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Text -- Matthew 18:20 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
18:20 For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.”
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: Worship | Righteous | Prayer | PERSON OF CHRIST, 4-8 | NUMBER | NAME | Matthew, Gospel according to | Jesus, The Christ | JESUS CHRIST, 4C2 | INTERCESSION | Fellowship | CHURCH | AUTHORITY IN RELIGION | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Lightfoot , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes


Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Mat 18:20 - -- There am I ( ekei eimi ). This blessed promise implies that those gathered together are really disciples with the spirit of Christ as well as "in his...

There am I ( ekei eimi ).

This blessed promise implies that those gathered together are really disciples with the spirit of Christ as well as "in his name"(eis to emon onoma ). One of the Oxyrhynchus Sayings of Our Lord is: "Wherever there are (two) they are not without God, and wherever there is one alone I say I am with him."Also this: "Raise the stone and there thou shalt find me, cleave the wood and there am I."See Mal 3:16.

Vincent: Mat 18:20 - -- In my name ( εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ) Lit., " into my name." When two or three are drawn together into Christ as the co...

In my name ( εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα )

Lit., " into my name." When two or three are drawn together into Christ as the common centre of their desire and faith.

Wesley: Mat 18:20 - -- That is, to worship me.

That is, to worship me.

Wesley: Mat 18:20 - -- By my Spirit, to quicken their prayers, guide their counsels, and answer their petitions.

By my Spirit, to quicken their prayers, guide their counsels, and answer their petitions.

JFB: Mat 18:20 - -- Or "unto my name."

Or "unto my name."

JFB: Mat 18:20 - -- 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...

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 and honor. For even two uniting to bring any matter before Him shall find that they are not alone, for My Father is with them, says Jesus. Next, observe the premium here put upon union in prayer. As this cannot exist with fewer than two, so by letting it down so low as that number, He gives the utmost conceivable encouragement to union in this exercise. But what kind of union? Not an agreement merely to pray in concert, but to pray for some definite thing. "As touching anything which they shall ask," says our Lord--anything they shall agree to ask in concert. At the same time, it is plain He had certain things at that moment in His eye, as most fitting and needful subjects for such concerted prayer. The Twelve had been "falling out by the way" about the miserable question of precedence in their Master's kingdom, and this, as it stirred their corruptions, had given rise--or at least was in danger of giving rise--to "offenses" perilous to their souls. The Lord Himself had been directing them how to deal with one another about such matters. "But now shows He unto them a more excellent way." Let them bring all such matters--yea, and everything whatsoever by which either their own loving relationship to each other, or the good of His kingdom at large, might be affected--to their Father in heaven; and if they be but agreed in petitioning Him about that thing, it shall be done for them of His Father which is in heaven. But further, it is not merely union in prayer for the same thing--for that might be with very jarring ideas of the thing to be desired--but it is to symphonious prayer, the prayer by kindred spirits, members of one family, servants of one Lord, constrained by the same love, fighting under one banner, cheered by assurances of the same victory; a living and loving union, whose voice in the divine ear is as the sound of many waters. Accordingly, what they ask "on earth" is done for them, says Jesus, "of My Father which is in heaven." Not for nothing does He say, "of MY FATHER"--not "YOUR FATHER"; as is evident from what follows: "For where two or three are gathered together unto My name"--the "My" is emphatic, "there am I in the midst of them." As His name would prove a spell to draw together many clusters of His dear disciples, so if there should be but two or three, that will attract Himself down into the midst of them; and related as He is to both the parties, the petitioners and the Petitioned--to the one on earth by the tie of His assumed flesh, and to the other in heaven by the tie of His eternal Spirit--their symphonious prayers on earth would thrill upward through Him to heaven, be carried by Him into the holiest of all, and so reach the Throne. Thus will He be the living Conductor of the prayer upward, and the answer downward.

Parable of the Unmerciful Debtor (Mat 18:21-35).

Clarke: Mat 18:20 - -- For where two - are gathered together in thy name - There are many sayings among the Jews almost exactly similar to this, such as, Wherever even two...

