Matthew 18:17

Verse 17. Tell it unto the Church. See Barnes "Mt 16:18". The church may here mean the whole assembly of believers; or it may mean those who are authorized to try such cases--the representatives of the church, or those who act for them. In the Jewish synagogue there was a bench of elders, before whom trials of this kind were brought. It was to be brought to the church, in order that he might be admonished, entreated, and, if possible, reformed. This was, and is always to be, the first business in disciplining an offending brother. If he neglect to hear the Church, let him be, etc. The Jews gave the name heathen or Gentile to all other nations but themselves.