Mat 18:15-22 | Family | STEP | Hear thee ; if he is reclaimed. Gained thy brother ; thou hast been instrumental in restoring him. The way to reclaim an offending brother is for some brother to go and converse with him alone . If this is not effectual, he is to take one or two more, and converse with him again. If that is not effectual, then it is their duty to communicate what has been done to the church. If, under their discipline, he will not reform, he is to be cut off.

Matthew 18:15-22

Hear thee; if he is reclaimed.

Gained thy brother; thou hast been instrumental in restoring him. The way to reclaim an offending brother is for some brother to go and converse with him alone. If this is not effectual, he is to take one or two more, and converse with him again. If that is not effectual, then it is their duty to communicate what has been done to the church. If, under their discipline, he will not reform, he is to be cut off. Not hear; if he persevere in the wrong.

Established; fully proved. De 19:15. Neglect to hear them; if they cannot reclaim him.

Heathen man; let him have no more connection with the church than you would allow to an open idolater. Ye shall bind--loose; that is, the disciples who constitute the church spoken of in the preceding verse. This, which had been before said to Peter, chap Mt 16:19, is now said to the disciples generally, and it conferred as much power on them, as it did on him, and it promised as many blessings to them as it did to him. Whatever he or they should do in accordance with the directions of Christ, and in obedience to his will, would be ratified in heaven. This is true of the church and ministry of Christ in all ages. See note on chap. Mt 16:19. Any thing; that is agreeable to his will. In my name; under my authority, and for the purpose of doing any thing connected with the advancement of my kingdom.

In the midst; I am present with them, to hear and bless them. However numerous or aggravated are the offences of any brother, if he give evidence of penitence by confessing and forsaking his sins, all are bound to forgive him. Seventy times seven; we are not to limit our forgiveness to any definite number of offences, but to forgive as often as we are injured.