Matthew 18:18

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 18:18 (KJV)

Context

In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches His disciples about humility, forgiveness, and the importance of resolving conflicts within the community of believers. He emphasizes the value of children and warns against causing others to stumble. In verse 18, Jesus speaks specifically about the authority given to His disciples to bind and loose.

Meaning

The terms “bind” and “loose” have their roots in Jewish legal and rabbinic language. They refer to the authority to prohibit or permit certain actions within the religious community. Jesus grants this authority to His disciples, empowering them to exercise spiritual authority in dealing with matters of sin, discipline, and forgiveness.

Jesus states that whatever the disciples bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever they loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. The Greek text uses the future perfect tense, suggesting that the decisions made on earth reflect what has already been determined in heaven. This emphasizes that the church’s decisions are not arbitrary but are to be made in accordance with God’s will.

The authority to bind and loose is not given to individuals acting independently but to the community of believers as a whole. This verse underscores the importance of unity and collective decision-making within the body of Christ. It suggests that when believers gather in agreement, seeking God’s will, and acting in accordance with His Word, they can exercise spiritual authority effectively.

The authority to bind and loose involves making judgments concerning matters of sin, discipline, and forgiveness. This authority is not absolute but must align with God’s Word and His principles of righteousness. It is to be exercised with love, wisdom, and discernment, always seeking restoration and reconciliation.

Biblical connections

The immediate context is the process of confronting a fellow believer who has sinned: first privately, then with witnesses, then before the church (Matthew 18:15-17). Verse 18 follows this instruction, indicating that the authority to bind and loose is given to the disciples in matters of discipline and forgiveness. This verse is parallel to Matthew 16:19, where Jesus speaks to Peter about the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the same binding and loosing language. In Matthew 18:18, however, the address is to the disciples as a group, applying the authority to the community of believers.

Application

Christians should strive for unity within the body of Christ, valuing collective decision-making and seeking consensus based on God’s Word. Believers have been given authority to address sin and promote righteousness. This should be done with humility, love, and a desire for restoration. When facing difficult decisions or matters of discipline, seek God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking counsel from mature believers. Ensure that decisions made regarding binding and loosing align with the teachings and principles found in the Bible. God’s Word should always be the ultimate authority.

Reflection

Matthew 18:18 has implications for the Church today. It reminds believers that they are called to exercise spiritual authority and make decisions in line with God’s Word. The Church is called to confront sin, provide discipline, and restore the fallen in a spirit of love and grace. It emphasizes the need for unity, accountability, and the seeking of God’s guidance when making important decisions within the body of Christ.