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Mat 18:20. Οὗ γὰρ, κ.τ.λ., for where, etc.) The name of Jesus gives power to prayer.-δύο ἤ τρεῖς, two or three) see Ecc 4:12 and the preceding verses. Three is a number which can be procured even in a barren age of the Church: a greater number is not so easily obtained, and is accompanied by the danger that a hypocrite may be present; yet where many sincere professors are together, how great will be the power of their prayers.-εἰς τὸ Ἐμον ὄνομα, in My name, lit. into My name[835]) sc. with the object of worshipping it. All prayers that are offered in the name of Jesus Christ are accepted by the Father; see Mat 18:19.-ἘΚΕῖ ΕἸΜῚ, there am I) and all grace with Me; see ch. Mat 28:20; Act 18:10; 2Ti 4:17. Where the Son is, there is the Father: what the Son wishes, the Father wishes.
[835] Εἰς-ὄνομα is not identical with ἐν-ὀνόματι, either here or in Mat 28:19 (Baptizing them-not in the name, but into the name, etc., i.e. into the fellowship of the Father, etc.-so that they may be members of the church bearing the name of, etc.). The words probably mean “Gathered together unto my name;” the sense which Bengel seems to imply-εἰς, “Ut nomen meum colant.”-ED.