Topical Bible: Trespass of a Brother

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The concept of the "Trespass of a Brother" is rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, particularly in the context of Christian community and interpersonal relationships. It addresses how believers should respond when a fellow Christian wrongs them, emphasizing forgiveness, reconciliation, and the maintenance of unity within the body of Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for dealing with the trespass of a brother is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus provides specific instructions on how to handle such situations:

“If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 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.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).

This passage outlines a step-by-step process for addressing sin within the Christian community, emphasizing personal confrontation, communal involvement, and, if necessary, separation from the unrepentant individual.

Principles of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The teachings of Jesus highlight the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother, to which Jesus replies, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times” . This response underscores the boundless nature of forgiveness expected of believers.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of forgiveness in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:32, he writes, “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you” . This directive reinforces the idea that forgiveness is a reflection of the grace believers have received through Christ.

Restoration and Church Discipline

The process of addressing a brother's trespass is not merely punitive but aims at restoration. The goal is to bring the erring brother back into right relationship with God and the community. Galatians 6:1 advises, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” . This verse highlights the need for humility and caution in the restoration process.

Church discipline, as outlined in Matthew 18, serves as a last resort when an individual remains unrepentant. The purpose is not to ostracize but to encourage repentance and eventual reconciliation. The community's involvement underscores the seriousness of sin and the collective responsibility to uphold righteousness.

The Role of Love and Unity

Underlying the approach to a brother's trespass is the principle of love. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes love as patient, kind, and not easily angered, bearing all things and enduring all things. This love is the foundation for addressing conflicts and maintaining unity within the church.

Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers in John 17:21 further emphasizes the importance of harmony: “that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You” . The resolution of trespasses is essential for preserving the unity that reflects the divine relationship between the Father and the Son.

In summary, the "Trespass of a Brother" involves a biblically prescribed process aimed at forgiveness, reconciliation, and the restoration of relationships within the Christian community. It is grounded in love, humility, and the pursuit of unity, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 18:15-18
Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 17:3,4
Take heed to yourselves: If your brother trespass against you, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My ...
... seventy times seven." [2774] Now reckon up how often thy brother hath sinned ... Lord
said "seventy times seven;" forasmuch as there is no trespass whatever which ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxiii on the words.htm

Unprofitable Servants.
... little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee,
rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvii unprofitable servants.htm

The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... He commands you to forgive your brother, should he trespass against you even "seven
times." [4865] But that surely, is a small matter; for with the Creator ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm

To Nomus the Patrician.
... I therefore beg your greatness, remembering the divine laws which plainly charge
us "If thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xcvi to nomus the patrician.htm

January 13 Evening
... If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee
and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother . . . ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/january 13 evening.htm

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the ... So they
had lived on through numberless signs of their brother's love and care, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

Praying and Working
... If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God ... As
it is in Galatians: Even if a man be overtaken in a trespass, ye which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xxix praying and working.htm

The Life of Adam
... This Cain deserved well to be cursed, knowing the pain of the first trespass of
Adam, yet he added thereto murder and slaughter of his brother. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm

Concerted Prayer
... "Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault
between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the essentials of prayer/xi concerted prayer.htm

Matt. xviii. 15
... Homily LX. Matt. XVIII. 15. Matt. XVIII.15. "If thy brother shall trespass [2323]
against thee, go and tell him his fault [2324] between thee and him alone. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lx matt xviii 15.htm