Matthew 18:15-20

Contemporary English Version

When Someone Sins

(Luke 17.3)

¹⁵^(A) If one of my followers^[a] sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower. ¹⁶^(B) But if that one refuses to listen, take along one or two others. The Scriptures teach that every complaint must be proven true by two or more witnesses. ¹⁷If the follower refuses to listen to them, report the matter to the church. Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector.^[b]

Allowing and Not Allowing

¹⁸^(C) I promise you God in heaven will allow whatever you allow on earth, but God will not allow anything you don't allow. ¹⁹I promise that when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you. ²⁰Whenever two or three of you come together in my name,^[c] I am there with you.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

18.15 followers: The Greek text has “brother,” which is used here and elsewhere in this chapter to refer to a follower of Christ.
18.17 tax collector: See the note at 5.46.
18.20 in my name: Or “as my followers.”