How does Matthew 18:16 relate to the principle in Deuteronomy 17:6? Setting the Scene - Deuteronomy records God’s judicial standards for Israel; Matthew records Jesus instructing His disciples on church discipline. - Both passages address the need for fair, verified testimony before decisive action is taken. Text of the Verses - Deuteronomy 17:6: “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man who is to die shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of a lone witness.” - Matthew 18:16: “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.’” The Shared Principle • Multiple witnesses guard against false accusation and rash judgment. • Truth is confirmed by corroboration, not by a single voice. • Justice (Old Testament context) and reconciliation (New Testament context) both rely on objective verification. Continuity from Law to Church - Jesus quotes the Mosaic requirement verbatim, showing He upholds Torah standards (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15; John 5:31-32). - The civil sphere under Moses and the ecclesial sphere under Christ are different realms, yet the moral principle remains unchanged: God demands trustworthy evidence. - Hebrews 10:28-29 echoes Deuteronomy 17:6 and applies it to apostasy, underscoring that God’s standards of witness remain in force. Practical Implications for Believers • Personal confrontation comes first (Matthew 18:15). • If unheeded, bring witnesses—mirroring Deuteronomy’s courtroom safeguard. • Only after facts are established should the church act (Matthew 18:17). • This process protects the accused, upholds truth, and preserves unity. Other Supporting Scriptures - Numbers 35:30 – capital cases require witnesses. - 1 Timothy 5:19 – “Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” - 2 Corinthians 13:1 – Paul applies the same rule to church correction. Takeaway Matthew 18:16 reaffirms the timeless divine standard introduced in Deuteronomy 17:6: every serious charge must be confirmed by multiple witnesses. Jesus carries the principle from Israel’s courts into His church, ensuring that truth, justice, and loving restoration govern all disciplinary action. |
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