John Calvin Commentary Matthew 18:19

"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 18:19 (ASV)

Again I say to you. He confirms the previous statement; for not only will God bestow the spirit of wisdom and prudence on those who ask for it, but He will also ensure that nothing they do according to His word will lack its power and effect.

By uniting agreement with prayer, He reminds us with what moderation and humility believers should conduct themselves in all religious acts.⁵⁶⁸ The offender must be admonished, and if he does not receive correction, he must be excommunicated. Here it is not only necessary to ask for counsel from the sacred mouth of God, so that nothing may be determined except by His word, but it is also proper at the same time to begin with prayer.

This makes it clearer what I have previously stated: that people are not allowed the freedom to do whatever they please,⁵⁶⁹ but that God is declared to have the sole authority over the government of the Church, so that He approves and ratifies the decisions of which He Himself is the Author.

Meanwhile, when believers assemble, they are taught to unite their prayers and to pray in common, not only to testify to the unity of faith, but also so that God may listen to the agreement of them all. So then, just as God frequently promises in other passages that He will graciously listen to the private requests of each individual, so here Christ makes a remarkable promise regarding public prayers, in order to invite us more earnestly to practice them.

⁵⁶⁸ “En tous actes concernans la service et la parolle de Dieu;” — “in all acts relating to the service and the word of God.”;” — “in all acts relating to the service and the word of God.”

⁵⁶⁹ “Tout ce que bon leur semble;” — “whatever they think right.”;” — “whatever they think right.”