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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 18:15-20

Christ, having cautioned his disciples not to give offence, comes next to direct them what they must do in case of offences given them; which may be understood either of personal injuries, and then these directions are intended for the preserving of the peace of the church; or of public scandals, and then they are intended for the preserving of the purity and beauty of the church. Let us consider it both ways. I. Let us apply it to the quarrels that happen, upon any account, among Christians.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 18:21-35

This part of the discourse concerning offences is certainly to be understood of personal wrongs, which is in our power to forgive. Now observe, I. Peter's question concerning this matter (Matt. 18:21); Lord, how oft shall my brother trespass against me, and I forgive him? Will it suffice to do it seven times? 1. He takes it for granted that he must forgive; Christ had before taught his disciples this lesson (Matt. 6:14, 15), and Peter has not forgotten it. He knows that he must not only not... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 18:1-35

Matthew 18:1-35 is a most important chapter for Christian Ethics, because it deals with those qualities which should characterize the personal relationships of the Christian. We shall be dealing in detail with these relationships as we study the chapter section by section; but before we do so, it will be well to look at the chapter as a whole. It singles out seven qualities which should mark the personal relationships of the Christian. (i) First and foremost, there is the quality of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:15

Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee ,.... This is said to show, that as on the one hand, if any of those that believe in Christ, should commit a trespass against his fellow Christian, his sin is not to be connived at, for fear of offending him; for what Christ has before said, is not to be taken in such sense, as to prevent private reproof, or public censures, when there is occasion for them; so on the other hand, he is not to be despised and ill used, and treated in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:16

But if he will not hear thee ,..... But will either deny the fact, or extenuate and excuse it, or defend it, or at least is obstinate and incorrigible, shows no signs of repentance, but is angry, gives hard words, and ill language: then take with thee one or two more ; members of the church, and perhaps of weight, reputation, and character, who either know some thing of the matter, and so can confirm, by their testimony, what has been alleged, in order to bring the person to conviction... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:17

And if he shall neglect to hear them ,.... The one or two, in conjunction with the offended person that shall hear the ease, and admonish and reprove; if he takes no notice of what they say to him, but remains stiff and impenitent, tell it unto the church: which some understand, of the רבים , or "multitude", before whom it was lawful to reprove, after such private methods had been taken: others, the political magistrates, or sanhedrim; who took cognizance of cases between one person and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:18

Verily I say unto you ,.... To them all, what he had said before to Peter; See Gill on Matthew 16:19 , what is said here, refers to things and not persons, as there also. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:19

Again, I say unto you ,.... As the words in the former verse seem to regard the whole body of the disciples, whose decisions in cases brought before them, declaring them just or unjust, are determinate and unalterable; these seem to respect the one or two, that should join the offended person in the reproof of the offender, and are spoken for their encouragement; who might think proper either to premise, or follow their engaging in such a work with prayer: that if two of you shall agree... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together ,.... This seems to be said in opposition to a Jewish notion, that a number less than ten, is not a congregation F1 Misn. Sanhedrim, c. 1. sect. 6. T. Bab. Megilia, fol. 23. 2. Gloss. in ib. ; whereas, though the number is ever so few that are met together to pray to God; or to hear his word, attend on his ordinances, or do the business of his house, or transact any affair that is for the glory of God, and the good of souls, in my name, says... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:21

Then came Peter unto him ,.... Having heard and observed the rules Christ gave concerning offences and brotherly reproofs, he drew near to Christ, and put this question to him: and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him ? He instances in a brother, because it was such an one Christ had been speaking of; he makes no doubt of its being his duty to forgive him upon his repentance, and acknowledgment, but wanted to be reformed, how often this was to be done,... read more

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