We've Misinterpreted "Where Two or Three Have Gathered... I Am There"
A Bible Study on Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20
How is this Verse Interpreted?
This verse is often quoted when a small group gathers for prayer or worship, suggesting that God’s presence does not require a large crowd, but is assured even when just two or three are gathered in His name. This is indeed true; God’s presence is not contingent on the size of the gathering. However, this raises a question. If God is present only when two or more believers gather, what about when one prays alone? We know that God is there when the church worships and when a believer prays privately. So, does this verse really pertain to prayer? What was Jesus’ intended message in this verse?
What is the Context of the Verse?
I must admit that I, too, have misinterpreted this verse for a long time, often using it during small group prayers. Misunderstandings can easily arise when we are not familiar with the original context of a verse. Hence, our aim in studying such verses is to encourage a careful reading of the scriptures and a thorough examination of the context in which the verses were delivered. We are not the original audience of the scriptures, so we need to put in extra effort to understand them. It is crucial to familiarize ourselves with the culture of the era, the historical backdrop, the writing style, and the usage of Old Testament scriptures, just as the original readers would have done.
To understand this verse, we first need to grasp the context of Matthew 18. What lessons is Jesus imparting in Matthew 18? Prior to Matthew 18:20, Jesus narrates the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the importance of restoring those who have strayed. Following Matthew 18:20, Jesus shares the parable of the unmerciful servant, highlighting the necessity of forgiveness. Thus, the themes present in this context are forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation with a wayward brother/sister or someone who has wronged you. The context is essentially about church discipline.
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus outlines a procedure to address a fellow believer’s sin. Initially, the believer should be privately confronted about his/her sin. If s/he does not repent, then two or three witnesses should be brought in to discuss the matter. These individuals are witnesses to the conversation, not the sin itself. If the person still does not repent, the issue should be brought before the church. If the person also refuses to heed the church, then s/he must be put outside of the church.
Matthew’s original audience likely consisted of a majority of Jewish believers, along with some Gentile believers. His gospel served as an evangelistic resource for Jews who had not yet come to faith, as well as a source of good news for non-believing Gentiles. Jewish readers of Matthew’s gospel would have immediately recognized the passage’s reference to church discipline, as it would have reminded them of laws in Deuteronomy. Specifically, Deuteronomy 17 and 19 mention the gathering of two or three witnesses to testify in court, a requirement for establishing a legal case.
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What is the Meaning of the Verse?
Having understood the context of the verse, it can be interpreted that in Matthew 18:20, Jesus is conveying that whenever the church is engaged in a reconciliation process with someone who has resisted repentance, they can be certain of God’s blessing in their endeavors. In essence, as the church makes judicial decisions on issues of morality based on the truth of God’s Word, they can have confidence in their actions and believe that Christ Himself is spiritually present with them, supporting them in their efforts.
This does not imply that Jesus does not listen to our prayers when two or three people pray together. Whether a thousand people, two or three, or even just one person is praying, Jesus hears our prayers. However, this specific verse is not referring to Jesus’ presence during prayer, but rather His presence during church discipline.
How do we Apply the Verse?
So, how can we apply this verse in our lives and within the church? It can be said that it is the church’s duty to take discipline seriously. Jesus clearly teaches that unrepentant sin among Christians is a grave issue. This is also echoed by Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 5:6, Paul states, “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” This implies that any unchecked sin within the church can have a devastating impact on the church’s testimony. It could potentially lead others into sin as well. Hence, the church must seriously consider its role in discipline.
However, we must exercise caution in how we implement church discipline and understand the motive behind it. Jesus has clearly outlined the steps to be taken when addressing a fellow believer’s sin. Initially, it should be addressed privately. If the person is unwilling to repent, then the matter should be discussed in the presence of two or three witnesses. If the issue remains unresolved, it should finally be brought before the church. These steps should be adhered to. One should not directly confront a believer with people or the church. We must avoid gossiping under the guise of church discipline. Our approach to such issues should be gentle, as Paul advises in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”
It is crucial to understand that the goal of church discipline should be the restoration of the individual, not merely punishment. Our intent should never be to cause harm. Jesus advocated for church discipline with the aim of reconciliation, as He is the God of reconciliation. He has also commanded us to act as agents of reconciliation. The church, acting on God’s behalf, seeks unity and God’s blessing in these challenging situations. This is the true meaning and context of the verse “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” It is all about God’s presence in matters of church discipline and reconciliation.
May God bless us all!