Where two or three are gathered for “discipline!”

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by Dr. and Pastor, Eric Bargerhuff
Here then is where our often misunderstood verse finds itsproper context. After establishing the church’s authority and heavenly sanctionto take such action, Jesus promises his presence in a unique way. Here then isthe passage in its entirety:
Again, I tell you thatif two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done foryou by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, theream I with them. (Matthew 18:19-20)
Jesus is saying that whenever the church is pursuing and isinvolved in a reconciliation process with someone who has refused to repent,they can rest assured that God’s blessing is with them in their efforts. In otherwords, as the church renders judicial decisions on matters of right and wrongthat are based on the truth of God’s Word, they should be confident that theyare doing the right thing and that Christ himself is right there with them,spiritually present in their midst.
After all, he is the God of reconciliation. And he is theone who has commanded them to be agents of reconciliation as well. The churchis acting on God’s behalf, and therefore has divine sanction as it seeks unityand asks for God’s blessing in something that is surely difficult. This then isthe true meaning and context for the phrase “where two or three are gathered.”It is all about God’s presence in judicial matters of reconciliation.
The Most MisusedVerses in the Bible by Eric J. Bargerhuff (pages 51-52)