FLOYD ROGERS

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20 NASB) is a familiar verse often cited to express that God’s presence is with us whenever believers meet. While there’s some truth to this, the original context of the passage reveals a deeper, more specific meaning.

God does promise to always be with His children, as seen in Matthew 28:20, and the Holy Spirit dwells within those who trust Him. But Matthew 18:20 is not simply about God’s presence in every gathering. Instead, this verse deals with a crucial aspect of church discipline and the accountability of church leadership.

Let’s consider this in context. Matthew 18:15–17 outlines the steps for addressing sin within the church, a process often referred to as “church discipline”: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

Verse 18 provides reassurance that when this procedure is properly followed, God is involved: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Verse 20 then, highlights the importance of guidance and accountability within the church, particularly in difficult matters of discipline, offering assurance that God is with His people when they seek restoration according to His Word.