Matthew 18:15

Matthew 18:15, in plain English

If someone sins against you, go to them privately. If they listen, you've restored the relationship. The goal is always reconciliation, not punishment.

Why it's here

Addressing conflict directly and privately is hard but necessary. Jesus gives you a clear process: start small, stay loving, and aim for restoration.

Who's speaking

Jesus teaches the first step in resolving conflict between believers.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus provides practical wisdom for real-life community. When someone wrongs you, the first move is private, gentle, and hopeful.

The scholarly reading

Jesus establishes a process for reconciliation: the first step is private confrontation (metaxy sou kai autou monou, 'between you and him alone'). The goal is kerdainō ('to win/gain') the brother, not punishment. The verb elegxon ('confront/show fault') implies a loving but honest correction.

Language and setting

This begins the only explicit church discipline process in the Gospels. The graduated steps (private, small group, church) reflect the principle of minimal necessary exposure and maximum opportunity for repentance.

Voice

Jesus teaches the process for addressing sin within the community.

Significance

Jesus moves from parable to practical instruction. Caring for the community means addressing sin, but always with restoration as the goal.

13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.

14In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

15If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. 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.’

17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Read all of Matthew 18 — Who is the greatest? A child. What matters most? The one who wandered off. Forgiveness isn't optional — it's the air the kingdom breathes.