postscript to 'Where 2 or 3 are gathered

neonangel
Originally uploaded by neonangel.

Rust pointed out that I may need to clarify the oft 'taken out of context' and misunderstood nature of Matthew 18:15-20. So have dug up the full context and an article that will shed more light to the verses.

First the context in full Hallelujah glory:

Matthew 18:15 -19
"If your brother sins against you,[b] go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'[c] 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be[d]bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven.

19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

This link at Challies.com provides a good explanation of the multiple ways people take the "2 or 3 are gathered" thing out of context - for example, taking it mean that when 2 or 3 are gathered, christian wishes become uber powerful and can ask for anything.

And last of all, just to clarify - was focusing on the underlying concept behind Matthew 18:20 which states that God is present in the gathering of His people. God's reality is affirmed in the midst of just 2 or 3 witnesses. This is what was underlying the context of Matthew 18:15-20 as well I think.

Was not intent on exploring the immediate context surrounding Matthew 18:20 - which is the context of how to treat matters of conflict in the church, why you want to gather witnesses to affirm your decision etc.

I think the article in challies.com will clarify the context more cleverly than I can....soooooo hope this removes any potential stumbly stones :)

thanks for caring to point it out Rust!