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• Broader Context: Sin and forgiveness in the kingdom, Matthew 18:15-35–A sinning brother, 18:15-17–Authorization of forgiveness or

retention of sins, 18:18-20–Nature and breadth of forgiveness,

18:21-353

What Matthew 18:18-20 teaches

What Matthew 18:18-20 teaches

• Immediate Context: Heaven’s authority concerning the treatment of unrepentant sinners, 18:18-20–Matthew 18:18 is almost verbatim

with Matthew 16:19–“A state of completion” – What has

been determined in heaven is applied on earth 4

• Kingdom entry, Matthew 16:19• Apostles expressed what had

already been established in heaven, 18:18–God’s word is settled in heaven,

Psalm 119:89–Revelation, 1 Cor. 2:9-13; 14:37–No apostolic council decided truth5

Apostolic AuthorityMatthew 18:18-20

• Apostles expressed what had already been established in heaven, 18:18–Heaven is not subservient to man–Passage is not addressing heaven’s

response to prayer (1 Jno. 4:14-15)–verse 19: Apostles agree with heaven

and accomplish heaven’s purpose–verse 20: “In my name” – Authority

must exist for what “two or three” do6

Apostolic AuthorityMatthew 18:18-20

Apostolic AuthorityMatthew 18:18-20

• Context: Dealing with the Binding and Loosing of Sin, 18:15-17 –Heaven’s will is applied through the

apostles’ teaching, Acts 2:42 (Jno. 16:13)• Forgiveness, John 20:21-23• Orderly living, 2 Thess. 3:6-7

–Follow apostles…Follow heaven, Col. 3:17 7

What Passage does not Teach

• Does not redefine the local church as “two or three” of its members gathering, Matthew 18:16-17–Local church is “the multitude of

disciples” at a given place (not a few), Acts 6:2 (5)

–Local church is the “whole body”, not some of its parts, 1 Cor. 12:12, 14, 19-20, 27 8

What Passage does not Teach

• Does not give the local church (or any part) authority to establish truth, 1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:8-9–Autonomy of local church not in this

verse

–The Scriptures define the parameters of doctrine and practice, not the local church, Gal. 2:5; 2 Tim. 3:16; Col. 3:17

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What Passage does not Teach

• Does not describe members as agents of the local church acting on its behalf–Example: Delivering the Lord’s Supper

• First, authority must exist

• Disciples coming together as a church to eat is approved, Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17, 20, 33

• By what authority may “two or three” (or one) do otherwise? 10

What Passage does not Teach

• Does not teach that Jesus is with us regardless of what we do (2 John 9)–“In my name” – With and by His

power (Acts 4:7)

• We are His brothers and sisters if we do the will of the Father, Matthew 12:46-50

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Summary

• Local church (and individuals) may only act with heaven’s approval when Bible authority exists

• Apostles have revealed heaven’s authority, 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13–Heaven determines kingdom entrance,

how sins are treated and forgiven…all things concerning life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)

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