What does "treat him as a pagan" mean in Matthew 18:17 context? Setting the Stage: Matthew 18:15-17 in Context • Matthew 18:15-17 lays out a clear four-step path for dealing with a believer’s persistent, public sin. • The closing line is decisive: “And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17) Step-by-Step Process Jesus Outlines 1. Private confrontation (v. 15). 2. Small-group confirmation (v. 16; cf. Deuteronomy 19:15). 3. Congregational presentation (v. 17a). 4. If all three fail—categorize the person as an outsider (v. 17b). Meaning of “Pagan or Tax Collector” in First-Century Judea • “Pagan” (Greek: ethnikos) describes those outside the covenant community of Israel—people who did not worship Yahweh. • “Tax collector” was shorthand for a covenant breaker who allied with Rome and profited from God’s people. • Together, the terms conveyed “unbeliever,” “outsider,” “no longer part of the worshiping family.” Practical Implications for Today Treating an unrepentant member “as a pagan” means: • Remove from church membership and leadership influence (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). • Restrict participation in the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 10:16-21). • Continue personal kindness—yet relate evangelistically, not as a fellow disciple (1 Corinthians 9:19-22). • Avoid normal Christian partnership that signals shared faith (2 Thessalonians 3:6). • Keep communication open for repentance and restoration (Galatians 6:1). Balanced Attitude: Firm Boundaries and Ongoing Love • “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:15) • Jesus Himself ate with tax collectors to call them to repentance (Matthew 9:10-13). The church shows the same missionary heart while guarding its holiness. Ultimate Goal: Restoration and Holiness • Church discipline is medicinal, not merely punitive: “This punishment by the majority is sufficient for him. … Forgive and comfort him.” (2 Corinthians 2:6-8) • The community remains pure (Ephesians 5:27), and the straying believer is urged back to Christ (James 5:19-20). |
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