Wednesday, December 24, 2014

A Heathen and a Publican

Matthew 18:17
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

 I typically don't care for John Wesley' comments but in this case he does give a clear interpretation concerning this passage and our treatment of the unrepentant: "To whom thou art, as a Christian, to owe earnest and persevering good will, and acts of kindness; but have no religious communion with him, till, if he have been convicted, he acknowledge his fault. Whosoever follows this threefold rule will seldom offend others, and never be offended himself."

The keys to the passage are two:
·       You desire the good of the offending party however,

·       You have no communion; fellowship or association with them

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