For where two - are gathered together in thy name - There are many sayings among the Jews almost exactly similar to this, such as, Wherever even two persons are sitting in discourse concerning the law, the Divine presence is among them. See much more in Schoettgen. And the following, among the ancient Hindoos, is like unto it: "When Brahma, the Lord of creation, had formed mankind, and at the same time appointed his worship, he spoke and said, ‘ With this worship pray for increase, and let it be that on which ye shall depend for the accomplishment of all your wishes. With this remember God, that God may remember you. Remember one another, and ye shall obtain supreme happiness. God, being remembered in worship, will grant you the enjoyment of your wishes: he who enjoyeth what hath been given unto him by God, and offereth not a portion unto him, is even as a thief. Know that good works come from Brahma, whose nature is incorruptible; wherefore, the omnipresent Brahma is Present In The Worship."See the Bagvat Geeta, p. 45, 46

Clarke: Mat 18:20 - -- In my name - Seems to refer particularly to a public profession of Christ and his Gospel

In my name - Seems to refer particularly to a public profession of Christ and his Gospel

Clarke: Mat 18:20 - -- There am I in the midst - None but God could say these words, to say them with truth, because God alone is every where present, and these words refe...

There am I in the midst - None but God could say these words, to say them with truth, because God alone is every where present, and these words refer to his omnipresence. Wherever - suppose millions of assemblies were collected in the same moment, in different places of the creation, (which is a very possible case), this promise states that Jesus is in each of them. Can any, therefore, say these words, except that God who fills both heaven and earth? But Jesus says these words: ergo - Jesus is God. Let it be observed, that Jesus is not among them to spy out their sins; or to mark down the imperfections of their worship; but to enlighten, strengthen, comfort, and save them.

Calvin: Mat 18:20 - -- 20.For where two or three are assembled in my name This promise is more extensive than the former; for the Lord declares that he will be present, wh...

20.For where two or three are assembled in my name This promise is more extensive than the former; for the Lord declares that he will be present,

wherever two or three are met together in his name,
to guide them by his counsel, (Psa 73:24,)

and to conduct to a prosperous result whatever they shall undertake. There is therefore no reason to doubt that those who give themselves up to his direction will derive most desirable advantage from his presence. And since it is an invaluable blessing to have Christ for our director in all our affairs, to bless our deliberations and their results; and since, on the other hand, nothing can be more miserable than to be deprived of his grace, this promise ought to add no small excitement to us to unite with each other in piety and holiness. 570 For whoever either disregards the holy assemblies, or separates himself from brethren, and takes little interest in the cultivation of unity, by this alone makes it evident that he sets no value on the presence of Christ.

But we must take care, first of all, that those who are desirous to have Christ present with them shall assemble in his name; and we must likewise understand what is the meaning of this expression; for we perceive how ungodly men falsely and impudently, as well as wickedly, cover their conspiracies with his sacred name. If therefore we do not wish to expose Christ to their ridicule, and at the same time to overturn what he has here promised, we must know first of all what is meant by this phrase. It means that those who are assembled together, laying aside every thing that hinders them from approaching to Christ, shall sincerely raise their desires to him, shall yield obedience to his word, and allow themselves to be governed by the Spirit. Where this simplicity prevails, there is no reason to fear that Christ will not make it manifest that it was not in vain for the assembly to meet in his name

In this is displayed the gross ignorance of the Papists, who exclaim that Councils could not err, and that all ought to abide by their decisions, because, as often as two or three are assembled in the name of Christ, he is in the midst of them But we ought first of all to inquire whether those persons, as to whose faith, and doctrine, and dispositions, we are in doubt, were assembled in the name of Christ. When the Papists leave out or perplex this matter, who does not see that they dexteroasly confound the distinction between holy and profane assemblies, so that the power of doing any thing is taken from the Church and conveyed to the sworn enemies of Christ? Let us therefore know that none but the pious worshippers of God, who sincerely seek Christ, are encouraged to entertain the confident hope that he will never leave them. Disregarding the bastard and abortive Councils, which out of their own head have woven a web, let Christ alone, with the doctrine of his Gospel, be always exalted amongst us.

Defender: Mat 18:20 - -- In the context, this statement of Christ indicates that even two or three members, meeting in His name, can constitute a church.

In the context, this statement of Christ indicates that even two or three members, meeting in His name, can constitute a church.

Defender: Mat 18:20 - -- The seven representative churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are also shown with Christ "in the midst" (Rev 1:13)."

The seven representative churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are also shown with Christ "in the midst" (Rev 1:13)."

TSK: Mat 18:20 - -- two : Gen 49:10; Joh 20:19, Joh 20:26; 1Co 5:4; 1Th 1:1; Phm 1:2 there : Mat 28:20; Exo 20:24; Zec 2:5; Joh 8:58; Rev 1:11-13, Rev 2:1, Rev 21:3

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Mat 18:20 - -- For where two or three ... - This is a general assertion made to support the particular promise made Mat 18:19 to his apostles. He affirms that...

For where two or three ... - This is a general assertion made to support the particular promise made Mat 18:19 to his apostles. He affirms that wherever two or three are assembled together in his name, he is in the midst of them.

