Matthew 18:15
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The goal isn't just to point out the wrong, but to actively "gain" your brother back for God and for fellowship. This "gain" implies restoration and reconciliation, not just winning an argument, highlighting that true victory in conflict is bringing someone closer to God and into harmony with you.
{ "references": [ { "reference": "Leviticus 19:17", "connection": "This passage provides an Old Testament basis for Jesus' instruction, commanding Israelites not to let wrongs fester but to confront them directly and lovingly with their neighbor." }, { "reference": "Luke 17:3-4", "connection": "This parallel passage from Luke reinforces the idea of direct confrontation and forgiveness, emphasizing that if a brother repents, you are to forgive him, echoing the 'gaining your brother' aspect of Matthew 18:15." }, { "reference": "1 Corinthians 9:19", "connection": "Paul uses the same word for 'gain' in this passage, illustrating how he made himself all things to all people so that he might 'gain' them for Christ, highlighting the redemptive purpose of addressing sin within the community." }, { "reference": "Galatians 6:1", "connection": "This verse directly parallels Jesus' instruction by calling believers to restore gently those caught in a sin, underscoring that the aim is restoration, not condemnation, which aligns with the goal of 'gaining your brother'." } ] }
When someone hurts you, your first instinct might be to retreat or retaliate. But Jesus offers a surprising, courageous third way.
Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 18:15 isn't about seeking revenge or winning an argument. It's about restoration. The command to 'go and tell him his fault' isn't a license for harsh accusation. The original language suggests a gentle, reasoned 'convicting' – bringing the truth to light so the person can see their error.
Think of it like a doctor diagnosing an illness. The diagnosis isn't meant to shame the patient, but to offer a path to healing. Similarly, this private conversation is an act of love, aiming to heal the breach and bring your brother or sister back into fellowship. It requires bravery, humility, and a focus on the person's spiritual well-being.
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What's the ultimate goal when a brother or sister in faith sins against you? Jesus reveals a profound, eternal reward.
Jesus’ ultimate aim in this process is stated so simply: 'If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.' This isn't just about smoothing things over or ending an awkward situation.
To 'gain' a brother or sister means to win them back to a right relationship – not just with you, but ultimately with God. It’s about rescuing a soul that was drifting, perhaps even lost through their sin. This act of personal, private confrontation, when successful, results in a profound spiritual victory.
Think of the immense value of a single soul. When you choose to engage with humility and truth, you are participating in God's work of reconciliation. This 'gain' is far more precious than any worldly possession or personal victory. It’s about the flourishing of God’s kingdom, one restored relationship at a time.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
Refers to a fellow member of the covenant community or a fellow believer in Christ, emphasizing the bonds of spiritual kinship and obligation.
hamartanō · Greek Verb
To miss the mark of God's standard of holiness; it involves transgression against God’s law or a failure to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
elenchos · Greek Noun
A shortcoming, mistake, or offense that carries the responsibility of correction or restoration within the context of Christian community.
Jesus' teaching on resolving conflict between believers was given within the context of Roman occupation and the burgeoning early church, emphasizing practical, humble steps for reconciliation that were revolutionary in a world often governed by power and retribution.
c. 70 BC - 30 BC
Roman Influence Grows
As Roman power expanded, it began to exert significant political and economic influence over Judea, setting the stage for Roman occupation.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquered Judea under Pompey, establishing Roman authority and beginning a period of direct Roman rule and taxation.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate as Prefect
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea during Jesus' ministry, a period marked by tension between Roman rule and Jewish religious life.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus taught extensively, establishing principles for his followers. This included his teachings on relationships, forgiveness, and the nature of his kingdom, as recorded in the Gospels.
c. AD 40s-50s
Early Church Growth and Disputes
The early Christian church expanded rapidly, leading to internal issues and disputes that required guidance on community life and conflict resolution.
c. AD 60s
Paul's Epistles Address Church Life
Apostolic letters, such as those by Paul, provided practical instruction for Christian communities, including how to handle interpersonal conflicts and maintain unity.
