Matthew 18:21

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”"

Key Reflection

In the first-century Jewish context, the idea that Jesus spoke about his presence among those gathered together reflects a belief in the divine presence and authority of God among believers. This verse likely emphasized the importance of community and fellowship within early Christian assemblies, as it would have resonated with the expectation that Jesus was present to guide and strengthen those who worshipped him. The original audience would have recognized this promise as reinforcing their sense of being part of a spiritual body united by faith in Christ.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 21,22. Then came Peter, etc, The mention of the duty Mt 18:15 seeing a brother when he had offended us, implying that it was a duty to forgive him, led Peter to ask how often this was to be done. Forgive him? To forgive is to treat as though the offence was not committed--to declare that we will not harbour malice, or treat unkindly, but that the matter shall be buried and forgotten. Till seven times? The Jews taught that a man was to forgive another three times, but not the fourth. Peter more than doubled this, and asked whether forgiveness was to be exercised to so great an extent. Until seventy times seven.

Related Verses

More from Matthew 18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion