What scriptural connections exist between Joshua 22:32 and Matthew 18:15-17 on conflict resolution? Setting the Stage in Joshua 22 • After years of conquest, the eastern tribes erect an altar near the Jordan. • Israel fears apostasy and readies for war, yet first sends a delegation headed by Phinehas. • Joshua 22:32: “Then Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest and the leaders returned from the Israelites of Reuben and Gad in the land of Gilead to the land of Canaan, to the Israelites, and brought back a report to them.” • Their report confirms the altar is only “a witness” (v. 34), not an idolatrous shrine—conflict averted, unity preserved. Jesus’ Pattern in Matthew 18 • Matthew 18:15-17 lays out a three-step approach: 1. “Go and rebuke him in private.” 2. “If he will not listen, take one or two others along.” 3. “If he refuses… tell it to the church.” • The aim is always restoration, never retaliation (cf. Matthew 18:12-14, the lost sheep). Shared Principles at a Glance • Initiative: Both passages require someone to make the first move rather than let suspicion fester. • Personal conversation before public action. • Use of witnesses to establish facts (Deuteronomy 19:15; Proverbs 18:17). • Desire for reconciliation over punishment. • Submission to God-given authority (priestly leaders in Joshua; church leadership in Matthew). Step-by-Step Comparison 1. Private Inquiry – Joshua: A small delegation personally travels to Gilead (v. 13). – Matthew: “Go and rebuke him in private” (18:15). 2. Inclusion of Multiple Witnesses – Joshua: Ten tribal leaders accompany Phinehas (v. 14). – Matthew: “Take one or two others” (18:16). 3. Report to the Larger Assembly – Joshua: Delegates “brought back a report” to all Israel (22:32). – Matthew: “Tell it to the church” (18:17). 4. Resolution and Unity – Joshua: “The Israelites blessed God… and no longer spoke of waging war” (v. 33). – Matthew: If the brother listens, “you have won your brother” (v. 15). Motives Behind the Methods • Protecting the holiness of God’s people (Joshua 22:17-20; Matthew 18:17-18). • Guarding against rash judgment (Proverbs 18:13). • Valuing community peace: “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). • Restoring the erring with gentleness: “You who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). Fruit of Obedience • Joshua’s tribes move from potential civil war to worshipful celebration. • Churches that follow Matthew 18 see discipline produce “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). • God is glorified when His people handle conflict His way (John 13:34-35). Practical Takeaways for Today • Address problems promptly and personally; avoid gossip and assumption. • Bring along wise, impartial believers only when private efforts fail. • Keep restoration as the goal, not winning an argument. • Submit the outcome to the larger body when necessary, trusting God-ordained order. Following the Joshua 22 model prepares hearts for the Matthew 18 process, and both guard the unity that Christ purchased with His blood (Ephesians 2:13-16). |
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