In my name - That is,

1.    By my authority, acting for me in my church. See Joh 10:25; Joh 16:23.

2.    It may mean for my service; in the place of prayer and praise, assembled in obedience to my commend, and with a desire to promote my glory.

There am I in the midst of them - Nothing could more clearly prove that Jesus must be omnipresent, and, of course, be God. Every day, perhaps every hour, two or three, or many more, may be assembled in every city or village in the United States, in England, in Greenland, in Africa, in Ceylon, in the Sandwich Islands, in Russia, and in Judea - in almost every part of the world - and in the midst of them all is Jesus the Saviour. Millions thus at the same time, in every quarter of the globe, worship in his name, and experience the truth of the promise that he is present with them. It is impossible that he should be in all these places and not be God.

Poole: Mat 18:19-20 - -- Ver. 19,20. Most interpreters agree there is a connection betwixt these verses and those immediately preceding, as if it were a further confirmation ...

Ver. 19,20. Most interpreters agree there is a connection betwixt these verses and those immediately preceding, as if it were a further confirmation of what God had said concerning his binding and loosing in heaven whatsoever they should bind or loose on earth; and say, the asking mentioned in this verse supposes that no church will adventure upon so grave an act as excommunication, without asking his direction or counsel; nor undertake such a thing as absolution, without the like serious asking of God pardon for the repenting sinner. Now, saith he, let the church be never so small that so joins in prayers on this occasion, what they ask of God shall be done. Whether it hath any such reference or no, or be an independent promise of Christ’ s presence with his church, I shall not determine. Those who think this text hath such a particular reference, yet do also grant it a more general promise of Christ’ s presence with his people. Whenever they are met by his authority, or upon his account or command, whether it be for counsel, or judgment, or prayer, or the celebration of any sacred institution of his, he is in the midst of them, to protect and favour them: what they ask

shall be done for them that is, provided the thing asked be good, Mat 7:11 , and for a right end, Jam 4:3 , and in a right manner, Luk 18:1 Jam 1:5-7 . Christ in this text establisheth the duty of prayer in communion with others. He doth not only require of his people secret prayer, Mat 6:6 , but also praying in company with others; the gathering together of his people for prayer, whether in private families or more public congregations.

Lightfoot: Mat 18:20 - -- For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.   [For where two or three are gathered together i...

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.   

[For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.] The like do the Rabbins speak of two or three sitting in judgment, that the divine presence is in the midst of them.

Haydock: Mat 18:20 - -- There am I in the midst of them. This is understood of such assemblies only, as are gathered in the name and authority of Christ; and in unity of th...

There am I in the midst of them. This is understood of such assemblies only, as are gathered in the name and authority of Christ; and in unity of the Church of Christ. (St. Cyprian, de Unitate Ecclesiæ.) (Challoner) ---

St. John Chrysostom, Theophylactus, and Euthymius explain the words in his name, thus assembled by authority received from Christ, in the manner appointed by him, or for his sake, and seeking nothing by his glory. Hence we may see what confidence we may place in an œcumenical council lawfully assembled. (Tirinus) (St. Gregory, lib. vii. Regist. Epist. cxii.)

Gill: Mat 18:20 - -- For where two or three are gathered together,.... This seems to be said in opposition to a Jewish notion, that a number less than ten, is not a congre...

For where two or three are gathered together,.... This seems to be said in opposition to a Jewish notion, that a number less than ten, is not a congregation a; whereas, though the number is ever so few that are met together to pray to God; or to hear his word, attend on his ordinances, or do the business of his house, or transact any affair that is for the glory of God, and the good of souls, in my name, says Christ; that is, by his authority, depending on his assistance, calling upon his name, and making use of it, and seeking the glory of it:

there am I in the midst of them; presiding over them, ruling in their hearts, directing their counsels, assisting them in all they are concerned, confirming what they do, and giving a blessing and success to all they are engaged in. The Jews, though they say there is no congregation less than ten, yet own that the divine presence may be with a lesser number, even as small an one as here mentioned b.

"Ten that sit and study in the law, the Shechaniah dwells among them, as it is said, Psa 82:1. From whence does this appear, if but five? from Amo 9:6, from whence, if but three? from Psa 82:1, from whence, if but two? from Mal 3:16, from whence, if but one? from Exo 20:24.''

And again c,

"two that sit together, and the words of the law are between them, the Shechaniah dwells among them, according to Mal 3:16, from whence does it appear, that if but one sits and studies in the law, the holy blessed God hath fixed a reward for him? from Lam 3:28.''

