Christian Living

---

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

I have often heard this particular verse misquoted by church members in order to bolster support for prayer groups or home fellowships. Their intent is the foster community within the body, however, the original intent of the verse concerns discipline:

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ' And if he refuses to hear them, tell [it] to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:15-20 NKJV)

As the Scriptures reveal, when confronting a stubborn church member, the authority of Christ is established with the testimony of two or more. The member must repent or face further discipline. The verses however, do not suggest that God is not present when a Christian is alone. No, for there are several examples proving the opposite. When David was hiding in the wilderness and fearing for his life, he proclaimed, "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears" (Psalm 18:6 NKJV). There is also the account of Peter's prison escape in Acts 12. While in constant prayer, an angel appeared, loosed his chains, and led him through the complex to freedom. Although we shouldn't neglect fellowship, it is clear that God is with us even when we are alone.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE