What is the meaning of Matthew 18:17? If he refuses to listen to them “If he refuses to listen to them…” (Matthew 18:17a) • Jesus is describing the step that follows the private confrontation and the two-or-three-witness conversation (Matthew 18:15-16). • “Refuses to listen” means an ongoing, willful rejection of the correction lovingly offered (Proverbs 15:32; Galatians 6:1). • The witnesses affirm the facts; the unrepentant brother confirms his hardness. • This protects both the accused from false charges and the fellowship from hidden sin (Luke 17:3; James 5:19-20). tell it to the church “…tell it to the church.” (Matthew 18:17b) • “Church” (ekklesia) refers to the assembled local body, not a select committee (Acts 15:22). • Bringing the matter before the congregation serves several purposes: – Allows corporate appeal for repentance (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). – Guards the flock by alerting them to unrepentant behavior (1 Timothy 5:20). – Preserves unity through transparent handling of sin (Ephesians 4:3). • The aim remains restoration, not humiliation; the entire body now pleads with the offender (2 Corinthians 2:6). And if he refuses to listen even to the church “And if he refuses to listen even to the church…” (Matthew 18:17c) • Persistent refusal exposes a heart resisting both personal counsel and the collective voice Christ has authorized (Hebrews 13:17). • At this point discipline moves from appeal to separation (Titus 3:10-11). • The seriousness underscores the holiness Christ desires in His bride (Ephesians 5:27). regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector “…regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17d) • First-century Jews viewed pagans and tax collectors as outsiders. Jesus uses that cultural picture to command withdrawal of normal Christian fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15). • What this does not mean: – Hatred or abuse; we still love our neighbor (Matthew 5:44). – Cutting off all contact; gospel witness remains (Luke 15:1-2). • What it does mean: – No participation in the privileges of church membership (1 Corinthians 5:2). – Clear distinction between the repentant and the rebellious, preserving the church’s witness (Philippians 2:15). • Should repentance occur, full restoration is commanded (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). summary Matthew 18:17 lays out the final steps of Christ-mandated church discipline: if private and small-group appeals fail, the matter is told to the congregation; if the offender still resists, fellowship is withdrawn. This protects the purity of the church, seeks the sinner’s restoration, and honors the Lord who said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). |
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