What is the meaning of “where two or three are gathered” in Matthew 18:20?

Response

Matthew 18:20 is commonly cited to validate a small prayer gathering or church service. A pastor may express, “Though we are few tonight, we rejoice that a large crowd is not necessary for God to hear us. For Jesus has assured, ‘Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there.’” While this may offer solace, a deeper analysis raises questions. What if there are fewer than two? What if only one person prays in solitude? Does this imply Jesus is absent? If the response is “no,” then we must inquire, “What is the true meaning of Matthew 18:20?”

Let us delve into the context of “where two or three are gathered.” The NIV combines Matthew 18:15–20 into a single paragraph. While paragraph divisions are not part of the inspired text, as the originals lacked spacing, the NIV’s division aligns well with the passage’s content.

Matthew 18:15–17 outlines the process for addressing sin within the church; it pertains to what is commonly known as “church discipline”: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen, you have won them over. But if they refuse to listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, bring it to the church; and if they persist in not listening even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

Verse 18 then affirms that, when this procedure is followed, God is actively involved: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bFound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will be released in heaven.”

And then, verses 19–20 provide a final assurance: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

The context of “where two or three are gathered together in my name” «For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. », (Matthew 18:20, KJV) relates to church discipline and the confrontation of the wayward sinner. In verse 16, the principle has been invoked of needing “two or three witnesses” in making an accusation cf: Deuteronomy 19:15. It seems that the mention of “two or three” in verse 20 echoes that principle; the “two or three” are confronting sin in the church.

Jesus cites the Old Testament Law that said an accusation from a single individual is insufficient to bring action in a criminal case. However, two or three witnesses who agree are sufficient to establish a matter. The law in Deuteronomy regulated a human court. Jesus applies this to the “heavenly court.” When the erring brother or sister in the church is confronted by “two or three witnesses” and refuses to repent, these witnesses bring the matter before the church. Jesus assures us that, when this happens, it is not just the witnesses who are bringing action against the wrongdoer, but He is there with them. Church discipline is sanctioned by both the Father and the Son. This is important because we live in an age when it is not fashionable to confront or “judge” anyone’s lifestyle as sinful. Those who do step forward to call out sin in the church can take heart in the fact that they are not acting alone; Christ is with them in the endeavor.

The process of church discipline calls for “two or three,” and this seems to be the best application for this verse.The two or three individuals who gather in Jesus’ name are not assembling for a prayer meeting or a worship service but for a church discipline matter. The two or three witnesses have approached the sinner with humility (see Galatians 6:1), and the sinner has not shown repentance. Therefore, the two or three bring the matter to the Lord in prayer and proceed confidently with the process described in Scripture, understanding that they are not acting as bullies or busybodies, as God supports their actions—Jesus is “with them.”