How does Matthew 18:15-17 relate to 2 Corinthians 2:6 on discipline?

◄ Link Matthew 18:15-17 & 2 Cor 2:6? ►

Two Passages, One Principle

• Matthew 18:15-17 and 2 Corinthians 2:6 deal with the same reality: a believer’s sin that threatens the health of Christ’s body.

• Jesus gives the process; Paul shows the process in action.

• Both passages reveal the Lord’s heart—firm discipline that aims at full restoration.

Jesus Lays Out the Process (Matthew 18:15-17)

“If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately… If he listens to you, you have won your brother.” (v. 15)

Steps Jesus commands:

1. Private confrontation.

2. Small-group confirmation (“one or two others,” v. 16).

3. Congregational admonition (“tell it to the church,” v. 17).

4. Separation if unrepentant (“regard him as a pagan or a tax collector,” v. 17).

Each step escalates only if repentance is refused.

Paul Applies the Process (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)

“The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him.” (v. 6)

• “The majority” echoes step 3—church involvement.

• “Punishment” refers to the formal exclusion described in 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, paralleling Jesus’ step 4.

• Verse 7: “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”

• Verse 8: “Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.”

Paul shows that once repentance appears, the church must switch from discipline to embrace.

Shared Purposes in Both Texts

• Guard the purity of the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).

• Protect the offender from deeper hardness (Hebrews 12:11).

• Provide a clear witness to outsiders (1 Timothy 5:20).

• Ultimately restore the sinner to fellowship (Galatians 6:1).

Balanced Authority: Congregational Participation

• Matthew: “tell it to the church.”

• Corinthians: “punishment imposed by the majority.”

• The whole body carries weighty responsibility—discipline is never a private vendetta.

Compassion after Correction

• Matthew’s goal: “you have won your brother.”

• Paul’s command: “forgive and comfort.”

• Restoration protects the repentant from “excessive sorrow” and thwarts Satan’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Putting It Together

1. Confront privately.

2. If needed, involve witnesses.

3. If still needed, bring it before the congregation.

4. If unrepentant, remove fellowship.

5. When repentance appears, eagerly forgive, comfort, and reaffirm love.

Scripture’s accuracy and unity shine: Jesus outlines the discipline path, and Paul demonstrates its faithful, restorative use.