Monday, 30 March 2026
But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ Matthew 18:16
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“And if not he should hear, you take with you yet one or two, that ‘upon mouth – two witnesses, or three, it should stand, every word.’” (CG)
In the previous verse, Jesus said, “And if he should sin against you, your brother, you withdraw, and you confute him – between you and him alone. If he should hear you, you gained your brother.” Next, He will cite words from Deuteronomy 19:15, beginning with, “And if not he should hear.”
Jesus has been speaking of the “little ones,” meaning those who accepted the message by simple faith, like a little child. If a matter arises between two of them, there should first be a private attempt to reconcile. If that does not resolve the issue, because the person will not hear, “you take with you yet one or two.”
This means that the matter is worth elevating. Someone might do something to another that was upsetting, but does that mean every matter needs to be handled this way? Rather, some disputes are better left unaddressed. But this is a matter where someone has been really wronged by another. Bringing one or two more to stand as witnesses thus fulfills a necessary requirement of validation. The reason for this is explicitly stated by Jesus, saying, “that ‘upon mouth – two witnesses, or three, it should stand, every word.’”
As noted, this was a precept of the Law of Moses, and Jesus is currently speaking to people under the law. However, it is a precept of wisdom that extends beyond the law. This is certain because Paul repeats the sentiment in his epistles –
“This will be the third time I am coming to you. ‘By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.’” 2 Corinthians 13:1
Paul was careful to ensure that a precept which is logical and appropriate not be overlooked simply because the law was fulfilled in Christ.
Life application: With a precept from the law being addressed by Paul, it would be easy for someone to conclude that we are somehow bound to the other precepts of the law as well. Without understanding what God has done in Christ, this is what many have concluded over the years.
But such a position ignores the entire weight and significance of what Christ came to do. Just because there are precepts in the law that make sense and should be applied to our continued walk, it in no way logically follows that we are somehow bound to the Law of Moses, in part or in whole.
The same is true with verses in Acts where Paul apparently observed Jewish rites, customs, and practices. Law-observing heretics will point at those examples and say, “See, Paul never stopped observing the law, and neither should we.”
Again, such a thought ignores what is clearly stated elsewhere, such as –
“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Paul was an apostle. It was his job to get converts. Paul was also a Jew. If it meant observing a now-fulfilled law in order to open the eyes of his fellow Jews to their need for Christ, that is what he did. Elsewhere, such as in Galatians 2, he argues against Peter for this same thing when in the presence of the Gentiles.
The Gentiles were never under the law. In Peter’s failure to uphold the integrity and truth of the gospel, he turned from grace back to the law. And he did it not for saving Jews, but to save face with the Jews. It was an unacceptable action because it harmed the Gentile believers, confusing them and bringing them into a bondage they never faced before.
Be careful to think things through. Don’t get swayed by the failed arguments of law observers. Stand fast on the grace of God in Christ.
Lord God, may we be faithful people who faithfully follow You. There is no need to find our righteousness in the law. Rather, we find it in You. You are the Lord, our righteousness. May we remember this and cling to it all our days. Amen.