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Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
16
And if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"\\"Take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses\\" (Matt. 18:16). The more audacious he becomes, the more we ought to turn to healing rather than to anger and resentment. Just as a physician does not abandon a patient whose condition persists nor react with irritation, but rather increases his care, the Saviour instructs us to respond in the same spirit. When you were isolated, you were frail; find strength through the support of others. Two can admonish him who sins. Notice how the Saviour is concerned not only for the one who is wronged but also for the one who has wronged. The offended individual suffers from passion; he is wounded, weak, and unwell. This is why the Saviour directs the aggrieved party to approach the offender, either alone or accompanied. If the offender remains obstinate even then, He advises involving the Church: \\"Say to the Church\\" (Matthew 18:17). Had He focused solely on the interests of the offended, He wouldn’t have commanded forgiveness to be extended up to seventy times, nor would He have suggested multiple approaches for his restoration. Rather, when the offender persists after the initial admonition, He urges that he be helped again and again—first alone, then with two, and finally with a group. In situations involving external matters, He instructed no such response, declaring, \\"But whosoever shall strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also\\" (Matt. 5:39), yet the approach differs here. Paul conveys a similar teaching with the question, \\"What shall I judge and external?\\" (1 Cor. 5:12). He also directs us to correct and restore our brethren and to expel the disobedient for their own good. The Saviour establishes a process for brethren, appointing three teachers and judges for the offender, to help him realize the gravity of his actions during moments of folly. Although he has uttered and done shameful things, he requires an external assessment, much like a drunkard. Anger and sin can provoke a man to greater fury than intoxication. Who was wiser than David? Yet even he, in his sin, was oblivious; lust consumed his thoughts and clouded his soul. Thus, he needed a prophet's enlightening words to remind him of his deeds. Consequently, the Saviour presents the sinner with individuals who can enlighten him regarding his actions. \\n\\nWhy does He instruct us to rebuke the one wronged and not another? Because the offender may more readily accept correction from the one he has injured. The nature of rebuke differs greatly when it comes from the offended individual—as opposed to others who advocate for him—especially when that individual takes the lead in calling for repentance. If someone appears before him demanding redress while genuinely concerned for his salvation, it has a greater chance to induce remorse. The goal of rebuke is rectification rather than an offense. The Saviour advises that two cooperate in correction, but not suddenly; this happens once the offended party has already struggled alone. He doesn’t call for a multitude to confront him at once but recommends starting with one or two; if the one rebuked disregards even these, then he is brought before the Church. Here, the Saviour is particularly attentive to ensure that the neighbor’s sins remain as discreet as possible. While he could have given the aggrieved party the authority to disclose the sin from the outset, in His desire to prevent public scandal, He mandates that this step occur only after one or two admonitions. What does it mean to have \\"every word confirmed by the mouth of two or three witnesses\\"? It signifies that you have done all possible on your part, leaving nothing undone that was necessary. \\"But if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church,\\" meaning its leaders; \\"and if he refuses to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a publican.\\" Such an individual is grievously ill. Remember, He routinely holds the publican up as a symbol of the worst sinner. As He stated, \\"Do not the tax collectors behave the same way?\\" (Matthew 5:46). He added elsewhere, \\"Publicans and harlots go ahead of you into the kingdom of God\\" (Matt. 21:31), referring to the most despised of people. (Let those who pursue unjust gain listen and refrain from demanding excessive interest!) Why then does He equate the errant with the publicans? To provide comfort to the offended and to instill fear in the one who offended. But is this all a punishment? No; listen further, \\"Whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in heaven\\" (Matt. 18:18)."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"If a brother transgresses against us and causes offense in any matter, we possess the authority to forgive sins, especially as we are instructed to cancel debts owed to us. However, when it comes to sinning against God, that authority does not lie with us, for Sacred Scripture states: If a man sins against another man, he should seek his forgiveness. But if he sins against God, who can intercede for him (1 Kings 2:25)? In contrast, we often remain passive in the face of offenses toward God, while feeling aggrieved by the dishonor directed at ourselves. Therefore, our brother should be gently rebuked in private to prevent him from persisting in sin, provided he still possesses shame and reverence. If he heeds our counsel, we retrieve his soul, and in the salvation of another, we also secure our own salvation. Should he remain unresponsive, let another brother join in the appeal. And if he ignores this effort, a third brother should be brought in, whether for the sake of correction or to ensure that the matter is handled in the presence of witnesses. Furthermore, if the individual receiving correction still refuses to listen, it becomes necessary to inform many others, so they may distance themselves from him with disapproval, encouraging a transformation that shame could not achieve. When it is stated, Let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector, it indicates that a man who, while claiming to be a believer, behaves like an unbeliever deserves even greater disdain than those who are overtly heathen. The tax collectors, in a metaphorical sense, represent those who pursue earthly gain through deceit, trickery, theft, and wrongful betrayal."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Since you alone were unable to heal him, gather a few others with you, so that he may not become even more hardened by the thought of being publicly confronted. Bring one or two companions so that if he remains unyielding, they may testify to your gentleness and his obstinacy. This aligns with the ancient law, where the testimony of two or three witnesses establishes truth, ensuring that it is clear you have fulfilled your duty and left nothing undone—first approaching him by yourself, and then returning with others. This demonstrates that you have done everything required of you and omitted nothing, first engaging him alone and subsequently alongside others."