Matthew 18:15

15. Moreover Jesus still continues, in strict sequence after the preceding, to lay down laws for the body of his childlike followers. How is one of them to deal with another who trespasses against him? From this it is to be seen that our Lord does not teach that the Christian is one who has no regard to his own right, or who sits passively under any trespass whatever. Yet in our dealing with such a trespasser, the leading object should be to gain our brother. To restore him to a right state of mind, and thereby to bring back the former state of childlike harmony, as well as save his soul is the first aim. If you succeed in these results, the highest objects will be gained all round. If he prove obstinate, the result will be that you and the Church will be righted, and he will not only be condemned by the Church below, but the sentence will be ratified by God in heaven.

If thy brother If in this community of Christ’s little ones there shall be one who trespasses against thee, who art also one of the same childlike brotherhood. Tell him his fault Not so much to gain thy own rights as to gain his soul and thy peace and the purity and peace of the Church. Alone So that there shall be no motive of pride to induce him to make out a good case before a witness. Thou hast gained thy brother Thou hast prevented one of Christ’s little ones from perishing. Thou hast delivered thy own soul. Thou hast vindicated the purity of the Church.

We append Mr. Wesley’s notes on this passage:

“If thy brother Any who is a member of the same religious community: Sin against thee, 1. Go and reprove him alone If it may be, in person; if that cannot so well be done, by thy messenger, or in writing. Observe, our Lord gives no liberty to omit this, or to exchange it for either of the following steps. If this do not succeed, 2. Take with thee one or two more Men whom he esteems or loves, who may then confirm and enforce what thou sayest; and afterward, if need require, bear witness of what was spoken. If even this does not succeed, then, and not before, 3. Tell it to the elders of the Church Lay the whole matter open before those who watch over your and his soul. If all this avail not, have no farther intercourse with him, only such as thou hast with heathens. Let him be to thee as the heathen To whom thou still owest earnest good will, and all the offices of humanity.”