17:1-2 The introductory "and"(dein the Greek text, untranslated in the NIV) indicates a logical connection with what has preceded. It is inevitable that disciples retard the spiritual progress of others occasionally because none of us is perfect. However that does not excuse personal responsibility when someone causes another to stumble into sin or apostasy (cf. 11:52). It is a very serious offense to hinder the progress of a spiritually immature believer whom Jesus spoke of here as a child (cf. Matt. 18:6). "Woe"recalls Jesus condemnation of the Pharisees in 6:24-26. It indicates the seriousness of this error.
17:3-4 Jesus proceeded from warning against leading people into sin to the subject of helping those who do fall. The disciple's responsibility in such cases is twofold: admonition of the sinner and generous forgiveness of the penitent (cf. Matt. 6:12; 18:15, 21-22).
"The saying implicitly forbids the nursing of grudges and criticism of the offender behind his back."385