This Old Testament passage directly informs Jesus' instruction, commanding, 'You shall not hate in your heart; you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him,' highlighting the importance of addressing wrongs within the community.
Proverbs 15:1This proverb echoes the wisdom of Matthew 18:15 by stating, 'A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,' emphasizing how a gentle, private approach can de-escalate conflict and preserve relationships.
Galatians 6:1Paul directly applies this principle of gentle correction within the community, instructing believers, 'Brothers, if anyone is to be put right even if he takes a wrong step, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness,' mirroring Jesus' call for restorative action.
Luke 17:3This parallel passage in Luke emphasizes the same core principle, with Jesus telling his disciples, 'Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,' reinforcing the redemptive purpose of addressing sin.
1 Corinthians 5:5While this passage deals with a more severe, public sin and excommunication, it still operates within the framework of confronting sin within the community, showing the progression and seriousness of unaddressed sin.
vincentMatthew 18:15: "Moreover 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."
Go (ὕπαγε)Do not wait for him to come to you.Tell him his fault (ἔλεγξον)Rev., shew him. The verb means, first, to test, try, search out; therefore, to cross-examine with a view of convincing or refuting; thence to rebuke or chide. The Rev. shew is better than tell, which implies merely naming the fault; whereas the…
calvinMatthew 18:15-20: "Moreover 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."
- But if thy brother hath sinned against thee, go and reprove him between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16. But if he shall not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be confirmed: and if he shall not hear them,…
The goal isn't just to point out the wrong, but to actively "gain" your brother back for God and for fellowship. This "gain" implies restoration and reconciliation, not just winning an argument, highlighting that true victory in conflict is bringing someone closer to God and into harmony with you.
{ "references": [ { "reference": "Leviticus 19:17", "connection": "This passage provides an Old Testament basis for Jesus' instruction, commanding Israelites not to let wrongs fester but to confront them directly and lovingly with their neighbor." }, { "reference": "Luke 17:3-4", "connection": "This parallel passage from Luke reinforces the idea of direct confrontation and forgiveness, emphasizing that if a brother repents, you are to forgive him, echoing the 'gaining your brother' aspect of Matthew 18:15." }, { "reference": "1 Corinthians 9:19", "connection": "Paul uses the same word for 'gain' in this passage, illustrating how he made himself all things to all people so that he might 'gain' them for Christ, highlighting the redemptive purpose of addressing sin within the community." }, { "reference": "Galatians 6:1", "connection": "This verse directly parallels Jesus' instruction by calling believers to restore gently those caught in a sin, underscoring that the aim is restoration, not condemnation, which aligns with the goal of 'gaining your brother'." } ] }
{ "references": [ { "reference": "Leviticus 19:17", "connection": "This passage provides an Old Testament basis for Jesus' instruction, commanding Israelites not to let wrongs fester but to confront them directly and lovingly with their neighbor." }, { "reference": "Luke 17:3-4", "connection": "This parallel passage from Luke reinforces the idea of direct confrontation and forgiveness, emphasizing that if a brother repents, you are to forgive him, echoing the 'gaining your brother' aspect of Matthew 18:15." }, { "reference": "1 Corinthians 9:19", "connection": "Paul uses the same word for 'gain' in this passage, illustrating how he made himself all things to all people so that he might 'gain' them for Christ, highlighting the redemptive purpose of addressing sin within the community." }, { "reference": "Galatians 6:1", "connection": "This verse directly parallels Jesus' instruction by calling believers to restore gently those caught in a sin, underscoring that the aim is restoration, not condemnation, which aligns with the goal of 'gaining your brother'." } ] }
"“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." — The goal isn't just to point out the wrong, but to actively "gain" your brother back for God and for fellowship. This "gain" implies restoration and reconciliation, not just winning an argument, high…
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