What does it mean when Jesus says, "if thy brother shall trespass against thee"?

Here Jesus is talking about another believer who sins against you in some real way. It might be through words, actions, or some clear wrong done personally to you. Instead of holding a grudge or talking about it behind their back, Jesus tells you to go directly to that person. The goal is not to attack them, but to help them see their sin and to repair the relationship. This shows that in the church, sin and hurt should be faced honestly, but also with love and care for the other person.

What does it mean to "gain thy brother" in this passage?

To "gain thy brother" means you have won him back, not as an enemy, but as a restored friend and fellow believer. When he listens, admits his fault, and turns from it, the bond between you is healed. The sin is no longer standing between you. The whole point of going to him privately is this restoration. Jesus shows that the main aim in correction is not to win an argument or shame someone, but to win the person himself back into right fellowship and peace.

Why does Jesus tell believers to bring one or two witnesses if the brother will not listen?

If the brother will not listen to the private correction, Jesus says to take one or two more with you. This follows the pattern from the law that every matter should be confirmed by two or three witnesses. Their presence gives weight to the warning and helps make the facts clear. It is not about ganging up on someone, but about fairness, truth, and accountability. The witnesses can confirm what was said and how the person responded, so the situation is handled in an honest and careful way.

What does "tell it unto the church" mean in this teaching of Jesus?

When Jesus says, "tell it unto the church," he means that if the sinning brother still refuses to listen after private and small group correction, the matter should be brought before the gathered community of believers and its leaders. This step shows that sin is not just a private issue, but affects the whole body. The church then calls the person to repent. This is a serious and loving act, because the church is meant to guard the holiness and peace of the community, while still hoping for the person’s restoration.

Why does Jesus say to treat the unrepentant person as a heathen and a publican?

If a person will not listen even to the church, Jesus says to treat him as a heathen and a publican, that is, as someone outside the fellowship. This means he is no longer to be regarded as walking in true Christian obedience. The purpose is not petty revenge, but clear separation so he feels the weight of his choice and may be brought to repentance. It also protects the church from ongoing, open sin. At the same time, believers should still desire his return, just as Jesus cared for outsiders and called them to turn back to God.

What does "whatsoever ye shall bind on earth" mean in this passage?

The words about binding and loosing show that when the church rightly deals with sin according to Jesus’ instructions, heaven agrees. To bind is to hold someone under the judgment of their sin, as when they refuse to repent and are put outside fellowship. To loose is to declare someone forgiven and restored when they truly repent. The church does not make up its own rules, but follows what Jesus has taught. When it does so sincerely, its decisions reflect what God has already decided in heaven.

How does this passage guide how we handle conflict in the church today?

This teaching gives a simple pattern for dealing with conflict and sin among believers today. First, we should go privately to the person who hurt us, not spread the matter around. If they will not listen, we involve one or two mature believers to help. If there is still no change, the church as a body becomes involved. At every step, the goal is to restore the person, not to shame them. This keeps personal grudges from growing, protects the church’s purity, and shows that love and truth must go together.

Why is this passage sometimes hard for people to accept or follow?

Many struggle with this passage because it speaks about confronting others and even removing someone from fellowship, which can feel harsh. Others find it hard because they prefer to avoid conflict or keep peace at any price. Some also fear that church discipline might be misused. Yet Jesus’ words hold together love and holiness. The process is careful, slow, and patient, with several chances to listen and repent. It is hard because it calls us to courage, honesty, and humility, but it is meant for the good of both the person and the church.

Matt.18.15

Matthew 18:15

KJV Jesus

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

A Brother Who Sins

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

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

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.