How does Matthew 18:15-17 relate to Titus 3:10's guidance? The Texts in Focus • 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. • 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ • 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition.” Shared Ground: Love, Truth, and Restoration • Both passages assume believers are accountable to one another in a local fellowship. • The aim in each is restoration, not punishment (cf. Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20). • A deliberate, step-by-step process reflects God’s patience yet upholds the purity of Christ’s body (Ephesians 5:25-27). Parallel Progressions 1. Initial Private Confrontation – Matthew 18: personal meeting. – Titus 3: first admonition. 2. Escalated Witnesses / Second Warning – Matthew 18: bring one or two others. – Titus 3: second admonition. 3. Corporate Involvement and Possible Separation – Matthew 18: tell it to the church; if still unrepentant, withdrawal of fellowship. – Titus 3: “reject” (literally “avoid, refuse association”). Complementary Emphases • Matthew’s setting is broad—any personal sin. Titus targets a “divisive” (literally “factious, heretical”) person threatening unity. • Matthew highlights due process and witnesses, echoing Deuteronomy 19:15. Titus emphasizes limiting endless argument; after two warnings, words give way to action. • Together they show both the pastoral heart (patient warnings) and protective duty (guarding the flock, Acts 20:28-31). When Restoration Fails: Protective Separation • If repentance does not follow, fellowship is withheld—“treat him as a pagan” (Matthew 18) and “reject” him (Titus 3). • This is not vindictive; it reflects 1 Corinthians 5:5, hoping that exclusion will awaken conviction. • Even in separation, believers view the person as someone to win back, not to hate (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). Practical Takeaways for Today • Address sin or divisiveness early and privately; gossip is never an option. • Use clear, gracious words grounded in Scripture. • Invite impartial witnesses if needed, ensuring fairness. • Church leaders must act decisively yet lovingly when warnings are ignored, preserving unity and testimony. • Keep praying and looking for signs of repentance; restoration remains the goal (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). |
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