Matthew 18:15-20
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Reflection
This passage illustrates Christ’s desire to see sinful people restored to the church community when they have made bad decisions. Christians are not without weaknesses, and we need one another’s help in the battle against sin. If we love one another, there are times when we must be willing to humbly help others see the sin that is damaging their lives, families, or churches. We must always remember that when we talk to others about our concerns for them, our motive should be love. The goal is to “gain” our brother in the end, not condemn him (Matt. 18:15).
We must also be humble and receptive to those who are courageous and loving enough to share their concerns with us. By remembering that God has both confronted and forgiven our sin at the cross, we can learn to be receptive to those who want to help us grow in our faith and obedience to Christ.
Romans 16:1-16
16: I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Reflection
These verses provide insight into a productive gospel ministry. First, we see the importance of prayer and love on the part of a leader, in this case Paul. His recollection of so many names and details is best explained by his sustained and systematic prayer for them.
Second, we see mutual trust and shared ministry. Phoebe (Rom. 16:1) has not only supported Paul and others (v. 2; she must have had some wealth), but she is now carrying this letter to Rome. As is the case with many others mentioned in this section, the good news about Jesus (the gospel) has gone forth in part due to her commitment and involvement. Third, the gospel most frequently goes forth not by individual effort alone, but through the shared labor and sacrifice of many people, representing both genders, many backgrounds, different social classes, and varying locations. Paul mentions Mary (v. 6); Urbanus (v. 9); Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis (v. 12). Some have even risked their lives (Prisca and Aquila; v. 3). This section is, then, a wonderful illustration of the teaching about the church in 12:5.
Psalm 40:10
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
The Christian life is not intended to be a life in isolation, so we must ask God to provide for us a healthy, gospel-teaching church family. Just like Paul, we need other believers with whom we can worship, pray, and partner in the work of being and making disciples.