle in the Old Testament: a person cannot be convicted of a crime based solely on the testimony of one person. There needs to be corroboration by two or three witnesses to establish the truth and prevent false accusations.
Establishing Truth: The primary purpose of the witnesses is to establish the facts. What exactly happened? What was said? Did the person truly commit the sin?
Preventing False Accusations: The requirement for multiple witnesses protects innocent people from being falsely accused and punished.
Fairness and Justice: It ensures a fairer process and a more just outcome.
Key Takeaways
Process-Oriented: The verse is part of a process designed for reconciliation and restoration within the community. It's not about punishment but about helping someone turn away from sin.
Emphasis on Truth: The goal is to establish the truth of the situation based on reliable evidence.
Biblical Foundation: Jesus is drawing upon Old Testament principles to guide the community in resolving conflict.
Importance of Witness: The role of witnesses is to provide objective confirmation and ensure fairness.
Purpose of Reconciliation: Even the final steps (informing the church and treating the person as an outsider) are meant to be a means of bringing the person to repentance and reconciliation, though they also serve to protect the community.
Important Considerations:
The Nature of the Sin: The process described in Matthew 18:15-17 is generally understood to apply to sins that are clearly defined and have a direct impact on the community.
Motivation: The primary motivation should always be love and a desire to see the person restored to fellowship with God and the community.
Humility: This process requires humility from all parties involved. The accuser must be willing to examine their own motives, and the accused must be willing to listen and repent if they are in the wrong.
Confidentiality: Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality throughout the process, to protect both the accused and the community.
In summary, Matthew 18:16 draws upon the principle of multiple witnesses from Deuteronomy 19:15 to ensure fairness, objectivity, and the establishment of truth when addressing sin within a Christian community. It's a step within a larger process aimed at reconciliation and restoration.
Matthew 18:16 - But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Deuteronomy 19:15
What does "Matthew 18:16" mean?
Matthew 18:16 is part of a larger section (Matthew 18:15-17) dealing with how to handle conflict within a Christian community. Let's break down the meaning of the verse in context:
Context: Addressing Sin Within the Community
Jesus is giving instructions on how to deal with a brother or sister in Christ who has sinned. The process is designed to be restorative and aimed at reconciliation:
1. Private Confrontation: (Matthew 18:15) First, you should go to the person privately and point out their fault. The goal is that they repent and the issue is resolved quietly.
2. Adding Witnesses: (Matthew 18:16) If the person doesn't listen to you in private, then you take one or two other believers with you. This is the verse we're examining.
3. Informing the Church: (Matthew 18:17) If the person still refuses to listen, the matter is brought before the church community.
4. Final Action: (Matthew 18:17) If the person refuses to listen to the church, they are to be treated as an outsider – "as you would a pagan or a tax collector." This doesn't necessarily mean excommunication, but rather a change in the relationship.
Explanation of Matthew 18:16
"But if he doesn’t listen..." This follows the failure of the first attempt at reconciliation. The person who sinned has refused to acknowledge or repent of their wrong.
"...take one or two more with you..." This is a critical step. Why bring others?
Objectivity and Impartiality: Having witnesses helps ensure objectivity. It moves beyond a "he said, she said" situation. The witnesses can observe the interaction and provide a more balanced account.
Confirmation: The witnesses can confirm the nature of the sin and the attempts at reconciliation.
Persuasion: The presence of others might encourage the person to take the situation more seriously and be more willing to listen. It adds weight to the accusation and appeal.
Accountability: The presence of witnesses holds both parties accountable. The person accused knows they are being observed, and the accuser knows they need to present a valid case.
"...that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." This is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 19:15. The verse in Deuteronomy establishes a legal principle in the Old Testament: a person cannot be convicted of a crime based solely on the testimony of one person. There needs to be corroboration by two or three witnesses to establish the truth and prevent false accusations.
Establishing Truth: The primary purpose of the witnesses is to establish the facts. What exactly happened? What was said? Did the person truly commit the sin?
Preventing False Accusations: The requirement for multiple witnesses protects innocent people from being falsely accused and punished.
Fairness and Justice: It ensures a fairer process and a more just outcome.
Key Takeaways
Process-Oriented: The verse is part of a process designed for reconciliation and restoration within the community. It's not about punishment but about helping someone turn away from sin.
Emphasis on Truth: The goal is to establish the truth of the situation based on reliable evidence.
Biblical Foundation: Jesus is drawing upon Old Testament principles to guide the community in resolving conflict.
Importance of Witness: The role of witnesses is to provide objective confirmation and ensure fairness.
Purpose of Reconciliation: Even the final steps (informing the church and treating the person as an outsider) are meant to be a means of bringing the person to repentance and reconciliation, though they also serve to protect the community.
Important Considerations:
The Nature of the Sin: The process described in Matthew 18:15-17 is generally understood to apply to sins that are clearly defined and have a direct impact on the community.
Motivation: The primary motivation should always be love and a desire to see the person restored to fellowship with God and the community.
Humility: This process requires humility from all parties involved. The accuser must be willing to examine their own motives, and the accused must be willing to listen and repent if they are in the wrong.
Confidentiality: Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality throughout the process, to protect both the accused and the community.
In summary, Matthew 18:16 draws upon the principle of multiple witnesses from Deuteronomy 19:15 to ensure fairness, objectivity, and the establishment of truth when addressing sin within a Christian community. It's a step within a larger process aimed at reconciliation and restoration.