Processing Forgiveness

#greeknewtestament #biblestudy #gospel #forgiveness

An important note before I start the roughie.

If you do not have one of those bibles that lists parallel NT or relevant OT verses
note and read these verses. Lk 17:3 1 Cor 6.1-6 Gal 6.1 James 5.19-20 Lev.19.17 Deut.19.15 and mostly especially the Luke reference.

Jesus is referring to the method given in the Books of law for witnessing and judging crimes but extends it from judgement to include forgiveness.

Please read the other verses Forgiveness may come before judgement but there is a requirement for repentance.  Sincere repentance.

Verse 15

If(ever) and sins/errs the brother of you go have a discussion (yes I know you can translate this verb as rebuke but its rebuke as part of a conversation)
 with him between you and him only.
If you he hears you gained (back) the brother of you.
Brother should be read in the broadest sense not just your genetic brother but surely any brother or sister if we are all children of God, church members or not?

The next words make it clear he's referring to serious crimes

16

If and he does not listen bring with you moreover / further / the next time
one or two (persons) so that from mouth two witnesses or three would confirm (his) every word.
Statheei ia from of histeemi stand by > confirm works betters in English

17

if and he literally turns against hearing them say to the church

Deal with it on a local level first.

If and / also the church he rejects let him be to you as the pagan and the tax collector.

Some people use these verses to justify not using secular laws or the police but remember in Jesus' day there were no police to investigate crimes, and in many cases people usually had to bring criminals to courts or approach a magistrate to have some one arrested if it did not occur in a public place.

Note also the errors appear not to be crimes of violence towards others or minors.

It is surely not right to tell a wife to forgive her husband who abuses her or tell her not to leave him if he refuses to stop abusing her.

Conflict resolution and interventions can help but the person has to change.