←
Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
20
For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
15
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Clement of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a47f4d84651d9fafd55_Clement%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":2,"exegesis-text":"Who are the two or three gathered in Christ's name, with the Lord present among them? (Matthew 28:20) Could this refer to a husband, his wife, and their child? In this union, the wife is bonded to her husband by divine design. However, if a man chooses solitude and refrains from having children because they interfere with his pursuits, as the apostle notes, ‘Is it not better for him to remain celibate as I am?’ (1 Cor. 7:8) Their comprehension of the Lord's presence is that concerning the many, it is through the Creator by whom all things exist; concerning the one, it is through the Savior of the chosen, the Son of a good God. Yet this perception is flawed, for God, through His Son, is equally present with those who marry and procreate as with those who sensibly choose celibacy. This is the same divine essence. \\n\\nThis notion may be interpreted differently. The triad could signify passion, desire, and reason, or body, soul, and spirit. Alternatively, the triad may refer first to those who are called, second to the chosen, and third to the beings honored above all. The divine power, shared without division among them, governs all creation. Therefore, each individual who rightly employs the inherent abilities of their soul seeks that which is fitting and abhors what is harmful, as it is written: ‘Bless them that bless thee, and hate them that hate thee.’ (Gen. 12:3) By transcending passions and desires, infused with love for all creation, for God's sake, the individual begins to live a Gnostic life, effortlessly mastering their desires much like a Savior, merging knowledge, faith, and love into an inseparable unity. \\n\\nTheir judgments become just and genuinely spiritual, and their thoughts are thoroughly cleansed from the blemishes of passions and desires. They are ultimately reshaped by a masterful architect ‘in the image’ of the Lord, becoming a perfect being, deserving to be called a brother of the Lord, and simultaneously a friend and son to himself. In this context, it is said that two or three gathered in one Gnostic spirit reflects a unity. The consensus of many within the triad where the Lord resides can also denote one Church, one individual, one humanity. \\n\\nThe Lord provided the law to a singular lineage, the Jewish people. When He prophesied and sent Jeremiah to Babylon, He subsequently called the Gentiles through prophecies, bringing together two nations. (Eph. 2:15) Yet the third is undoubtedly the new community formed from the two, where He dwells and walks, namely, the Church. Thus, the law, the prophets, and the gospel, in the name of Christ, together form a singular whole, the gnosis. However, those who reject marriage out of harm or those who lustfully misuse their bodies will find themselves excluded from the company of the saved, where the Lord is present."},{"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":"What does it mean? Is it not true that when two or three gather in His name, it occurs? Indeed, but such gatherings are infrequent. Christ does not merely reference coming together, nor is it only a matter of requirement; rather, He emphasizes the necessity of this alongside another essential virtue. His message is clear: If someone places their love for their neighbor on the foundation of love for Me, and possesses other virtues, I will be present with them. However, we observe that many are motivated by various reasons for their love: some love because they are loved in return, others out of respect, some for practical benefits received, and still others for diverse reasons. It is rare to find someone who loves their neighbor genuinely and as Christ intends. Most relationships are intertwined with worldly interests. The Apostle Paul exemplified a different kind of love: he loved for Christ’s sake, and despite not receiving love back, he allowed his affection to deepen within him. Such selfless love seems to be lacking today. Upon closer examination of the motivations behind love, it becomes evident that many diverge from the love rooted in Christ. If I were granted the opportunity to analyze this in our midst, I would demonstrate that many are bound together by mere worldly perspectives. This is evidenced by the causes of hostility among individuals. Because their connections are based on fleeting advantages, their love lacks fervor and permanence; thus, any offense, financial loss, envy, or vanity can easily shatter it, as it lacks a spiritual foundation. If such a foundation were present, nothing of this world could dismantle the spiritual. Love that is established on Christ remains steadfast, unwavering, and unconquerable; it cannot be broken by slander, peril, death, or any such adversities. Those who love in this manner, even when facing countless trials for their love, will not abandon it. In contrast, those who love only in response to being loved may falter when difficulties arise, but true love remains unshaken. This is why Paul stated, \\"No one will ever fall away\\" (1 Corinthians 8:8). What will be your justification? That you have been wronged by someone you esteemed? Or that a revered individual sought to bring you harm? Yet, if your love is for Christ's sake, these very challenges prompt you to love even more. What tends to extinguish love in others can, in this case, serve to fortify it. Why? Firstly, because loving in this way rewards you; and secondly, because it invites greater need for assistance and care. As such, those who love in this manner do not distinguish between family, country, wealth, or mutual affection. Even if faced with hatred, offense, or harm, their love persists, motivated by Christ as their reason. By focusing on Him, they remain steadfast and unchanged. In the same spirit, Christ loved His adversaries, the ungrateful, the offenders, those who abused Him, and those who shunned Him, extending to them the greatest love imaginable. He stated, \\"Greater love than this no man can have, that a man lay down his life for his friends\\" (John 15:13). Observe how He expressed concern even for those who crucified Him and inflicted violence upon Him! He prayed to the Father about them, \\"Let them go, for they do not know what they are doing\\" (Luke 23:34). Subsequently, He even sent more disciples to them. Therefore, let us place our trust in this love and aspire to emulate it, so that we may receive both current and eternal blessings through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and power forever. Amen."