Matthew 18:16
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)
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This verse highlights that the witnesses aren't just there to verify the accusation, but to confirm every word spoken during the attempted reconciliation. The goal is a formal, established account of the interaction, ready to be presented to the church if the person remains unrepentant.
Jesus is outlining a structured process for addressing sin within the community, moving from private confrontation to broader involvement. After the initial private admonishment fails, the next step is to bring along trusted individuals to support the message and provide a more formal witness. This escalating approach aims for reconciliation while ensuring fairness and establishing clear evidence if further action becomes necessary.
When a brother or sister stumbles, what's the ultimate aim? It’s not about winning an argument or proving a point. Jesus lays out a clear purpose for correction.
Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 18 are framed by the desire to restore, not to condemn.
The Heart of the Matter
The entire process, from private conversation to involving the church, is about reconciliation. The first step in verse 15 is crucial: 'if he hears you, you have gained your brother.' This highlights that the primary goal is to win them back to a right relationship with God and with you.
Beyond Simple Admonishment
This isn't just about pointing out a flaw; it's about restoration. Think of it like a loving parent guiding a child back to safety, or a skilled surgeon carefully mending a wound. The focus is on healing and wholeness.
Jesus’ instruction to bring one or two witnesses might sound like legal procedure. But what does it truly signify in the context of loving confrontation?
The mention of 'two or three witnesses' in verse 16 is rooted in the Old Testament law (Deuteronomy 19:15). However, Jesus adapts this for the church community with a deeper purpose.
Building Credibility and Support
Bringing witnesses serves multiple functions:
Shared Responsibility
Understand the original words
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.
Jesus' instruction on church discipline directly echoes and adapts Old Testament legal principles, grounding his new covenant community in established practices of justice and witness testimony for the sake of unity and restoration.
c. 1400 BC
Mosaic Law Promulgated
The Law of Moses, including the principle that a matter should be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses, was given to Israel. This established a legal precedent for communal accountability and justice.
c. 500 BC - 300 BC
Development of Jewish Courts
Following the Babylonian exile, Jewish communities established local courts (Sanhedrins) to handle judicial and disciplinary matters, reinforcing the importance of witness testimony.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Teaches on Church Discipline
Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount and other teachings, including the principles for resolving disputes and maintaining unity within the community of his followers. Matthew 18:16 is part of this teaching.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity occur, leading to the establishment of the early Church. The principles Jesus taught about community and discipline become crucial for the new movement.
This Old Testament law establishes the principle that a matter must be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses, directly cited in Jesus' teaching here, underscoring the importance of verifiable evidence in disputes.
2 Corinthians 13:1Paul echoes Jesus' teaching, stating that 'every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses,' applying this principle to the church's authority and discipline in Corinth.
John 8:17Jesus himself references the Mosaic Law, saying, 'Your own witness is not true if it is only one person’s,' highlighting the foundational importance of multiple testimonies in establishing truth, even in spiritual matters.
Numbers 35:30This passage sets a precedent in the Law of Moses that a murderer could only be convicted and put to death upon the testimony of multiple witnesses, reinforcing the ancient legal and ethical framework for corroboration.
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 highlights that the witnesses aren't just there to verify the accusation, but to confirm every word spoken during the attempted reconciliation. The goal is a formal, established account of the interaction, ready to be presented to the church if the person remains unrepentant.
Jesus is outlining a structured process for addressing sin within the community, moving from private confrontation to broader involvement. After the initial private admonishment fails, the next step is to bring along trusted individuals to support the message and provide a more formal witness. This escalating approach aims for reconciliation while ensuring fairness and establishing clear evidence if further action becomes necessary.
Jesus is outlining a structured process for addressing sin within the community, moving from private confrontation to broader involvement. After the initial private admonishment fails, the next step is to bring along trusted individuals to support the message and provide a more formal witness. This escalating approach aims for reconciliation while ensuring fairness and establishing clear evidence if further action becomes necessary.
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This step shifts the burden from a single individual to a small group. It prevents gossip and ensures that the matter is handled with more gravity and less personal bias. It's about presenting a unified, loving front for correction.
c. AD 50-60
Paul Writes to the Corinthians
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, addresses issues of church discipline and refers back to the importance of witness testimony, echoing Jesus' teachings (e.g., 2 Corinthians 13:1).
"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 highlights that the witnesses aren't just there to verify the accusation, but to confirm every word spoken during the attempted reconciliation. The goal is a formal, established accoun…
