Matthew 18:19
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The word translated "agree" actually paints a picture of two voices singing in harmony, suggesting that true agreement in prayer isn't just saying the same thing, but a deep, unified sound that powerfully echoes before God. This emphasizes that our prayers are most effective when they're not just individual requests, but a beautiful symphony of believers joined in purpose.
This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on church discipline, which begins with how to approach a brother who has sinned. After outlining steps for private correction, involving witnesses, and finally the church, Jesus emphasizes the authority given to the church ("binding and loosing") and then offers a powerful promise regarding prayer. This promise of answered prayer for agreement is given in the context of the church's collective action and the presence of Christ among His gathered people.
Jesus promises incredible power when 'two agree.' But what does that 'agreement' really look like? Is it just a casual nod, or something deeper?
The word Jesus uses for 'agree' (symphonēsis) literally means 'to sound together,' like instruments in a symphony. It's not just a passive agreement, but an active, harmonious joining of voices and spirits.
Harmony in Prayer
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Jesus says 'anything' they ask will be done. That sounds too good to be true! What are the unspoken conditions for such powerful prayer?
While Jesus uses the word 'anything,' the context and other Scriptures show this promise isn't a blank check for selfish desires. Several important conditions shape its fulfillment:
The Framework for Powerful Prayer
Understand the original words
symphōneō · Greek Verb
To be in harmony or in symphony; in a spiritual sense, to be united in prayer and purpose before God.
This verse echoes the promise of answered prayer when we align our requests with God's will, emphasizing that our asking is based on His predetermined desires.
Mark 11:24This passage highlights the crucial element of faith in prayer, suggesting that whatever we ask for in prayer, believing we have received it, will be ours, connecting to the 'agreement' in asking.
Philippians 2:1-2This passage beautifully illustrates the concept of 'agreement' by calling believers to be of the same mind, united in spirit and purpose, which is the foundation for effective joint prayer.
Acts 4:24When the early believers faced opposition, they united in prayer with one voice, demonstrating the power of collective agreement and appealing to God's sovereign power, much like Jesus' promise here.
Zechariah 8:20-23This prophecy shows a future time when many nations will seek the Lord together, illustrating a large-scale 'agreement' and desire to seek God, pointing to the blessing that comes when people unite in seeking Him.
vincentMatthew 18:19: "Again 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."
Shall agree (συμφωνήσουσιν)From σύν, together, and φωνή, sound or voice. Transcribed in our word symphony. It has so far lost its distinctive character as a concord of voices as to be used for agreement in the deeper and more inward sense.Concerning anything that they shall ask (περὶ παντὸς πράγματος οὗ ἐὰν…
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 word translated "agree" actually paints a picture of two voices singing in harmony, suggesting that true agreement in prayer isn't just saying the same thing, but a deep, unified sound that powerfully echoes before God. This emphasizes that our prayers are most effective when they're not just individual requests, but a beautiful symphony of believers joined in purpose.
This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on church discipline, which begins with how to approach a brother who has sinned. After outlining steps for private correction, involving witnesses, and finally the church, Jesus emphasizes the authority given to the church ("binding and loosing") and then offers a powerful promise regarding prayer. This promise of answered prayer for agreement is given in the context of the church's collective action and the presence of Christ among His gathered people.
This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on church discipline, which begins with how to approach a brother who has sinned. After outlining steps for private correction, involving witnesses, and finally the church, Jesus emphasizes the authority given to the church ("binding and loosing") and then offers a powerful promise regarding prayer. This promise of answered prayer for agreement is given in the context of the church's collective action and the presence of Christ among His gathered people.
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." — The word translated "agree" actually paints a picture of two voices singing in harmony, suggesting that true agreement in prayer isn't just saying the same thing, but a deep, unified sound that power…
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