Matthew 18:17 outlines a process for handling unrepentant sin within the church: if a believer sins, address it privately; if they don't listen, bring one or two witnesses; if still no change, tell the church; and if they refuse even the church, treat them as an outsider, like a Gentile or tax collector, meaning no longer as a fellow believer but still with potential for love and evangelism, not outright shunning, emphasizing church discipline to protect the community and encourage repentance.
While most agree that Matthew 18:15-17a describes a process where restoration is the goal, the tendency has been to view verse 18:17b (“And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”) as a license to abandon the person.
What does it mean when Mary pondered in her heart?
Mary was making memories. She was collecting a sort of mental scrapbook. The other key word in this verse is the word, “pondered.” The Greek word means “to throw thoughts together; mull over, draw conclusions, consider, confer mentally.” Another definition for ponder is to wonder at a deep level.
What does it mean the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath?
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" means God's law, including the Sabbath, exists to benefit humanity, providing rest, renewal, and a connection with God, rather than being an oppressive set of rigid rules to enslave people. Jesus said this to emphasize that human needs, compassion, and acts of mercy (like healing) take priority over strict legalistic interpretations that burden people. The Sabbath is a gift for physical and spiritual rejuvenation, not a trap or a burden.
What does it mean even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs?
The phrase "even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs" means that even those considered lowly or outside a primary group can receive blessings or benefits from the abundance available to the favored group, showcasing deep humility, persistence, and faith in the source of grace, as seen in the biblical story where a Gentile woman convinces Jesus to heal her daughter by using this analogy.
What is Church Discipline? | Matthew 18:17 | February 10, 2024
What do dogs symbolize in the Bible?
Dogs are usually portrayed as street animals, not domestic pets; they are filthy, devouring what is unclean (Isa 66:3 ; Exod 22:30 ), including human flesh, which is considered a particularly shameful fate for the body after death (1 Kgs 14:1 ; 16:4 ; 21:19 , 23–24 ; 22:18 ; 2 Kgs 9:10 , 35–36 ; Ps 68:24 ).
This Jewish form of punishment (prescribed in Deuteronomy 25:1-3), said that under no circumstance was anyone to be flogged more than forty times. So just in case they made a mistake in counting, the terminology used was "forty lashes minus one." Beaten with rods three times. (
Activities that cannot be performed on the Sabbath are basic tasks connected with preparing the showbread of the Temple (sowing, plowing, reaping, binding, threshing, winnowing, selecting, grinding, sifting, kneading, baking), work related to making the coverings in the Tabernacle and the vestments used by the Kohanim ...
He even called Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” (v. 28). Jesus gave no indication of abolishing the Sabbath, but rather set the perfect example of how to keep it—an example His Church followed—and spent part of His ministry on teaching how to keep it correctly.
Jesus' actions had not broken the Sabbath. His activities were teaching opportunities for those who wished to understand how the Sabbath was to be observed. Sadly, instead of accepting this teaching, the Pharisees then “plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him” (verse 14).
What does the Bible mean that the wife is the weaker vessel?
So what does "the weaker vessel" imply? That physically, she is (generally) the weaker of the two and must be protected by her husband. She must be honored by him among men. Her being the weaker means she cannot over-power the man.
There's one thing that's very important for us to remember about Matthew 18:15-17: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
What is the meaning of the man without the wedding garment?
Well the man without a wedding garment, in this sense, seems to be lacking righteousness. He's missing the righteousness that is fitting to the kingdom of God. Once again, it is almost like a parallel with the previous parable of the wicked tenants. They were lacking the fruit, which represented righteousness.
Why do Christians go to church on Sunday and not on the Sabbath?
The early church's practice of gathering on Sunday was a reflection of their desire to honor the resurrection and the new life found in Christ, rather than a command from Jesus to alter the Sabbath observance. While Christians are not bound by the Old Testament Sabbath law, the principle of rest remains important.
While Jesus himself did not make a final break with the Sabbath, he so weakened it in the minds of his followers that they found it natural to move from worshipping on the Sabbath—a day of restrictions —to Sunday, a day associated with the joyous freedom brought about by the resurrection of Jesus.
The Sabbath was the sign of the Mosaic covenant. The Mosaic covenant and the Sabbath as the covenant sign are no longer applicable now that the new covenant of Jesus Christ has come. Believers are called upon to honor and respect those who think the Sabbath is still mandatory for believers.
Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life. If cleaning your room does not get in the way of honoring God and resting with Him, then you are free to do so.
How do you keep the Sabbath holy without going to church?
We can read the Bible and other books of scripture. And we can talk with God in prayer. These activities can help us feel closer to God, even after the Sabbath has passed.
“Fear not!” is the most repeated command in the Bible. In fact, it's been said that there are 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible — one “Fear not” for every day of the year!
490 is the numerical value of the biblical Hebrew word “tamim” which means to “complete,” “perfect,” or “finished.” A person who can't forgive will always live an imperfect, and incomplete life that lacks a true understanding of the “finished” gracious work of the cross.
Where did Jesus go between his death and resurrection?
So, where was Jesus for the three days in between His death and resurrection? For a time, He was in Hades, preaching to the spirits in prison (whoever they were). Then, He released all of the righteous dead of Sheol/Hades and took them with Him to heaven. But, again, there is controversy on virtually every point.