},{"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":"The entirety of the preceding discourse urges us toward unity. Thus, the assurance of reward in His declaration that He would be present among two or three gathered in His name is significant. This brings to mind a story about a certain governor who imprisoned two close friends. One wished to visit his mother and was granted release based on the guarantee provided by the other. In order to test their loyalty, the governor decided to release one while keeping the other confined. Upon the return of the friend who was released, the governor, impressed by their unwavering loyalty, asked to be welcomed as a friend among them. This situation can also be interpreted spiritually: when the spirit, soul, and body exist in harmony, free from conflicting desires or passions—when the flesh does not crave what opposes the spirit, and the spirit does not yearn against the flesh—they will receive from the Father all that they request. It is essential to understand that such requests must inherently align with the desire for righteous deeds, which occurs when the body seeks what the spirit longs for."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Just as the Lord addresses the needs of His flock, He also offers solace to those who choose a life of solitude in times of sorrow, proclaiming, ‘Where there is one, there I am also,’ ensuring that no hermit experiences despair, for He is our delight and remains present with us. ‘And where there are two, …there I am also,’ highlighting that His mercy and grace envelop us. When we gather as three, it resembles our unity within the Church, the complete Body of Christ, and His visible likeness.\\n\\nEven if our abbots are not physically among us, dear friends, the Great One remains with us. He has promised, ‘Wherever …are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.’ Let us therefore be vigilant, beloved! The presence of the Lord resides in the harmony of the brethren, while their discord entertains the adversary."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Since the Lord declared, ‘Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them’ (Matthew 18:20), how can we honor this teaching? Those who come together in someone’s name should certainly understand the intention of the one who invited them and align themselves accordingly, so as to receive the grace of goodwill and avoid judgment for ill will or neglect. When people are summoned for a purpose, they prepare themselves accordingly: if the aim is to harvest, they ready themselves for that, and if it is to construct a dwelling, they prepare for building. Similarly, we who are called by the Lord must heed the Apostle's words: I urge you, as a fellow servant of the Lord, to walk in a manner worthy of your calling, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call (Eph. 4:1-4). The Lord further clarifies this by stating, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him’ (John 14:23). Thus, just as this individual enjoys a dwelling due to his obedience to the commandments, so too does the Lord dwell among two or three if we align with His will. However, those who gather inappropriately and outside the Lord's intention, despite assembling in His name, will face the question, ‘Why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?’ (Luke 6:46)."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Since Christ empowers those entrusted with the teaching ministry to make decisions and impose obligations, and since those sincerely seeking the truth are unlikely to pursue anything else, we must heed the voices of the saints, even if there are only a few who make determinations. Christ reassured us of this when He declared that the conclusions of the many are not always binding; however, He promised that if even two, after thoughtful deliberation, agree on a matter, it will be accomplished. He states, “For I will be with you,” and will bind with you, provided that only two are gathered in My name; for it is not the mere number of the assembled that holds sway, but rather the strength of devotion and holiness."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Some individuals believe that the gathering of the Church should be overlooked, arguing that personal prayers are superior to those offered by a respected assembly. However, if Jesus welcomes even the humble gathering of two or three, can we assume He would turn away those who pray within the assembly and fellowship of the faithful? In light of this belief, the prophet confidently declares that he has received what he sought, proclaiming, I praise Thee, O Lord, with all my heart in the council of the righteous and in the assembly (Psalm 110:1). Anyone who hears in the community of the faithful that their requests will be fulfilled can attest to this heartfelt praise. Nevertheless, some attempt to mask their own complacency under the guise of faith, justifying their neglect of communal worship. They forgo the shared enthusiasm of the gathering, claiming instead to dedicate their time to prayer while attending to personal matters. By succumbing to their own wants, they diminish and dismiss divine commandments. Such individuals fracture the body of Christ, causing disruption among its members. They hinder the development of its Christ-like nature, which was revealed to the prophet in the spirit, leading him to sing, ‘His sight is greater than the sons of men’ (Isaiah 52:14). Indeed, while every individual has the responsibility for personal prayer, this duty can only be truly fulfilled when one is connected to the perfect body, acting as a valuable part of it. This illustrates the contrast between the glorious completeness of the assembly and the emptiness of isolation, born from ignorance and neglect: through salvation and glory, the beauty of the entire body is evident in the unity of its members, whereas the division of its inner parts results in shameful, fatal decay."