Matthew 18:20

[tyler_1]

Hi,

Can someone please shed some additional light on Matthew 18:20 for me? It reads:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew18.htm

Now I’m sure this does not mean that when we are alone, God is not with us, so what does it mean exactly?

 

[mardukm]

Dear brother tyler,

Can someone please shed some additional light on Matthew 18:20 for me? It reads:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew18.htm

Now I’m sure this does not mean that when we are alone, God is not with us, so what does it mean exactly?

This verse hase traditionally been used in the context of particular and special functions in the Church which required a special intervention of the Holy Spirit. Thus, for example, episcopal ordinations are done in the presence of at least two or three bishops. Note the special circumstance in which the verse is found. Thus, this verse has been used to also support the idea of episcopal collegiality, especially where disagreement occurs in matters of doctrine. The basic lesson is that the verse applies to special and unique circumstances.

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[MarcoPolo]

Dear brother tyler,

This verse hase traditionally been used in the context of particular and special functions in the Church which required a special intervention of the Holy Spirit. Thus, for example, episcopal ordinations are done in the presence of at least two or three bishops. Note the special circumstance in which the verse is found. Thus, this verse has been used to also support the idea of episcopal collegiality, especially where disagreement occurs in matters of doctrine. The basic lesson is that the verse applies to special and unique circumstances.

Blessings,
Marduk

I agree, the verse comes as the culmination of the context of the Church settling disputes and having the guidance of the Holy Spirit:Matthew 18:17-20 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, (amen,) I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

 

[tobinatorstark]

Hi,

Can someone please shed some additional light on Matthew 18:20 for me? It reads:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew18.htm

Now I’m sure this does not mean that when we are alone, God is not with us, so what does it mean exactly?

From the Haydock Bible Commentary

Ver. 20. There am I in the midst of them. This is understood of such assemblies only, as are gathered in the name and authority of Christ; and in unity of the Church of Christ. (St. Cyprian, de Unitate Ecclesiæ.) (Challoner) — St. Chrysostom, Theophylactus, and Euthymius explain the words in his name, thus, assembled by authority received from Christ, in the manner appointed by him, or for his sake, and seeking nothing by his glory. Hence we may see what confidence we may place in an œcumenical council lawfully assembled. (Tirinus) (St. Gregory, lib. vii. Regist. Epist. cxii.)

 

[tyler_1]

right on, thank you so much everyone. that makes a lot more sense, especially when i read it in the context of the preceding verses.

 

[Coder]

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Perhaps Jesus is referring to the Church as His Body. He lives in Christians individually but each individual is a member of One Body. Therefore, a group or Christians can represent Jesus as one person can. I think He may also be telling us that ultimately our fullness is found as members of His Church. This is important for us to keep in mind. I do find that seem to experience God more fully at mass with other Christians rather than at home even when I pray. Yet we also know that personal prayer and personal relationship with Jesus is important. However, I think we must keep in mind that even our personal relationship with Jesus is in the context of the Church.

 

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

I forget who pointed out that when Christ sent out the 72 in pairs, that he did that [the pairs] possibly with two things in mind:
1 - Jewish custom for two or more people serving as witness
2 - the fact that when two or more are gathered in His name, He is there, and from thence they derived their power.

I have a question, though: if Chirst is really present when two or more are together in His name, then is it possible that he can some how be present outside the Church, in other Christian groups at that moment (God seems to not follow the protocol of men sometimes: see Cornelius in Acts)? And if so, what about those who get together in Christ’s name yet deny His divinity or the Resurrection?

 

[Nikolaj]

I find it very enlightning to read Matthew 18:20 in conjunction with two other texts at the beginning and end of Matthew:
1:22-23: All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (quoting Isaiah 7:14)
28:20 (the very last verse of Matthew): … And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.
So at the beginning, Matthew hints at a prophecy that the Messiah will be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us” – but he is named Jesus! Later, in Matthew 18:20, Jesus himself refers (implicitly) to this. But only at the very end, after the ressurection, when Jesus divine identity and power has become absolutely manifest and explicit (as seen from Matthew 28:17-18), Jesus makes the absolute, universal promise, “I am with you always, until the end of the age”.