Matthew 18: Gentiles and Tax Collectors

In Matthew 18 we find Jesus discussing norms and practices in the body of the disciples (i.e. the church). In 18:15-17 Jesus teaches the disciples how they should deal sin within the church. He says:

“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. ¹⁶ But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷ If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

The end of verse 17 has been one of the most misused in church history (which is saying something). Many people have interpreted Jesus' words as meaning that those who sin in the church and do not repent should be thrown out and then shunned or pushed away. The problem with this interpretation is that Jesus did not shun tax collectors or Gentiles, or refuse their company. Rather, Jesus treated them as people who were outside the bounds of God's covenant and needed to be won over. So what Jesus is saying is that if folks inside the church refuse to repent we need to consider them as people who are still outside the Kingdom and in need of conversion. While this means their participation in the community will be limited, it does not mean that they should be considered "contaminants" to be avoided or the like.