The Bible: The Power of Rebirth

On How To Correct People

Reflection on the Gospel of the Wednesday In The Nineteenth Week In Ordinary Time

Matthew 18:15-20

This passage has two possible origins…

  1. The text originates directly from Jesus, but an editor of the text has used language that is post Pentecost; i.e. after the birth of the Church event.
  2. These are the words of the post Pentecost Church, who through her reflection and communion with Jesus, and through the inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit has set this understanding, of how to deal with wayward individuals.

The understanding we receive from the above understanding is that

  • The text looks strongly influenced by Pauline Thought
    • Check 1 Corinthians 5, where Paul instructs the Corinthians how to deal and relate with immoral individuals
  • The use of the word ‘Church’ is again not a term that came to be used with Pentecost or even immediately after that.
  • The words of binding and loosening are also associated with Peter receiving the Leadership of the College of Apostles and the Church
    • By effect it is the Church as the Bride and representative of the Lord Jesus Christ
    • Acts in his authority
    • to build its members

Binding and loosening is to do with the presence of Jesus Christ. His presence releases and brings freedom. It is the opposite when he is not there. We are the Arks of God’s Covenant in the present era. We make available and manifest Jesus, in and around us, where ever we go, Just like Mary brought divine blessing to Elizabeth’s Household.

The thing to ponder in this section is how we deal with those who do things differently and are insensitive to God’s  purifying Spirit. Do we reject them? Do we leave them to their own devices? or do we pray for them, like Mary at the wedding feast at Cana?

 

 

Search
Archive
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
       
78910111213
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
24252627282930
31      
     12
       
      1
2345678
30      
   1234
262728    
       
  12345
2728     
       
    123
45678910
       
  12345
27282930   
       
      1
3031     
    123
       
 123456
28      
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
       
Suggested Posts
Categories
Daily Reflection
(981)
Programmes
(1)
Features
(1)
Reviews
(1)
Entertainment Reviews
(21)
Ask Salvation Bible Cell
(1)
Tags
© 2023 SalvationBibleCell.com