Matthew 18:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He did not say, "You have avenged him," but rather, "You have gained your brother," highlighting that enmity harms both parties involved. He emphasized that the injury impacts both the one wronged and the one who has caused the harm, leading to loss in both their lives—one losing the brother and the other sacrificing his own salvation.

He conveyed a similar principle during His sermon on the mountain, instructing that if one recalls that a brother has something against him while on the altar, he must first seek reconciliation with that brother (Matthew 5:23). He urged the wounded to extend forgiveness: forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12), a teaching to be reflected in prayer. Here, He takes a different approach: instead of directing the offender to the offended, He sends the latter back to address the initial wrongdoer. Recognizing that the offender may hesitate to seek forgiveness out of shame, He directs the aggrieved party to initiate the effort of reconciliation, not to accuse, scorn, or demand punishment, but simply to reprove. The one who has committed the offense may be in a state of emotional turmoil, but the one who is well must reach out to this ailing individual. For the acceptance of healing requires a gentle approach and should not involve public judgment. The term "reprove" here indicates not merely reminding him of his sin or elaborating on the hurt caused, but if approached correctly, it will serve two purposes: it will vindicate you, and it will encourage the other to seek peace.

The text does not state ‘offend,’ but rather ‘reprove.’ If he is willing to listen and regain his senses, it indicates that the Lord wishes for those who sin to be initially corrected privately, to prevent them from becoming even bolder when rebuked publicly.

Therefore, approach him privately to offer correction, aiming for his restoration without shaming him further. In doing so, be cautious; if he responds with embarrassment, he might rationalize his wrong and inadvertently worsen his situation. Hence, speak to him solely between the two of you. If he heeds your words, you will have regained a brother who might have been lost had you chosen to remain silent.

If he does not listen, let another brother accompany us to encourage him. And should he reject that counsel as well, a third brother should join for either correction or to ensure the matter is established by witnesses. If the one being corrected still remains unrepentant, it is vital that many others are informed, so they may distance themselves from him, and he who has not been swayed by shame may be salvaged through the experience of reproof. The instruction to treat him like a heathen and a tax collector indicates that a person who claims to be a believer yet acts like an unbeliever deserves greater disdain than outright unbelievers. Tax collectors, in this metaphorical sense, represent those who pursue earthly wealth through deceit, trickery, theft, and moral corruption.

He suggests that this conversation should occur in private between the two, to prevent the one being confronted from becoming more defiant or obstinate. If he listens to you, you have successfully reclaimed your brother. Should he heed your counsel, repent, and acknowledge his fault, you have achieved a significant gain: the restoration of your brother, a valued member of the community. In the past, he was lost, having been led astray by temptation, which is a considerable loss for true siblings in Christ.

When one admonishes with the intention of fostering growth, their counsel is rooted in love; conversely, the one who seeks revenge embodies a lack of love. God, who admonishes with a loving spirit, does not pursue revenge (may it never be!) but desires the restoration of His image and is slow to anger, waiting patiently for the right moment for correction. This form of love arises from righteousness and does not succumb to the lure of revenge. A righteous and wise person mirrors God: they discipline others not out of a desire for retribution, but to bring about correction or to inspire a change in others. Anything that does not align with this purpose can hardly be called discipline.

If a nonbeliever harms you, you might have to give up your belongings; however, if a brother—who shares the same divine Father and the same spiritual mother, the Church—sins against you by leading you astray with erroneous teachings, flawed ideas, harmful words, or negative examples, even if he transgresses against you unjustly and binds his soul in sin, do not abandon him without displaying brotherly compassion. Approach him with mercy; the one who has wronged you, having succumbed to shame, may hesitate to seek your forgiveness. Do not wait for him to initiate reconciliation; instead, take the initiative to reach out to him. In his anger and shame, he may seem as if caught in a troubled slumber; you are in good health and must attend to his condition, for he is unwell. To facilitate a quicker and more effective healing, refrain from accusations or blame; merely point out his wrongdoing, clarify the potential harm that could arise from his actions or misguided thoughts, and provide your correction in a private setting, just between the two of you, so that he does not perceive your rebuke as harsh when done in front of others. Approach him with kindness, care, wisdom, and patience. A gentle reproof that is sincere and imbued with brotherly love from the heart of the one who has been wronged often proves more impactful than any harsh penalties and can guide him back more effectively than mere punishment. When you, who possess the right to seek reparation for the offense, approach him with compassion for his spiritual well-being, he may feel shame—not because you seek revenge, but because your aim is his restoration. Should he listen to you, acknowledge his fault, condemn his own actions, and humble himself, you will have achieved two significant things: you will be justified in his sight, and you will have reconciled with him, reclaiming your brother. In saving him, you have not only salvaged him for God and yourself but also for the Church and the Kingdom of Heaven, which he risked losing due to his sin. Regardless of how unjust he may seem towards you, prioritize his salvation over your own vindication. It is inevitable that you might need to forgo your pride and endure some insults. Yet, will not your reward be immense if you manage to rescue the lost sheep, for whom the Good Shepherd cares so deeply?

b) (Matthew 18:16) If your calls for repentance do not reach your brother and he remains obstinate in his wrongdoing, do not abandon him without support. Seek an alternative approach: consider whether there are acquaintances or relatives of his who possess his esteem that you might enlist to aid in persuading him gently, ensuring that with two or three witnesses, your appeal carries greater weight to awaken his conscience.

c) (Matthew 18:17) The term "church" refers to the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ, specifically indicating the local congregation or community of faithful individuals. More precisely, it speaks to the bishops, regarded as representatives of God, and the presbyters, seen as representatives of the Apostles, who possess the authority to address sins. Thus, if your brother refuses to heed the counsel of two or three witnesses, bring the matter before the Church, or his spiritual mentor for pastoral guidance. If he remains unyielding, regard him as one living in evident sin, like a pagan or a tax collector, and cease fellowship with him. You will no longer bear the weight of his sin, but continue to pray for him, asking the Lord to lead him back to the path of righteousness.

"Go and confront him privately" indicates that the one who has wronged you, feeling shame, may not readily seek forgiveness. Therefore, it is advised to send the aggrieved party to address the issue directly with the intention of mending the rift between them. The individual who has caused offense may be viewed as being in a state of stupor due to anger and shame, while you are in a position of health and must approach the one who is spiritually ailing. To facilitate a quicker acceptance of reconciliation, avoid public judgment and instead provide counsel in private, ensuring that the correction does not appear unduly harsh in front of others, which could lead to increased defiance rather than repentance. The term "rebuke" here is meant in the sense of reminding the individual of their wrongdoing and conveying the hurt their actions have caused you.

This fraternal and compassionate correction of one’s neighbor by the offended party is often more impactful than any legal penalties and serves as a true method of restoration. "If he listens to you" means if he admits his wrongdoing, acknowledges his fault, makes amends, and humbles himself, you have restored your brother—bringing back one who had strayed through sin, reinstating him in the kingdom of Christ, and reclaiming him for God’s kingdom that he had forfeited. The emphasis here is that the benefit is mutual; both parties have suffered losses, one in the absence of the brother, and the other in the risk of losing salvation.