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Mat 18:1-35 - --1 Christ warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,7 to avoid offences,10 and not to despise the little ones;15 teaches how we are to deal with ou...

MHCC: Mat 18:15-20 - --If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offend...

Matthew Henry: Mat 18:15-20 - -- Christ, having cautioned his disciples not to give offence, comes next to direct them what they must do in case of offences given them; which may be...

Barclay: Mat 18:19-20 - --Here is one of these sayings of Jesus, whose meaning we need to probe or we will be left with heartbreak and great disappointment. Jesus says that, ...

Constable: Mat 13:54--19:3 - --V. The reactions of the King 13:54--19:2 Matthew recorded increasing polarization in this section. Jesus expande...

Constable: Mat 16:13--19:3 - --B. Jesus' instruction of His disciples around Galilee 16:13-19:2 Almost as a fugitive from His enemies, ...

Constable: Mat 18:1-35 - --4. Instructions about the King's personal representatives ch. 18 Chapter 18 contains the fourth ...

Constable: Mat 18:15-20 - --The restoration of a wayward disciple 18:15-20 Jesus proceeded to explain what a humble disciple should do when a brother or sister disciple has wande...

College: Mat 18:1-35 - --MATTHEW 18 G. FOURTH DISCOURSE: LIFE IN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY (18:1-35) Jesus' fourth discourse (cf. 5-7; 10; 13) builds on the general themes of...

McGarvey: Mat 18:15-35 - -- LXXIV. SIN AND FORGIVENESS BETWEEN BRETHREN. (Autumn, A. D. 29.) aMATT. XVIII. 15-35.    a15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go,...

Lapide: Mat 18:19-35

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW By Way of Introduction The passing years do not make it any plainer who actually wrote our Greek Matthew. Papias r...

JFB: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE author of this Gospel was a publican or tax gatherer, residing at Capernaum, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. As to his identity with t...

JFB: Matthew (Outline) GENEALOGY OF CHRIST. ( = Luke 3:23-38). (Mat. 1:1-17) BIRTH OF CHRIST. (Mat 1:18-25) VISIT OF THE MAGI TO JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM. (Mat 2:1-12) THE F...

TSK: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, being one of the twelve apostles, and early called to the apostleship, and from the time of his call a constant attendant on our Saviour, was...

TSK: Matthew 18 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Mat 18:1, Christ warns his disciples to be humble and harmless, Mat 18:7, to avoid offences, Mat 18:10. and not to despise the little one...

Poole: Matthew 18 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 18

MHCC: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, surnamed Levi, before his conversion was a publican, or tax-gatherer under the Romans at Capernaum. He is generally allowed to have written h...

MHCC: Matthew 18 (Chapter Introduction) (Mat 18:1-6) The importance of humility. (Mat 18:7-14) Caution against offences. (Mat 18:15-20) The removal of offences. (Mat 18:21-35) Conduct tow...

Matthew Henry: Matthew (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Gospel According to St. Matthew We have now before us, I. The New Testament of our Lord and Savior...

Matthew Henry: Matthew 18 (Chapter Introduction) The gospels are, in short, a record of what Jesus began both to do and to teach. In the foregoing chapter, we had an account of his doings, in this...

Barclay: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW The Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke are usually known as the Synoptic Gospels. Synopt...

Barclay: Matthew 18 (Chapter Introduction) Personal Relationships (Mat_18:1-35) Matthew 18 is a most important chapter for Christian Ethics, because it deals with those qualities which shoul...

Constable: Matthew (Book Introduction) Introduction The Synoptic Problem The synoptic problem is intrinsic to all study of th...

Constable: Matthew (Outline) Outline I. The introduction of the King 1:1-4:11 A. The King's genealogy 1:1-17 ...

Constable: Matthew Matthew Bibliography Abbott-Smith, G. A. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T. & T. Cl...

Haydock: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW INTRODUCTION. THIS and other titles, with the names of those that wrote the Gospels,...

Gill: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW The subject of this book, and indeed of all the writings of the New Testament, is the Gospel. The Greek word ευαγγελ...

College: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION It may surprise the modern reader to realize that for the first two centuries of the Christian era, Matthew's...

College: Matthew (Outline) OUTLINE I. ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY AND ROLE OF JESUS THE CHRIST - Matt 1:1-4:16 A. Genealogy of Jesus - 1:1-17 B. The Annunciation to Joseph...

Lapide: Matthew (Book Introduction) PREFACE. —————— IN presenting to the reader the Second Volume [Matt X to XXI] of this Translation of the great work of Cornelius à Lapi...

Advanced Commentary (Dictionaries, Hymns, Arts, Sermon Illustration, Question and Answers, etc)


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