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Matthew 18

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

What does Matthew 18:20 mean?

Explanation

[Matthew 18:20] is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible that is often quoted to emphasize the presence of Jesus Christ during Christian gatherings, regardless of their size.

The verse suggests that even a small group of believers, as few as two or three, gathered together for a common purpose in Jesus' name, will experience His presence among them.

This implies a level of accessibility and intimacy between Jesus and His followers.

The deeper meaning here is the strong emphasis on community and fellowship in the Christian faith, and the assurance that Christ's presence does not require large numbers or grandiose settings but is assured even in the smallest of sincere gatherings.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus is instructing His disciples on how to deal with sin and conflict within the Christian community.

The context is Jesus giving guidance on correction and restoration among believers.

The statement arises as a conclusion to a discussion about church discipline and the binding and loosing of sins.

The historical setting was a time when the early Church was establishing its identity and practices, and these teachings would have helped to guide the followers in maintaining harmony and resolving disputes within the fledgling Christian communities.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret Matthew 18:20 in various ways:

Traditional Christianity often sees this verse as highlighting the importance of communal prayer and the promise of Christ's spiritual presence.
Catholic theology might emphasize the role of the Church as the communal body of Christ and see this verse as support for the church's authority in matters of discipline.
Protestant interpretations could underscore the priesthood of all believers and the direct access individuals have to God without the need for an intermediary other than Christ Himself.
Evangelical perspectives may focus on the 'agreement' aspect of the verse, leveraging it to understand how group prayer can be effectual.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by:

Encouraging believers to engage in small group prayer meetings or bible studies, reinforcing the notion that any collective effort to worship or seek God is valued.
Providing comfort in knowing that Christ’s presence is guaranteed even in the most intimate of worship settings.
Using this principle to resolve conflicts within the community by invoking Christ's presence and wisdom within the process of resolution.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:19 - "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it will be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
1 Corinthians 5:4 - "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
2 Corinthians 13:1 - "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

"Gathered together" (συναχθῶσιν - synachthōsin): This term implies assembling or coming together, typically in a deliberate or intentional manner.
"In my name" (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου - en tō onomati mou): This means to gather with the authority or purpose of Jesus, not simply in a casual reference to Him.
"In the midst of them" (ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν - en mesō autōn): Literally meaning 'in the middle' or 'among,' indicating a central, active presence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient religions, the deity's presence often required specific rituals or large temples.

In contrast, Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:20 reveals a direct, personal presence without such requirements. This is a distinctive feature when compared to other religious practices of the time, which might emphasize the sacredness of specific locations or the presence of religious officials.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse doesn't directly intersect with scientific understandings, it speaks to the psychological and social benefits of group cohesion and the perception of support.

Science acknowledges that the belief in a supportive presence can have a positive effect on an individual's mental health, stress levels, and overall well-being.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided insight into Matthew 18:20:

John Calvin, a leader of the Protestant Reformation, saw this verse as encouraging to small congregations and indicative of God’s kindness.
William Barclay, a 20th-century Scottish commentator, emphasized how Jesus becomes the unseen guest and the unseen host in any Christian gathering, and the presence is not confined to numbers.
Warren W.

Wiersbe, an American biblical scholar, mentioned that this verse assures believers that Jesus Christ is in the midst of their fellowship, providing guidance and authority especially in difficult matters of church discipline.

Matthew 18

Matthew 18

What does Matthew 18:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 18:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?