18:15-17 What is Jesus teaching here?

Jesus lays down the guidelines here for conflict resolution in the New Testament church. The goal is restoration of fellowship. There are three steps to follow: 1. The one sinned against must first go alone to the offender and tell him his fault. 2. If the offender is unrepentant the one sinned against can go to him again, this time with one or two witnesses (cp Deut 19:15; 2or 13:1-2; 1Ti 5:19).

3. If the offender is still impenitent, he can be brought before the whole assembly and then disfellowshipped if there is still no change. It is incumbent upon church leaders to follow these guidelines.

They must not favour the offender because they are charged with the responsibility of all the flock (cp Acts 20:26-28). If the offender remains unrepentant he must be disfellowshipped. It should be noted here that the local church is the responsible body to adjudicate in matters involving members, not a court of law (cp 1Cor 6:1-8). See also comments on 1Cor 6:1-8 and 1Ti 5:19.

18:18-20 See comments on Mt 16:19

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