But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Verse 16. If he will not hear thee, etc. That is, if he spurns or abuses you, or will not be entreated by you, and will not reform. Take one or two more. The design of taking them seems to be, (1.) that he might be induced to listen to them, .
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
16. But if he shall not hear thee. The second step is, that he who displayed obstinacy, or refused to yield to one man, should be again admonished in presence of witnesses Here some object, that it will serve no purpose to call witnesses, if we have to deal with an obstinate and rebellious man, because their presence will be so far from leading him...