What does Matthew 18:19 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:19 emphasizes the power of collective prayer and agreement among believers.

The phrase "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask" highlights the idea that unity in prayer holds a particular power or efficacy that is recognized by God.

When Christians come together in harmony and common purpose to request something in prayer, it becomes a potent act that invokes a response from God the Father in heaven.

This verse is not just about prayer, but about the relationship between agreement among believers and the responsiveness of God to their prayers.

The underlying message is that there is spiritual authority that comes with unity, reflected in a God who listens to and acts upon the communal desires of his followers, as long as they align with His will.

Historical Context

Matthew 18:19 is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is teaching about relationships within the community of believers. The chapter addresses issues like handling sin in the church, forgiving others, and humility.

The verse needs to be interpreted within this communal and ecclesiastical context, where Jesus is providing guidance on how his followers should live together and support each other in faith.

This passage reflects Jewish traditions of communal prayer and decision-making that were prevalent during the time of Jesus.

The concept that God would be especially attentive to collective acts of faith has antecedents in Jewish prayer practices.

Theological Insights

Theologically, there are several perspectives on this verse.

Some theologians might emphasize the "name it and claim it" theology, suggesting that whatever believers ask in agreement, God will grant.

Others, however, would caution against a literal interpretation that assumes God is like a vending machine; they would argue that prayer is not about getting what we want from God but aligning with His will.

Another viewpoint considers this verse as stressing the importance of community and fellowship among believers. The power of communal prayer is not because there is strength in numbers but because such unity reflects the body of Christ working together harmoniously, which pleases God.

Furthermore, some theologians highlight the conditional nature of this promise, implying that prayers must be in accordance with God's will and purposes to be granted.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can encourage believers to:

• Seek unity with other Christians, recognizing the power of agreement in prayer.
• Cultivate a community where members can come together to support each other through prayer.
• Understand the importance of corporate worship and the collective invocation of God's presence and assistance.
• Approach prayer with humility, seeking to align individual desires with the greater good and God's will.

Cross-References

• "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)
• "And whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)
• "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)
• "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" (1 John 5:14)

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Matthew 18:19 include:

• "Agree" (συμφωνήσωσιν, symphōnēsōsin): This term has a musical connotation, as in to "harmonize" or be "in accord."
• "Anything" (περὶ παντὸς πράγματος, peri pantos pragmatos): This phrase can be literally translated as "concerning every matter," which indicates the breadth of topics that believers can bring before God.
• "They shall ask" (αἰτήσωνται, aitēsōntai): This verb refers to the act of asking or requesting, which in the context is a supplication to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions, the idea of communal activities swaying the divine will was common.

For instance, in pagan Greek and Roman traditions, collective civic and social rituals were believed to secure the favor of the gods.

In this cultural context, the collective nature of prayer in Matthew 18:19 resembles the common ancient belief in the power of group supplication.

However, in the Christian tradition, the emphasis is not just on the collective nature of the action but on the unity of believers and the accordance with God's will, a notable distinction from ancient pagan practices.

Scientific Perspectives

Science primarily addresses the natural world and generally does not comment directly on supernatural beliefs or phenomena like prayer.

However, there are psychological and sociological studies on the effects of communal activities, including prayer, which suggest that such activities can lead to increased bonding, greater social support, and an enhanced sense of community.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators offer different thoughts on Matthew 18:19:

• John Gill: He notes that this promise of granted requests is not absolute but relates to things that are for the good of the church, are according to the will of God, and are asked in faith, without wavering.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets this passage as emphasizing the importance of unity in prayer and the church.

He sees it as a reassurance that, in matters of discipline and church government, the decisions made in harmony on earth are recognized in heaven.

• William Barclay: Barclay suggests that the power spoken of in this passage is directly related to the presence of Christ among His people, making their united prayers effective as they align with Christ's own mission and ministry.