Context

In our Matthew 18 passage, we see three verses (18-20) that often are ripped out of context. We should look for broader meaning only after the specific meaning is extracted from the text. We might summarize these three verses under the headings of 1) binding and loosing; 2) agreement; 3) Jesus in the midst. Remember the context is dealing with sin in the church between two brothers. And remember there are three phases taught by Jesus here: 1) The Charge; 2) The Trial; 3) The Sentence. So how do these three passages fit in this context?  If the church is to take some action on earth in the name of Jesus that places an unrepentant person in a place comparable to "jail" or a place of discipline, then what meaning does this have if there is no corresponding action in heaven? If a person repents and receives forgiveness on earth but does not receive forgiveness in heaven, what meaning does forgiveness on earth have? But, if an unrepentant person is treated as a tax-collector and a Gentile on earth, but is not so treated or considered by the Father in heaven, then our actions here are not His will on earth. Jesus taught that His will should be done on earth as it is in heaven. Of course we could turn this around to say that we try to replicate in some way on earth what God has decided in heaven. If God has decided forgiveness for the repentant, then we too should show that forgiveness on earth. But, if God does not decide to forgive the unrepentant, then we must replicate that reaction on earth in some way so that we reflect to the person God's disposition on the matter. This is binding and loosing.

If this is so, then the next verse is logical. It would mean that what God has decided in the matter must be agreed to by those on earth. The "two" so mentioned here are the witnesses that establish the matter of guilt in the case. Again the there is a correspondence between earth and heaven. The agreement of the witnesses is what causes a person to be convicted or acquitted. Once this is established on earth, then appeal can be made to heaven where the "case" is filed. What is it that the "two" ask? Is this verse saying if two agree on anything on earth and ask in agreement it will be done? It does not seem this is the teaching from the context. The "anything" seems to be in relationship to the allegations of sin which are being adjudicated within the church.  Then we come to verse 20 where Jesus says He is in the midst of the two or three who gather. For what purpose do the two-three gather? In the context they gather to provide testimony regarding the charge against the person who "sins." Jesus, of course, knows the truth of charge since He sees everything, and is there to stand with the witnesses who speak the truth in the matter. Paul says he was there with the Corinthians in spirit (1 Cor.5) as well as Christ being with them. This again speaks to the heavenly authority to do what the church is doing. To discipline a person on earth so that his soul will be saved is no small matter and requires the backing of heaven. We have no authority within the church to adjudicate charges. Only the Head can do that. But the church is His instrument in the same way we are instruments to carry His message to the world.

How often do we seem to rip these passages out of their immediate context and apply them in ways to suit our desires! Perhaps the Catholics have this idea somewhat more right than us. They speak in terms of sacraments, those things done on earth that have heavenly action behind them. So when someone marries on earth, the marriage is filed in heaven. No earthly court can release a couple joined by God. Forgiveness in baptism on earth must have a corresponding and real effect in heaven or it is meaningless. We debate whether forgiveness is ministered through the Lord's Supper or through a specific person like a priest. But, the means may be debated, but we must not debate whether the things that happen in the name of Jesus through the body of Christ on earth have some correspondence in heaven. Otherwise our actions are merely vain ritual.