Matthew 18:17 NIV

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 18:17

Tell it to the church - See the notes at Matthew 16:18. The church may here mean the whole assembly of believers, or it may mean those who are authorized to try such cases - the representatives of the church, or these who act for the church. In the Jewish synagogue there was a bench of elders before whom trials of this kind were brought. It was to be brought to the church in order that he might be admonished, entreated, and, if possible, reformed. This was, and is always to be, the first... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 18:15-17

Matthew 18:15-17. But if thy brother, &c. But how can we avoid giving offence to some? or being offended at others? especially suppose they are quite in the wrong? suppose they commit a known sin? Our Lord here teaches us how: he lays down a sure method of avoiding all offences. Whosoever closely observes this three-fold rule will seldom offend others, and never be offended himself. If any do any thing amiss, of which thou art an eye or ear witness, thus saith the Lord, If thy brother ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 18:15-35

79. Lessons in forgiveness (Matthew 18:15-35)Disciples of Jesus should be willing to forgive fellow believers who sin against them, but they should also be concerned that offenders realize their sin and turn from it. In each case the believer should go to the offender privately and point out the wrongdoing, so that the person might be spiritually helped. If this fails, two or three others should be called in, firstly to make sure that the offender is in fact guilty and secondly to appeal for... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 18:17

neglect = fail. Greek. parakouo. Occurs only here. church = assembly. In this case the synagogue, or local court, as in Acts 19:39 . See App-120 . the church = the assembly also. an heathen = the Gentile. Greek. ethnikos. Occurs only here, and Matthew 6:7 . a publican = the tax-gatherer. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 18:17

And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican.The mention of "the church," or "the congregation" as it is in the Greek, shows that this rule was propounded by Christ for observance on the part of his followers in all ages. And how is the rule usually observed? By its gross and unfeeling violation! When one feels wronged by another in the church, the temptation is for him to seek out some... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 18:15-17

Matthew 18:15-17. Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass, &c.— Our Lord, having thus spoken to the persons offending, now addresses his discourse to the persons offended, shewing them in what manner they ought to behave towards an offending brother; and whosoever shall closely observe this threefold rule, will seldom offend others, and never be offended himself. "If any, more especially one who is a member of the same religious community, do any thing amiss, of which thou art an eye or... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 18:15-20

The restoration of a wayward disciple 18:15-20Jesus proceeded to explain what a humble disciple should do when a brother or sister disciple has wandered from the Shepherd and the sheep. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 18:17

The third step, if necessary, is to report the situation to the "church." This is the second reference to ekklesia in Matthew and the only other occurrence of this word in the four Gospels. As I pointed out above (cf. Matthew 16:18), this word means "a called out assembly of people." Jesus probably used it in a wide sense here. We have noted that the terms "lord," "disciple," "apostle," and others came to have more specific meanings as God’s kingdom plan unfolded. Jesus predicted the existence... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 18:1-35

Offending the Little Ones. The Unmerciful Servant1-14. Ambition reproved, and humility taught by the example of a little child (Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48).1. Who is the greatest?] RV ’Who then is greatest?’ The ’then’is explained from St. Mark’s statement that on the way to Capernaum the disciples had been disputing who was the greatest. The Transfiguration had revived the hopes of the three leading apostles that the Kingdom of Christ was about to be established, and the Twelve were divided... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 18:17

(17) If he shall neglect to hear them.—Better, refuse, the word implying something more than mere negligence.Tell it unto the church.—Here, and here only in our Lord’s teaching after the promise to Peter (Matthew 16:18), we have the word Ecclesia repeated. The passage takes its place among the most conspicuous instances of the power of a word. Theories of church authority, as exercised by the priesthood, or bishops, or councils, or the personal infallibility of the Bishop of Rome, have been... read more