FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. This context is not addressed to children, but to new believing adults using children as an object lesson.
B. This context does not relate to winning the lost, but to the characteristics of believers.
C. The Church discipline of Mat_18:15-19 is related to the issue of our love for one another in Christ, cf. Rom_14:1 to Rom_15:13; 1 Corinthians 8; 1Co_10:23-33.
D. The parable of Mat_18:21-35 is related to believers'treatment of weak or new Christians based on God's treatment of believers in Christ. Forgiveness issues in forgiving! It is not the basis but the result of God's action in our lives!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Does this passage define children's relationship with God?
2. What two examples are given us in the passage to show the radical nature of our personal sin?
3. Does this parable in Mat_18:12-14 convey the same truth as in Luk_15:4-7?
4. What is the parable of Mat_18:23-25 saying to us about forgiveness?