Matthew 18 - IVP New Testament Commentaries

RELATIONSHIPS IN THE KINGDOM

Here Jesus begins the fourth discourse in Matthew, addressing relationships in the church, the community of the kingdom (18:1-35). Relations with the state (17:24-27), with one's spouse (19:1-9) and with children (19:13-16) surround this section. Yet Jesus' teaching on relationships here especially addresses relationships among disciples. As God's community, they are to watch out for one another, expressing patience toward the spiritually young as well as seeking to restore the straying, gently disciplining the erring and forgiving the repentant.