Matt. 18:15-20 – 1st Century Community
This is an interesting glimpse at the post-resurrection community. The use of the word “church” (ekklesia) is only used in one other passage in the Gospels (when Jesus “commissions” Peter as the Rock of the Church: Matt. 16:18 “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”). It makes me wonder at the absolute importance of relationships within the community, something that seems to be “of less importance” when compared to such things as whether the pastor is a good speaker or doctrinal purity. I think we have things a bit messed up. jbb