Matthew 18ASV
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Matthew18

American Standard Version · Public Domain

1In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them,

3and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me:

6but whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.

7Woe unto the world because of occasions of stumbling! for it must needs be that the occasions come; but woe to that man through whom the occasion cometh!

8And if thy hand or thy foot causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed or halt, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire.

9And if thine eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is good for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire.

10See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.

11

12How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray?

13And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.

14Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

15And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

16But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established.

17And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican.

18Verily I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

19Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.

20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

21Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times?

22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.

23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants.

24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand This talent was probably worth about £200, or $1000.talents.

25But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred shillings: and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest.

29So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee.

30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due.

31So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me:

33shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee?

34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due.

35So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 18.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The importance of humility. (1–6). Caution against offences. (7–14). The removal of offences. (15–20). Conduct towards brethren, The parable of the unmerciful servant. (21–35).

vv1-6

Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Our Lord set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter his kingdom. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. Let us daily study this subject, and examine our own spirits.

vv7-14

Considering the cunning and malice of Satan, and the weakness and depravity of men's hearts, it is not possible but that there should be offences. God permits them for wise and holy ends, that those who are sincere, and those who are not, may be made known. Being told before, that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors, and bad examples, let us stand on our guard. We must, as far as lawfully we may, part with what we cannot keep without being entangled by it in sin. The outward occasions of sin must be avoided. If we live after the flesh, we must die. If we, through the Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live. Christ came into the world to save souls, and he will reckon severely with those who hinder the progress of others who are setting their faces heavenward. And shall any of us refuse attention to those whom the Son of God came to seek and to save? A father takes care of all his children, but is particularly tender of the little ones.

vv15-20

If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practised every where, and under all circumstances, though they are too much neglected by all. But how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined to all his disciples! In all our proceedings we should seek direction in prayer; we cannot too highly prize the promises of God. Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us.

Cross References

Matthew 18
v1Mark 9:33-37thematic

Parallel account of the disciples' dispute about who is the greatest on the way to Capernaum.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v12Luke 15:4-7thematic

The parallel parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the Shepherd's diligent search and recovery.

Supported by JFB

v18Matthew 16:19thematic

The keys, binding, and loosing previously given to Peter are here extended to all the apostles.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

Old Testament law requiring two or three witnesses to establish a matter in dispute.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v18John 20:23thematic

Parallels the apostolic authority to remit or retain sins, matching binding and loosing.

Supported by JFB

Another instance where the disciples exhibit worldly ambition, seeking chief seats in Christ's kingdom.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v8Mark 9:43-48thematic

Parallel exhortation to sever offending hand, foot, or eye to avoid hell fire.

Supported by John Calvin

v10Hebrews 1:14thematic

Confirms the ministry of angels sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.

Supported by JFB

v15Luke 17:3thematic

Parallel instruction on rebuking an offending brother privately and forgiving him upon repentance.

Supported by JFB

v20Matthew 28:20thematic

Christ's promise of His perpetual presence with His gathered disciples matches 'there am I'.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v3Psalms 131:2thematic

Old Testament model of a soul quieted and humbled like a weaned child.

Supported by Matthew Henry

Parallel teaching on receiving Christ's messengers and little ones as receiving Christ Himself.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v8Matthew 5:29thematic

Earlier instruction in the Sermon on the Mount to pluck out an offending eye.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v11Luke 19:10thematic

Parallel declaration that the Son of man came to seek and save the lost.

Supported by Matthew Henry

Paul's instruction on church assembly action regarding unrepentant, persistent sin.

Supported by JFB

v21Colossians 3:13thematic

Apostolic instruction to forgive one another even as Christ forgave you.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v252 Kings 4:1thematic

Illustrates the ancient legal practice of selling a debtor and his children into slavery.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v33Ephesians 4:32thematic

Exhortation to be kind and forgiving, based on God forgiving us in Christ.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v21Matthew 6:12thematic

The Lord's Prayer link between receiving divine forgiveness and forgiving our debtors.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v29Matthew 18:26contrast

Identical plea for patience, contrasting the master's mercy with the servant's cruelty.

Supported by Matthew Henry