},{"author-name":"John Damascene","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88f1652142a026a0c6d53_John%20Damascene.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":8,"exegesis-text":"Certain ascetics choose to live in community. They gather together in a designated place and appoint the most distinguished among them, noted for his wisdom, to lead their assembly. Each has actively suppressed their own desires with the sword of obedience. In doing so, they willingly become servants, ceasing to live for themselves and instead dedicating their lives to Him whom they have chosen to follow through the will of Christ. Even more profoundly, it is not merely that they live for themselves; rather, Christ lives within them, as they have devoted themselves to Him alone, renouncing all else. This represents a true withdrawal from worldly existence and a deliberate rejection of earthly pleasures in pursuit of lofty aspirations. Their way of life mirrors that of the heavenly angels, as they unite in praising the Lord God with harmonious psalms and hymns, earning the reward that comes from obedience. The promise of the Lord is manifested in them, where He states, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them’ (Matthew 18:20). In this declaration, He does not restrict the number of those who come together in His name; instead, the mention of ‘two or three’ highlights the boundless potential of their gathering. Whether few or many, if they join in His name and with a sincere longing to serve Him, we firmly believe that Christ is present among His followers. Residing within such communities, these earthly beings strive to align themselves with the life of the heavenly. They dedicate their time to fasting, prayer, vigils, heartfelt tears, profound sorrow, reflections on mortality, and embodying humility, meekness, and silence. They endure hardships, aspire to purity, maintain inner peace, and exhibit perfect love for both their Lord and their neighbors. As a result of such a way of living, at the conclusion of their days, they are transformed into true heavenly angels."},{"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":"In my name, meaning for my purpose and in accordance with my commands, and for no other cause. Thus, whenever they assemble for this purpose, I am present among them, bringing unity and safeguarding them while granting their petitions. He did not say, I will be, but rather, I am here now. People often assert that God exists among some and not among others, not due to any limitation on His part (for He is not confined to a single location), but because His strength rests with those of noble character."},{"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":"He does not declare: \\"I will,\\" as He neither procrastinates nor has the desire to; rather, He states, \\"I am,\\" signifying His immediate presence. You might assume that when the body and spirit align, and the body ceases to yearn for the desires of the spirit, the Lord is surely present among us. Additionally, the three faculties of the soul—thought, emotion, and volition—are in unity as well. Both the Old and New Testaments harmonize with one another, revealing Christ at their core, proclaimed throughout both Scriptures."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"We listen to the voice of our beloved Master as He proclaims, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). It is in this gathering that He answers us; this is the sacred space where our brightest Light finds rest. He asserts, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them. This is My dwelling place, where sincere and wholehearted love unites them.” Yet it is essential to note that it is not merely the act of gathering that brings Christ among us, but rather gathering in His holy name. Many may assemble, but not all do so in His name. Annas, Caiaphas, and the Pharisees once convened, but they did so not in the name of Christ, but against Him. Herod and Pontius Pilate were united, yet their purpose was contrary to Christ—one aimed at dishonor and the other at murder, colluding in darkness. Today, many individuals may come together, such as the wayward and the thief, not in the name of Christ, but surrounding issues associated with Him. All who transgress His sacred commandments stand as opponents of Christ. As He declared, “Whoever is not with Me is against Me; and whoever does not gather with Me scatters” (Matthew 12:30). In contrast to these unlawful gatherings and Jewish assemblies, the Most Gracious Jesus withdraws. Where is He to be found? It is in the assembly gathered in His holy name that He abides; there is His resting place, where Christian love thrives. What, then, defines Christian love? As the holy apostle instructs, it is characterized by patience, compassion, a lack of envy, boasting, pride, disorder, self-interest, irritation, ill will, and delight in unrighteousness. Rather, it rejoices in truth, bears, believes, hopes, and endures all; it never falters (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). This is the essence of Christian love, where the presence of Christ can be cherished as in a beautiful chamber. Thus, we find Christ in the midst of this love. Our remaining task is to invite Him into our homes. He is no foreigner to the most humble of abodes; indeed, He stands at the door and knocks: “Behold, I stand,” He says in Revelation, “at the door and knock: if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him” (Rev. 3:20). For our sake, He entered the virgin womb, emerging from her pure blood in miraculous birth. He embraced the humility of the manger as an infant swaddled in cloth, and He will not turn away from our modest homes if we ask with sincerity, for He is Merciful and Benevolent, inclined to respond to humble requests. Let us draw near to Him, emulating the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12). Let us approach Him, no longer as a child wrapped in cloth, but as He who is enthroned in glory alongside the Father and the Spirit. Instead of offering gold, frankincense, or myrrh, let us present Him with our broken and humble supplications. Since He finds rest in Christian love, let us first cultivate and prepare our hearts with it. When we encounter a hungry brother, let us feed him; when we see someone thirsty, let us provide a drink; when we encounter the naked, let us clothe them; when we find the homeless, let us bring them in and share a meal; when we meet the sick, let us visit and care for them; when we discover someone imprisoned, let us extend our love and service in any way we can. In summary, let us love our fellow brethren as we love ourselves."