But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about piling on evidence; it's about the complainant being included among the witnesses. By bringing one or two others, you, the offended party, become part of the "two or three" whose words are established, ensuring your experience is validated within a community standard. This reveals that the process isn't about proving the offender wrong, but about validating truth through shared witness.
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is outlining a process for resolving conflict within the community, starting with direct, private conversation. This verse marks the second step: if the initial attempt at reconciliation fails, the offended person should bring along witnesses to try again. This structured approach is rooted in the Old Testament principle that accusations needed confirmation from multiple voices to be considered valid, setting the stage for potentially involving the whole community if this step also proves unsuccessful.
Ever felt like your word wasn't enough? Jesus understood that human perspectives can be seen as biased.
When the initial, private conversation with your brother or sister doesn't lead to reconciliation, Jesus doesn't escalate to public shaming. Instead, he introduces a second step: bringing one or two others along. The goal isn't to gang up on the offender, but to bring credibility and a balanced perspective. These witnesses aren't just for show; they are there to confirm the truth of what was said and done, making the admonition more weighty and harder to dismiss. This aligns with the Old Testament principle found in Deuteronomy, where at least two or three witnesses were required to establish a matter legally. This reflects a desire for fairness and thoroughness in seeking restoration.
Jesus' method for dealing with conflict isn't about punishment; it's about winning people back.
The entire process Jesus outlines in Matthew 18 is fundamentally about restoration, not condemnation. The initial private conversation is meant to 'gain your brother.' Even when witnesses are brought in, the aim is still to establish the truth so that reconciliation can happen. It's only after these steps are exhausted that a more public or formal step is considered. This shows Jesus' deep concern for the individual's well-being and their place within the community. The focus is on healing relationships and preventing alienation, treating offenses as opportunities for growth and renewal rather than reasons for immediate ostracization.
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rhēma · Greek Noun
A legal or moral accusation brought against someone, often requiring validation to determine truth and ensure justice.
martys · Greek Noun
Individuals who provide testimony, truth-telling, or verification of an event, grounded in Old Testament legal requirements for establishing facts.
This teaching directly echoes the Mosaic Law's requirement for multiple witnesses in legal matters, showing Jesus integrating established justice principles into the life of His community.
c. 1400 BC
Law of Moses Established
The Law of Moses, including Deuteronomy 19:15, is given to Israel. This law mandates that legal matters be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Teaches the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, later recorded in Matthew, which contains his teachings on ethical conduct and the principles of kingdom living.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches Discipleship Principles
During his ministry, Jesus teaches his disciples about church discipline, reconciliation, and community accountability, as recorded in Matthew 18.
c. 55 AD
Paul Writes to the Corinthians
Paul addresses issues of church discipline and the need for corroborating evidence in Corinth, referencing the principle of two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1).
c. 60-62 AD
Matthew Writes His Gospel
The Gospel of Matthew is written, recording Jesus' teachings, including the discourse on church discipline found in Matthew 18.
This Old Testament law directly informs Jesus' teaching here, establishing the principle that a matter must be confirmed by two or three witnesses to be considered valid.
2 Corinthians 13:1Paul echoes this principle in his letter to the Corinthians, reminding them that a charge must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses, showing its continuity in the early church.
John 8:17Jesus himself referenced this same legal principle when addressing the Pharisees, underscoring its importance in establishing truth and accountability.
Numbers 35:30This passage from the Law also mandates that a murderer could only be convicted and executed upon the testimony of two or three witnesses, highlighting the gravity of establishing truth through multiple accounts.
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,…
henryMatthew 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."
18:15-20 If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would b…
This verse isn't just about piling on evidence; it's about the complainant being included among the witnesses. By bringing one or two others, you, the offended party, become part of the "two or three" whose words are established, ensuring your experience is validated within a community standard. This reveals that the process isn't about proving the offender wrong, but about validating truth through shared witness.
Jesus is outlining a process for resolving conflict within the community, starting with direct, private conversation. This verse marks the second step: if the initial attempt at reconciliation fails, the offended person should bring along witnesses to try again. This structured approach is rooted in the Old Testament principle that accusations needed confirmation from multiple voices to be considered valid, setting the stage for potentially involving the whole community if this step also proves unsuccessful.
Jesus is outlining a process for resolving conflict within the community, starting with direct, private conversation. This verse marks the second step: if the initial attempt at reconciliation fails, the offended person should bring along witnesses to try again. This structured approach is rooted in the Old Testament principle that accusations needed confirmation from multiple voices to be considered valid, setting the stage for potentially involving the whole community if this step also proves unsuccessful.
"But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." — This verse isn't just about piling on evidence; it's about the complainant being included among the witnesses. By bringing one or two others, you, the offended party, become part of the "two or three…
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Last reviewed October 2026