Matthew18
New American Standard
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2And He called a child to Himself and set him among them,
3and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
4So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me;
6but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.
7“Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to the person through whom the stumbling block comes!
8“And if your hand or your foot is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; it is better for you to enter life maimed or without a foot, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire.
9And if your eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fiery hell.
10“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
11
12“What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost?
13And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray.
14So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.
15“Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed.
17And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
18Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
19“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
20For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
21Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times.
23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves.
24And when he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.
25But since he did not have the means to repay, his master commanded that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment be made.
26So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’
27And the master of that slave felt compassion, and he released him and forgave him the debt.
28But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe!’
29So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’
30But he was unwilling, and went and threw him in prison until he would pay back what was owed.
31So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their master all that had happened.
32Then summoning him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
33Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’
34And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him.
35My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 18.
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.
Key Words
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos): that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ὥρα (hṓra): an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
μαθητής (mathētḗs): a learner, i.e. pupil
προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai): to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
λέγω (légō): properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 (ἔπω) and G5346 (φημί) generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 (ῥέω) is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 (λαλέω) means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
ἐστί (estí): he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
μείζων (meízōn): larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
βασιλεία (basileía): properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 18Parallel account of the disciples' dispute about who is the greatest on the way to Capernaum.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
The parallel parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the Shepherd's diligent search and recovery.
Supported by JFB
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
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
Parallel exhortation to sever offending hand, foot, or eye to avoid hell fire.
Supported by John Calvin
Confirms the ministry of angels sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
Supported by JFB
Parallel instruction on rebuking an offending brother privately and forgiving him upon repentance.
Supported by JFB
Christ's promise of His perpetual presence with His gathered disciples matches 'there am I'.
Supported by Matthew Henry
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
Earlier instruction in the Sermon on the Mount to pluck out an offending eye.
Supported by Matthew Henry
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
Apostolic instruction to forgive one another even as Christ forgave you.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Illustrates the ancient legal practice of selling a debtor and his children into slavery.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exhortation to be kind and forgiving, based on God forgiving us in Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Lord's Prayer link between receiving divine forgiveness and forgiving our debtors.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identical plea for patience, contrasting the master's mercy with the servant's cruelty.
Supported by Matthew Henry