New Testament
Matthew 18:17
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If he refuses to listen to them, bring the matter before the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
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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.
What Matthew 18:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus outlines a process for addressing conflicts within the church. If someone wrongs you and refuses to listen to your attempts to resolve the issue privately, you should involve one or two others to help mediate. If the person still refuses to listen, the matter should be brought before the church community. If they ignore the church's guidance, they are to be treated as an outsider, similar to how Jews viewed Gentiles and tax collectors. This reflects the seriousness of sin and the importance of accountability within the community. The goal is not punishment but restoration, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and the gravity of unrepentant behavior.
How to apply Matthew 18:17 to your life
When facing conflict with others, follow a respectful process to address the issue. Start with private conversations, then involve trusted individuals if necessary. If the situation remains unresolved, seek guidance from your church community, aiming for reconciliation rather than division.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 18:17 mean?
Matthew 18:17 outlines a process for resolving conflicts within the church. It emphasizes that if someone refuses to listen after multiple attempts to address an issue, the matter should be brought before the church community, and if they still ignore guidance, they should be treated as an outsider.
What is the meaning of 'treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector' in Matthew 18:17?
In Matthew 18:17, treating someone as a Gentile or tax collector means to regard them as outside the community of believers. This reflects the seriousness of unrepentant behavior and the need for accountability, while also highlighting the importance of reconciliation.
How should I apply Matthew 18:17 in my life?
To apply Matthew 18:17, start by addressing conflicts privately and respectfully. If unresolved, involve trusted individuals or seek guidance from your church community, always aiming for reconciliation and understanding.
What steps are outlined in Matthew 18:17 for resolving conflicts?
Matthew 18:17 outlines a three-step process: first, address the issue privately; second, involve one or two others for mediation; and third, bring the matter before the church if necessary, treating the unrepentant as an outsider if they refuse to listen.
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