Letters
This letter engages Barry Gritters' article on Matthew 18 church discipline procedures, particularly questioning his interpretation of the evidentiary standards required for accusations against elders versus lay members. The correspondent argues that elders should be held to a higher standard of accountability rather than a lower one, and clarifies the proper role of witnesses in ensuring fair disciplinary processes according to 1 Timothy 5:19 and Matthew 18.
I am writing in response to your article in the February 2025 [SB] issue, entitled: "If My Brother Sin… The Potent Medicine of Matthew 18 (4)." Under the heading of "Who are the 'Witnesses?'" you wrote, "In 1 Timothy 5:19 Paul uses one of these when he warns not to receive an accusation against an elder without two or three witnesses. These are witnesses of the elder's sin." You then went on to explain that Matthew 18, on the other hand, does not require witnesses to the offender's sin, but...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org