Matthew 18:17
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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When someone refuses to listen even after the church has spoken, Jesus says to treat them like "a Gentile and a tax collector." This wasn't a call to utter hatred, but a stark declaration that their relationship has shifted, marking them as outside the covenant community they have rejected. It highlights the radical nature of discipleship—a community with boundaries, where persistent defiance carries profound consequences for fellowship.
After privately speaking with the offender and then involving one or two others to mediate, if the person still refuses to listen and reconcile, the matter is to be brought to the wider community of believers. If they too are rejected, the offender is then to be treated as an outsider, like a Gentile or a tax collector, signifying their separation from the community until repentance.
When a brother stumbles, what's the pathway to restoration? Jesus lays out a clear, escalating process, prioritizing grace at every step.
Jesus outlines a deliberate, three-stage approach for dealing with offenses between believers:
1. Private Counsel
Begin with a direct, one-on-one conversation. The goal is restoration, not accusation. As Calvin notes, "This is the first step: to give private advice to the person who has offended."
2. Witnessed Admonition
If the private conversation fails, bring one or two others along. This isn't about ganging up; it's about establishing truth and showing the seriousness of the situation, as Deuteronomy 19:15 instructs regarding witness testimony.
3. Community Involvement
If the individual remains unrepentant after these steps, the matter is brought to the entire community – the church. This escalation respects the gravity of the offense and the integrity of the community.
What does it mean to 'tell it to the church'? It's more than just reporting; it involves the community's sacred responsibility and the profound implications of rejecting its counsel.
When a brother refuses private and witnessed correction, the issue is brought to the gathered community – the church.
Understand the original words
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
The called-out assembly of believers; the body of Christ or a local congregation of disciples.
ethnikos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Historically, a non-Jewish person; often used in Scripture to denote outsiders to the covenantal community of Israel.
telōnēs · Greek Noun
In the ancient Jewish context, these individuals were often viewed as collaborators with Rome and considered traitors or social outcasts.
This teaching on church discipline is rooted in Jewish synagogue practices and became foundational for how the early Christian church functioned as a distinct community.
c. 20 BC
Development of Synagogue Discipline
The Jewish synagogue developed a system of discipline, including mechanisms for addressing disputes and offenses within the community, which likely influenced Jesus' teachings on church discipline.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Teaches on Church Discipline
Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, including teachings on resolving conflict and church discipline, which are later recorded in Matthew 18.
c. AD 30-33
Formation of the Early Church
Following Jesus' ascension, the early Christian church begins to form and practice the principles of community and discipline Jesus taught.
c. AD 50-60
Paul Addresses Church Discipline
The Apostle Paul writes letters to early churches, including instructions on handling serious offenses and excommunication, such as in his letter to the Corinthians.
This passage describes a similar process of church discipline for a member engaging in serious sin, highlighting the community's responsibility to address and, if necessary, remove unrepentant individuals to maintain purity.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15Paul instructs believers to 'have no company with' a disorderly brother who disobeys their word, indicating a practical separation from fellowship when someone refuses correction, paralleling Jesus' instruction.
Luke 17:3-4Jesus teaches that if a brother sins, you should rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. This passage sets the foundation for the corrective process, emphasizing repentance and forgiveness as the ultimate goals.
Deuteronomy 19:15The Old Testament law mandates that a matter be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Jesus' instruction to bring witnesses before telling the church directly reflects this judicial principle.
Romans 16:17Paul warns believers to 'mark those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught' and to avoid them, showing that a similar, though perhaps broader, principle of separation exists for those who disrupt the community.
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…
When someone refuses to listen even after the church has spoken, Jesus says to treat them like "a Gentile and a tax collector." This wasn't a call to utter hatred, but a stark declaration that their relationship has shifted, marking them as outside the covenant community they have rejected. It highlights the radical nature of discipleship—a community with boundaries, where persistent defiance carries profound consequences for fellowship.
After privately speaking with the offender and then involving one or two others to mediate, if the person still refuses to listen and reconcile, the matter is to be brought to the wider community of believers. If they too are rejected, the offender is then to be treated as an outsider, like a Gentile or a tax collector, signifying their separation from the community until repentance.
After privately speaking with the offender and then involving one or two others to mediate, if the person still refuses to listen and reconcile, the matter is to be brought to the wider community of believers. If they too are rejected, the offender is then to be treated as an outsider, like a Gentile or a tax collector, signifying their separation from the community until repentance.
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"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." — When someone refuses to listen even after the church has spoken, Jesus says to treat them like "a Gentile and a tax collector." This wasn't a call to utter hatred, but a stark declaration that their…
