Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
The disciples asked who would be greatest in the kingdom, not from hunger for holiness but for name and rank. They had dreamed of a temporal kingdom with external pomp and power, fastened upon Christ's words of glory while forgetting His sufferings. Many love to hear of privileges and crown while overlooking the yoke and cross.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 18:1-35
What Christ granted to Peter alone He now extends plainly to all the Twelve, proving nothing here is peculiar to Peter or his claimed Roman successors. This power concerns admission to and rejection from church membership, and nothing more.
AI summary
Peter supposed seven times was generous, having doubled what the Jewish masters allowed; but Christ demands not a number at all, only an infinite willingness to forgive the penitent brother. The rule is not arithmetic but grace without measure.
AI summary