Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 18:17

"And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican." — Matthew 18:17 (ASV)

Men capable of injuring others are often so hardened that they reject the kindest appeal. If a brother acts in this way, should we give him up? No, we must make a brotherly effort: Tell it unto the Church. The whole assembly of the faithful must finally hear the case, and they must plead with him. He is to have an opportunity of hearing the judgment and advice of the whole brotherhood.

Should this last attempt fail, if he neglects to hear the Church, he must be considered incorrigible. No punishments or penalties are imposed. The brother is left to himself. He is regarded as being like the rest of the unbelieving world. This is the furthest extent of our severity.

He is one who needs converting, like the Gentiles outside the faith; but towards even a heathen man and a publican, we still have kindly feelings, for we seek their salvation, and we seek that of the excommunicated brother in the same way. In all probability, the obstinate friend will ridicule the community's action, yet there is some possibility that he will be impressed by it and led to a better way of thinking. At any rate, from the first personal visit of the injured brother down to the last act of disownment, nothing has been done vindictively. Instead, everything has been carried out affectionately, with the aim of setting the brother right. The trespasser who will not be reconciled has incurred much guilt by resisting the attempts of love, made in obedience to the command of the great Head of the Church.