Matthew 18:18

Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Study Bible

Truly I tell you
This phrase is a translation of the Greek word "ἀμὴν" (amen), which is often used by Jesus to emphasize the truth and importance of His statements. In the Jewish tradition, "amen" is a declaration of affirmation, often used at the end of prayers to mean "so be it" or "it is true." Here, Jesus uses it at the beginning of His statement to underscore the certainty and authority of His words. This introduction sets the tone for the gravity of the teaching that follows, indicating that what He is about to say is of utmost importance and should be received with full assurance of its truth.

whatever you bind on earth
The term "bind" comes from the Greek word "δέω" (deo), which means to tie or fasten. In a Jewish legal context, to "bind" something was to declare it forbidden or unlawful. This phrase suggests the authority given to the disciples to make binding decisions regarding the community of believers. Historically, this reflects the rabbinic practice of binding and loosing, which involved making authoritative decisions on the interpretation and application of the law. In the context of the church, this can be seen as the authority to establish or prohibit certain practices or teachings, always in alignment with God's will.

will be bound in heaven
This part of the verse indicates a divine endorsement of the decisions made by the disciples on earth. The passive voice "will be bound" suggests that it is God who ultimately enacts these decisions in heaven. This reflects the close relationship between the earthly church and the heavenly realm, where the actions and decisions made by the church are in harmony with God's will. It underscores the responsibility and accountability of the church leaders to seek divine guidance and wisdom in their decisions.

and whatever you loose on earth
The word "loose" is translated from the Greek "λύω" (luo), meaning to release or set free. In the same way that "bind" refers to prohibiting, "loose" refers to permitting or allowing. This phrase indicates the authority to declare something permissible or lawful within the community of believers. It highlights the role of the church in discerning and applying the teachings of Jesus in a way that is faithful to the gospel and responsive to the needs of the community.

will be loosed in heaven
Similar to the binding, this phrase assures that the decisions to permit or allow certain practices on earth are also recognized and affirmed in heaven. It emphasizes the divine backing of the church's authority when exercised in accordance with God's will. This assurance provides confidence to the church leaders that their faithful and prayerful decisions are supported by God, reinforcing the unity between the church's earthly mission and the heavenly kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, providing authoritative teaching to His disciples.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing the early church and its leadership.

3. Heaven
The spiritual realm where God's will is perfectly enacted, contrasted with earthly authority.

4. Earth
The physical realm where the church operates and exercises its authority.

5. Binding and Loosing
A Jewish idiomatic expression referring to the authority to declare what is permitted or forbidden.

Teaching Points

Authority of the Church
Jesus grants the church authority to make binding decisions on spiritual matters, reflecting heaven's will.

Responsibility in Decision-Making
The church must exercise its authority with discernment, aligning decisions with Scripture and God's will.

Unity Between Heaven and Earth
The church's actions should reflect the unity between heaven and earth, ensuring that earthly decisions resonate with heavenly principles.

Role of Community
Binding and loosing are communal activities, emphasizing the importance of collective discernment and accountability within the church body.

Prayerful Consideration
Decisions involving binding and loosing should be approached with prayer, seeking divine guidance and wisdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the authority to bind and loose given to the church in Matthew 18:18 relate to the concept of church discipline?

2. In what ways can the church ensure that its decisions on earth align with God's will in heaven?

3. How does the concept of binding and loosing in Matthew 18:18 connect with the authority given to Peter in Matthew 16:19?

4. What role does prayer play in the church's exercise of authority to bind and loose?

5. How can individual believers participate in the communal discernment process of binding and loosing within their local church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 16:19
Jesus gives Peter the keys of the kingdom, emphasizing the authority to bind and loose, similar to Matthew 18:18.

John 20:23
Jesus speaks about the authority to forgive sins, which parallels the concept of binding and loosing.

Acts 15:28-29
The early church exercises its authority to bind and loose in the context of the Jerusalem Council's decisions.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5
Paul discusses church discipline, reflecting the authority to bind and loose in matters of church governance.