Matthew 18:20 and the Presence of Christ
Matthew 18:20 and the Presence of Christ
Matthew 18:20 states, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst" [1]. This verse has been a cornerstone for understanding Christ's presence among believers, particularly in communal settings.
The verse is part of Jesus' discourse on church discipline and community resolution of conflicts. In the preceding verses, Jesus instructs his followers on how to handle sin within the community, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and the role of the church in resolving disputes (Matthew 18:15-19). The promise in verse 20 is closely tied to this context, suggesting that Christ's presence is particularly relevant in gatherings focused on discipline and reconciliation.
The phrase "gathered together in My name" is crucial. It implies a gathering that is done with the intention of invoking or honoring Jesus' authority and presence. The Tyndale House commentary on Matthew notes that Christ is present in the process of discipline, indicating that his presence is not merely passive but actively engaged in the affairs of the community [2]. This understanding is supported by one commentary tradition of Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, which highlights that the presence of Christ is a significant encouragement to Christian union in action and prayer [4].
The historical setting of Matthew 18:20 is within Jesus' teachings to his disciples, likely during his ministry in Galilee or Judea. The audience is primarily his immediate followers, to whom he is imparting guidance on community life and conflict resolution. The verse has since been interpreted and applied by various Christian traditions.
One of the key terms in this verse is "in My name" (εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα, eis to emon onoma), which signifies the purpose or intention behind the gathering. It is not merely a physical assembly but one that is spiritually oriented towards Jesus. The presence of Christ "in their midst" (ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν, en mesō autōn) underscores his active involvement in the community's affairs.
The range of interpretations on Matthew 18:20 varies. Some see it as a promise of Christ's presence in any gathering of believers, emphasizing the importance of communal worship and prayer. Others, like the Tyndale House commentary, tie it specifically to the context of church discipline and reconciliation [2]. Matthew Henry's commentary on John 20:19, while not directly on Matthew 18:20, highlights the significance of Christ's appearances to his disciples after his resurrection, reinforcing the idea of his ongoing presence among them [3].
The presence of Christ as described in Matthew 18:20 has played a significant role in Christian tradition, particularly in understanding the nature of communal worship and the authority of church gatherings. It has been invoked in discussions on the legitimacy and efficacy of church meetings, especially in contexts of decision-making and discipline.
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 18:20 (NASB) — "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 18:20: 18:20 Christ is present in the process of discipline, so the process is a ratification of God’s decision.”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 20:19: The infallible proof of Christ's resurrection was his showing himself alive, Act 1:3. In these verses, we have an account of his first appearance to the college of the disciples, on the day on which he rose. He had sent them the tidings of his resurrection by trusty and credible messengers; but to show his love to them, and confirm their faith in him, he came himself, and gave them all the assurances they could desire of the truth of it, that they might not have it by hearsay only, and at second hand, but might themselves be eye-witnesses of his being alive, becaus”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name--or "unto my name." there am I in the midst of them--On this passage--so full of sublime encouragement to Christian union in action and prayer--observe, first, the connection in which it stands. Our Lord had been speaking of church meetings before which the obstinate perversity of a brother was in the last resort to be brought, and whose decision was to be final--such honor does the Lord of the Church put upon its lawful assemblies. But not these assemblies only does He deign to countenance an”