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"After having addressed a stern warning to those who lead others astray, the Lord now turns His attention to those who have been misled. He cautions that, if tempted, one might completely succumb because the tempter faces retribution. Therefore, when you face temptation or suffering, it is important to confront those who inflict harm and injustice upon you, especially if they are fellow believers. Notice the passage that states, “if thy brother sins against thee,” referring specifically to a Christian. If an unbeliever commits wrongs, renounce what belongs to you; however, if it is a brother, admonish him. It does not say \\"offend,\\" but rather \\"reprove.\\" \\"Yet if he listens,\\" meaning if he recognizes his error, for the Lord desires that those who sin be corrected privately at first, to avoid causing them to become more brazen when rebuked in public."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"If your brother refuses to hear you, does not acknowledge his wrongdoing, and continues in his error and animosity towards you, do not abandon him in this state. When you were alone, you lacked strength in your counsel; therefore, gather one or two others to assist you. Confront him before these witnesses so that their presence may bolster your words and participate in the admonition of the one being corrected. It is written that “by the words of two or three witnesses every matter must be established.” Seek not only your own good but also the welfare of the one who has wronged or tempted you. The one who is wronged is often consumed by passion; he is afflicted, fragile, and unwell."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"If he does not heed your gentle correction and encouragement, if he is unwilling to acknowledge his wrongdoing, and if you can no longer persuade him on your own, then “take with you one or two” individuals. This is so they may serve as witnesses to the conduct of the estranged brother before the congregation, if necessary (Matthew 18:17). They will also act as rebukers and encouragers for the one who has been wronged, for “two can (more) rebuke the one who sinned” (Chrysostom). \\n\\nThe principle of “that by the mouth of two,” etc., finds its roots in the Mosaic law (Deut. 19:15), which stipulates that a single witness is insufficient to bring forth a charge of wrongdoing; rather, every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This same principle applies, as the Savior teaches, to the brother who has sinned. “Do you see how the Savior seeks the welfare not only of the one who has been wronged but also of the transgressor? The offended party is burdened by anger and is both troubled and weak. Consequently, the Savior encourages the one who has been wronged to approach him alone or with others” (Zlat.)."},{"author-name":"Alexander Swirelin","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c888626d8de9e2f4ee3d8a_Alexander%20Swirelin.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"These passages outline the protocol for admonishing a fellow believer and establish guidelines for the restoration of those who have erred. Firstly, (Matthew 18:15) if your brother has wronged you without cause, do not retaliate with insults; instead, seek to enlighten him. Approach him privately with genuine love and humility, bringing his actions to his attention and helping him understand their inappropriate and harmful nature, leading him toward awareness and contrition. If your efforts prove effective and he turns from his wrongdoing, you will have rescued him, preserving his soul from the destructive path of sin and preparing him for acceptance before God and the inheritance of His kingdom. Secondly, (Matthew 18:16) if your brother remains unyielding despite your attempts to guide him, do not abandon him to his fate. Consider another approach: find mutual acquaintances or relatives of his who command his respect and take them along to counsel him. The presence of two or three witnesses will add weight to your appeal and may help him regain clarity. Thirdly, (Matthew 18:17) the term \\"Church\\" refers to the body of believers in Jesus Christ, specifically in this context, the local assembly of faithful individuals, or more precisely the bishops who act as God's representatives, and the presbyters who represent the Apostles and are entrusted with the authority to bind and absolve sins. Consequently, if your brother refuses to heed the admonitions of two or three witnesses, bring the matter to the Church, perhaps to his spiritual mentor, so they can provide pastoral guidance. If he does not listen to them, regard him as one who is unrepentant—like a pagan or a tax collector—no longer nurturing fellowship with him. In doing so, you free yourself from the burden of his sin while continuing to pray for his restoration, that the Lord may lead him back to the path of truth."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"If he refuses to listen to you, fails to acknowledge his wrongdoing, and is not open to reconciliation, do not leave him in that state. Instead, invite one or two friends to aid you, and together, strive to reveal his transgression to him. Let them serve as mediators between the two of you, discerning who is in the right and who is in the wrong, and if necessary, have them bear witness to the matter."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To reinforce the obligations of the reconciliation they had disrupted, and to illustrate that despite the severity of God's fury toward those who lead others astray, they must not harbor hatred even for those who have wronged them, the Savior taught them the appropriate way to address a brother who had sinned. They were to first counsel him earnestly and, if necessary, bring the matter before the congregation, but always with gentleness and love."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In their relationships, followers of the Gospel, in accordance with the teachings of the Lord, are called to practice wise kindness and patience. If a brother sins against you, approach him privately and offer a gentle correction; if he listens, you have restored your brother. This heartfelt correction from one who has been wronged can often be more powerful than a legal confrontation and is more likely to lead the sinner to recognize his wrongdoing and mend the fractured peace. If he does not respond, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. The Law of Moses similarly required two or three witnesses for a case to be established (Deuteronomy 19:15). Such witnesses may facilitate reconciliation between conflicting parties, and if the offender remains unrepentant, they can serve as impartial representatives before the Church. Should he refuse to listen to them, inform the Church, including its leaders and representatives. Only when the unrepentant sinner disregards the counsel of the Church leaders and does not heed their judgment should he be excluded from communion. If he continues to reject the Church’s authority, treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector; such a person is considered ‘incurably sick’ (St. John Chrysostom), and it is important to separate oneself from him to avoid being affected by his condition."}]}
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