I agree entirely with Harry's reference to Galatians, which is an important
consideration in any such situation.

This is another reason that I think the elders must be involved, and
involved as soon as possible. The directive of Galatians is to those who
"are spiritual," which (we hope) would include the elders. As the spiritual
leaders of the church, their early participation can help to promote the
ends of Galatians 6:1 so that the "end" of Matthew 18 may be avoided, except
where true non-repentance is the issue.

My experience has been that much of what is treated as "non-repentance"
under Matthew 18 may actually be the result of other issues that a spiritual
man might have been able to recognize and address.

An aggrieved man under Matthew 18 should (I think) take his grievance to the
elders, who should go to the accused man and determine the truth of the
matter. If sin is the problem, then they seek restoration (Galatians 6:1)
and if the man cannot be restored (will not give up his sin), then they
bring it to the church (final step of Matthew 18).

I also do not believe that Matthew 18 sets a rigid formula of the number of
visits. I think the "coming to him with witnesses" may be more than one
meeting. We are not bound to tell someone "repent right now or we tell the
church on Sunday" the first time we meet with him. Give time for the elders
to work and for wisdom to find a place.

Timothy is advised that even those in opposition are to be treated with
gentleness.

James W. Allen
jallen@...