},{"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":"Wherever two or three come together in My name, there I am present among them. When two or three gather in My name, engaging in prayer, supplication, or praise, with hearts filled with faith and love for Me, wishing to follow My singular will in all matters and live righteously, I am there, serving as the head of those who believe, if they are deemed worthy. I will fulfill their petitions. However, if they convene for purposes that do not please Me and are contrary to My will, they will hear Me ask, ‘Why do you call Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ and do not obey My commands? I do not know you! (Lk. 6:46). The Lord addresses the power of corporate prayer, reassuring the small gatherings within the Church that they should not feel inadequate to partake in His promise, while simultaneously encouraging larger gatherings to trust even more deeply in that promise (thoughts of St. Basil the Great). 'What greater assembly is there in His name than in the holy temple?' teaches Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow. He is indeed present among us, and where He is present, He also works graciously and salvifically. In this covenant promise, 'There I am in the midst of them,' the Lord has established a continuous source of glory for the gatherings of Christians, designed to unite the faithful in His name. He is in our midst through the Gospel, in the sanctity of the Sacraments, and in the spirit and fervor of united prayer. Wherever God and the glorified God-Man are present, there is Heaven, forever brimming with glory. \\n\\n‘Consider,’ St. Chrysostom says, ‘how He eliminates hostility and brings reconciliation to those in discord: following admonitions against enmity, He promises great rewards for harmony. The joined supplicants kneel to the Father in their requests, and Christ dwells among them.’ Yet, why do not all consistently receive their requests? ‘Because,’ St. Chrysostom explains, ‘numerous factors can hinder answers to prayers. They may not receive due to often seeking trivial things, or because they do not fulfill what is required on their part, as the Saviour desires prayerful individuals who mirror the Apostles, hence, He specifies: two of you, signifying those virtuous and in leadership. Alternatively, they may pray against those who have wronged them, seeking retribution, which is forbidden; or unrepentant sinners might ask for mercy, making it impossible for them to obtain it, even though another may intercede for them. But if all these conditions are met— if you seek meaningful things, live an apostolic life, fulfill your obligations, and maintain harmony and love with your neighbors— then you will receive according to your requests, for the Lord is a loving God. The apostles listened intently to Christ's teachings on love and the elimination of sin, temptation, and discord among His followers. After the Lord assured that He would remain with those united in His name by love, Peter interjected with a question, revealing his lack of comprehension regarding the doctrine of reconciliation and forgiveness."},{"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":"“When gathered in my name” signifies a collective coming together with my name held in their hearts and voiced in prayer, supplication, or praise, thus embodying faith in me and love, “and not for any other reason.” Those convened in the name of another should certainly be aware of the intentions of the one who has called them and should align themselves accordingly to receive grace and avoid condemnation for ill will or negligence. When individuals are summoned, if the intent of the summoner is to harvest, they prepare accordingly; if the goal is to construct a dwelling, they ready themselves for that task. Likewise, we who are called by the Lord must heed the words of the apostle: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Eph. 4:1-4), as well as the promise given by the Lord: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (Jn. 14:23). \\n\\nWhen it is said, “There I am in the midst of them,” it signifies the spiritual communion between Christ, as the head, and those who have faith in Him as His body, provided they are worthy. It is crucial not simply to convene but to embody this virtue, for His message conveys that if one prioritizes love for their neighbor based on His foundation and possesses other virtues, I will be with them. Conversely, those who gather unworthily and not in alignment with the Lord’s will, despite appearing to come together in His name, will hear the admonition, “Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46)."},{"author-name":"Alexander Swirelin","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c888626d8de9e2f4ee3d8a_Alexander%20Swirelin.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In these passages, the Lord emphasizes the significance of praying together in unity within the church's prayers. While private prayer at home is commendable, especially when it aligns with God's will, the Lord gives particular attention to prayers offered in the congregation of believers, unified in their faith in Jesus Christ and led by the church’s pastors. In such gatherings, the Lord is especially present with His grace, granting the requests made in these communal prayers."},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When two or three come together in my name, meaning as genuine disciples of Christ engaged in a purpose pleasing to Him, there Christ is present among them, teaching and guiding them, supporting their efforts toward a righteous goal. This promise extends to all who believe in Christ. Whenever believers unite for a cause related to their duties as His followers—for the purpose of glorifying Christ, furthering His kingdom, illuminating the lives of others through His teachings, correcting those who have gone astray, and aiding the needy whom He has chosen to designate—Christ Himself is invisibly with them and actively supporting their endeavors."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
