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.
Read it in contextDealing with an offending brother
Start reading at Matthew 18:15 (Matthew 18:15 to Matthew 18:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Instructions for addressing sin describe a process involving the brother and, if necessary, the church rather than private vengeance.
18:15Moreover 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.
18:16But 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.
18:17And 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.
18:18Verily 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.
18:19Again 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.
18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 18:1–18:35): Jesus addresses His disciples about greatness, care for the little ones, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Peter asks the question that introduces the final parable. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Dealing with an offending brother. Read Matthew 18:15 through Matthew 18:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Instructions for addressing sin describe a process involving the brother and, if necessary, the church rather than private vengeance. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Dealing with an offending brother (Matthew 18:15 to Matthew 18:20).
Start reading at Matthew 18:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 18:15, Matthew 18:20, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 18
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the question of greatness with humility, warnings against causing offense, and the Father's care for the wandering little one.
Connection to the wholeInstructions for addressing sin describe a process involving the brother and, if necessary, the church rather than private vengeance.
Connection to the wholePeter's question and the unforgiving servant connect the community's conduct to the mercy its members have received.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.