Correcting Another Believer

15“If another believer*18:15a Greek If your brother. sins against you,*18:15b Some manuscripts do not include against you. go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

18“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid*18:18a Or bind, or lock. on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit*18:18b Or loose, or open. on earth will be permitted in heaven.

19“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20For where two or three gather together as my followers,*18:20 Greek gather together in my name. I am there among them.”